Khammouane
ແຂວງ ຄໍາມ່ວນ
Part of the aborted Thakhek-Tan Ap railway would have crossed the province to connect with the North-South Railway at Tân Ấp Railway Station, Quảng Bình province, Vietnam through Mụ Giạ Pass. Khammouane's human development index is 0.602 which is less than the Laos average of 0.620.
Khammouane province covers an area of 16,315 square kilometres (6,299 sq mi)and is mostly of forested mountainous terrain.The province is bordered by Bolikhamsai province to the north and northwest, Vietnam to the east, Savannakhet province to the south, and Thailand to the west.[ Streams flow through the province to join the Mekong River. Some rivers originating in the mountains of the province are the Xebangfay River (239 kilometres (149 mi)long), Nam Hinboun, Nam Theun, and Nam Ngum River. Between the Mekong and the Annamite Range, the Khammouane Plateau features gorges, grottoes, jungles, limestone hills, and rivers.
The Rock Viewpoint at Phou Pha Marn
The Rock Viewpoint opens the doors to the Phou Hin Boun National Protected Area, an uncharted world of ancient karstic forests, breath-taking views, and endemic wildlife in Central Laos. Immerse yourself in one of the largest limestone forest in all of Asia with a fascinating itinerary of zip lines, spider net and canopy walks. The viewpoint, known as “The Peak of the loop” is a must stop on the Thakek Loop that also acts as a tourist information centre for all visitors in Khammouane Province. Whether having a coffee at the Coffee Bar, delicious meal at the Khob Chai Deu restaurant or an incredible adventure is what you seek, the stunning views are assured!
Discover the Limestone Forest of Phou Pha Marn and experience the Highlights of The Rock for yourself! This experience is perfect for those who want to enjoy the highlights of the Protected Area within a short time. Accessible for almost everybody, it is recommended for families and friends. Start the tour with an epic zip line, flying across the valley of this stunning landscape, to the thrilling circuit of via ferrata, suspended bridges, ziplines and spider net. The trip ends with an incredible fly across the rock formations on the final zipline, back to the Phou Pha Marn visitor centre where you can enjoy the views from the Khop Chai Der restaurant.
Gesneriaceae
Laos is home to a rich diversity of Gesneriaceae (the African violet family), with numerous newly discovered endemic species and recent botanical records identified in limestone karsts and evergreen forests.
Newly Described Species
Recent scientific expeditions and studies have documented several species unique to Laos:
- Didymocarpus species: Didymocarpus angustiflorus, D. bolavenensis, D. laoticus, and D. trilobus.
- Paraboea species: Paraboea planiflora and Paraboea khotamiae, discovered in the limestone karsts of central Laos.
- Other novelties: Hemiboea olivifolia, Chayamaritia banksiae (endemic to Khammouane Province), and Lysionotus calcicola found across northern and central provinces.
Recent Floral Records
Botanists have also recorded species previously thought to be restricted to neighboring countries or new to the Pha Khao Lao database:
- Damrongia trisepala and Didymocarpus formosus (previously considered endemic to Thailand)
- Middletonia reticulata
- Aeschynanthus bracteatus and A. micranthus
- Epithema ceylanicum, Lysionotus serratus, Microchirita luteola, Paraboea swinhoei, Petrocosmea kerrii, and Pseudochirita guangxiensis
Several species of the genus Paraboea (family Gesneriaceae) are found in the limestone karsts of Khammouane Province, central Laos.
Recently Described Species in Khammouane
Notably, these include:
- Paraboea khotamiae: A micro-endemic species discovered and described in 2021. It is known to grow specifically on shaded limestone cliffs in the Gnommalat District of Khammouane. It features a white corolla and non-twisted seed capsules.
- Paraboea mahaxayana: A species named after the Mahaxay region in Khammouane, where it grows in the fissures of large limestone rocks
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Paraboea khotamiae ດອກລະຄັງໂຄຕະມີ |
Recently Described Species in Khammouane
- Microchirita argostemmiflora, Microchirita flavofusca, and Microchirita magniflora: Three distinct new species of Microchirita were described from the Khammouane Karst in 2024 as part of ongoing botanical explorations of Lao Gesneriaceae.
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| Microchirita argostemmiflora |
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| Microchirita magniflora: |
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| Microchirita flavofusca |
- Lysionotus calcicola: A deciduous, shrubby species adapted to severe limestone cliff environments, found distributed across Luangprabang, Vientiane, and the Khammouane provinces.
Lysionotus D.Don (1822, p. 85), belonging to the family Gesneriaceae (subfamily Didymocarpoideae), consists of 35 species distributed from northern India and Nepal eastwards through Bangladesh, Bhutan, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, northern Vietnam and southern China, Taiwan to southern Japan (Möller et al. 2017, GRC 2024 continuously updated2024 continuously updated). In Laos, only two species, L. levipes (C.B.Clarke) B.L.Burtt and L. serratus D.Don have been found (Newman et al. 2017 onwards2017 onwards, Souvannakhoummane et al. 2021). The genus is characterized by its sub-shrubby habit, opposite or whorled leaves, tubular funnel-shaped corolla with an inflated upper half, two stamens, coherent anthers with or without connective appendages, and seeds with an appendage at each end (Weber et al. 2020, Akhil et al. 2021).
