Nam Et-Phou Luey National Park reopens to visitors

Nam Et-Phou Luey National Park in Huaphan province, which is one of the largest protected areas in Laos, has re-opened to visitors after being closed during the Covid-19 outbreak.
The national park provides numerous opportunities for immersion in the rugged landscape and deep communication with nature.
Visitors can take boat trips on the Nam Nern River to spot wildlife during a night safari and go on treks through forested areas, all of which help to support wildlife conservation as well as local communities.

Nam Et-Phou Luey National Park is closely monitored for illegal hunting as it is home to many endangered species.
Visitors can enjoy birdwatching and, if lucky, will hear the calls of the critically endangered northern white-cheeked gibbon, although these fascinating creatures rarely show themselves in the dense forest.
It’s also possible to spot wildlife from an observation tower and to trek up to the highest point in the national park, during which visitors can sleep in a jungle camp and swim in their own private waterfall.
The park arranges 2-5 day activity programmes, which are led by the residents of 26 villages close to the park, mainly in Hiem and Huameuang districts in Huaphan province and Viengkham district in Luang Prabang province.
Villagers who work in the park and take part in visitor activities receive training from park officials.
Nam Et-Phou Luey National Park spreads across 10 districts in the three northern provinces of Huaphan, Luang Prabang and Xieng Khuang.
Huaphan province is located in the far north of Laos, about 600km from Vientiane and is renowned for its stunning waterfalls, including Sa Lery, Tadloun and Phavang, as well as Tham Hang cave and the Hiem and Nam Meuang hot springs.
The province is also home to Pha Thee mountain and has a renowned city pillar in the provincial capital.
Viengxay district recently received an Asean Clean Tourism Standard award following an assessment of compliance with Asean tourism standards.
The main objective of the Asean standards is to improve the quality of community-based tourism, as this is seen as important for developing tourism and increasing the number of visitors.
To receive an Asean clean tourism district standard award, a district must be able to show good standards of cleanliness at hotels, guesthouses and restaurants.
Visitor attractions must also be clean and in good condition, and local residents must participate in the provision of services, according to the Huaphan Information, Culture and Tourism Department.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update March 2, 2021)