50
ADVENTURE
NAM ET-PHOU LOUEY NATIONAL PARK
THE
HEART OF
NORTHEAST LAOS Immerge yourself in pristine nature! TEXT BY JANINA BIKOVA PHOTOGRAPHS BY NEPL/WCS LAOS/NEPL FRIENDS & VISITORS 1. Stunning views of Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park 2. An owl spotted during the night safari 3. Rangers patrol the national park
T
he Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park (NEPL) covers three provinces, Houaphan, Xieng Khouang, and Luang Prabang, and is the largest and one of the most biodiverse protected areas in Lao PDR. The National Park is situated between the UNESCO heritage town of Luang Prabang, Houaphan – the birthplace of the Lao PDR, and Xieng Khouang – famous for the UNESCO Plain of Jars sites near Phonsavanh.
The winding mountain roads of the Northeast Heritage Route showcase stunning views and link remarkable cultural, historical, and natural areas including mysterious ancient sites, diverse ethnic villages, hot springs, waterfalls, caves, and healthy forests. The national park, as a green heart, preserves the natural life of northeastern Laos and offers critically important environmental services (oxygen, water, and forest products) to all people in Laos. NEPL NP is also the source of many rivers including the famous Nam Khan River that crosses Meuang Hiam town and shapes the UNESCO peninsula in Luang Prabang before entering the Mekong River.
