Nakai–Nam Theun, Protected area in Khammouane Province, Laos
Nakai-Nam Theun is a protected area in Khammouane Province that stretches across a mountain range and high plateau, hosting different types of forests and mountain landscapes. The terrain includes a mix of semi-evergreen forests and elevated areas with varying habitats for wildlife.
The region was designated as a protected zone in 1993 by the agriculture and forestry ministry, and officially became a national park in 2019. This recognition marked an important step in protecting the diverse ecosystems and their inhabitants.
Vietic peoples and Bru-speaking communities have lived in these forests for generations, maintaining deep knowledge of the land and how to live within it. Their presence shapes how people and nature coexist in this region today.
Visiting the area requires special permits that must be arranged beforehand. Guided tours are the best way to explore and observe animals in their natural surroundings.
The area is home to one of the highest concentrations of bird species in all of Southeast Asia, with over 400 documented kinds. This bird diversity makes it an exceptional place for observation and shows the biological importance of this protected landscape.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