Khammouane Province is one of the richest areas with karst topography in Laos. Clusters of limestone hills topped with limestone caves make the province famous, such as The Rock Viewpoint at Phou Pha Marn, Konglor Cave in Phu Hin Poun National Protected Area and Xe Bang Fai Cave in Hin Nam No National Park, and others. Supported by this topography, the Lao limestone karsts provide specific habitats for various plant species endemic to this area, such as Gesneriaceae: Didymocarpus middletonii Souvann., Soulad. & Tagane (Souvannakhoummane et al. 2018), Paraboea khotamiae Phonep. & Souvann. (Phonepaseuth et al. 2021), Poaceae: Laobambos calcareus Haev., Lamxay & D.Z.Li. (Haevermans et al. 2020), Polypodiaceae: Drynaria deuansavanhii Vongthavone & Tagane, Pteridaceae: Hemionitis khammouanensisVongthavone & Phonep. (Vongthavone et al. 2025), and Vitaceae: Tetrastigma fruticosumSoulad., Phonep. & Tagane (Tagane et al. 2025).
Recently, an unknown species of Gesneriaceae was discovered and collected during botanical surveys in the limestone karst of the Rock Viewpoint at Phou Pha Marn, Khammouane Province. From our morphological observations, the plant was assignable to the genus Lysionotus D.Don based on seeds with an appendage at each end (Weber et al. 2020, Akhil et al. 2021). The new species is similar to Lysionotus chingii Chun ex W.T.Wang by being a subshrub with large calyx and corolla, and these two species are compared in details. In addition, the same species was collected also on the limestone of Pha Yoak Limestone Forest Reserve Area, Luangprabang Province, northern Laos and Vangvieng District, Vientiane Province, Mahaxay District, Khammouane Province, central Laos. After careful examination of these specimens, morphological comparison with closely related species, and consultation of the relevant taxonomic literature, it was concluded to be an undescribed species. In addition to the morphological examination, DNA sequences and phylogenetic analysis are extremely helpful for delimiting species (Hebert and Gregory 2005, Dick and Webb 2012). Here, we sequenced a DNA barcode region, the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) to compare the new species with related taxa. As a result, we describe it as new to science herein, along with the line drawing, information on its distribution, ecology, phenology, vernacular name, and provisional conservation status.
- Didymocarpus middletonii: Recorded from the limestone karsts within the region's protected areas.
THAM XANG CAVE (ELEPHANT CAVE)
Tham Xang Cave, commonly known as Elephant Cave, is one of the most interesting cultural and natural attractions in Vang Vieng. Located approximately 7 kilometers north of Vang Vieng town, near Tham Norn Cave and Tham NangFa (Angel Cave), this cave is famous for its unique limestone formation that resembles the head of an elephant, which gave the cave its name. Although smaller than some of Vang Vieng's larger cave systems, Tham Xang is valued for its religious significance, historical importance, and easy accessibility.
The cave is situated at the base of a dramatic limestone mountain surrounded by lush greenery and rural countryside. Visitors can reach the cave through a short and easy walk, making it suitable for travelers of all ages. The entrance opens into a cool chamber where the cave's most famous feature—a naturally formed limestone rock resembling an elephant—can be found. Local people have long regarded this formation as sacred, and it has become an important symbol of the cave.
This species is most similar to Paraboea bintangensis B.L.Burtt from Peninsular Malaysia in its almost stemless habit, ovate or ovate-oblong leaves, axillary inflorescences and white flowers but differs in having 6–8 pairs of lateral veins anastomosing (vs ca 5 veins in P. bintangensis), 3 upper calyx lobes fused ½–¾ lobes length and 2 lower lobes free (vs 5calyx lobes free), and larger corolla 1.6–1.8 cm long, 1.6–2.4 cm across (vs ca 1 cm long, ca 1.5 cm across). Paraboea khotamiae is also similar to P. prazeri (B.L.Burtt) C.Puglisi from Myanmar in having long petiolate leaves, cymose inflorescence, 3 upper calyx lobes fused, and lingulate stigma, but differs in havinga broader stem 1–1.5 cm in diameter (vs 3–3.5 mm in diam. in P. prazeri), leaf blade ovate to ovate-oblong, glabrescent above (vs elliptic, pubescent with short hairs above), non-twisted capsules (vs twisted capsule). It also shares some similar characters with Paraboea robusta (B.L.Burtt) C.Puglisi from Thailand(Northern region) such as a white corolla, lingulate stigma, 3 upper calyx lobes fused, and cymose inflorescence, but differs in its shorter stem 0.8–1.2 cm long(vs at least 6 cm long in P. robusta), smaller ovate or ovate-oblong leaf blade 7–10 × 5–6 cm, glabrescent adaxially (vs narrowly elliptic-oblanceolate, 12–25 × 2–5.5 cm, densely pilose-pubescent adaxially).
ດອກລະຄັງໂຄຕະມີ
Ecology.— Paraboea khotamiae grows on shaded limestone cliffs, associated with Begonia spp. (Begoniaceae), Amorphophallus spp. (Araceae) and some lithophytic ferns; ca 200 m elev.
Microchirita
Lindenbergia indica
Lindenbergia is a genus of herbaceous plants in the order Lamiales and in the broomrape family Orobanchaceae. It is one of the few genera of the family which are not parasitic. It contains about 15 species found from northeast Africa across Asia to the Philippines, and is most abundant in India.
The genus Lindenbergia was erected by Johann Lehmann in 1829. It is named in honor of Johann Bernhard Wilhelm Lindenberg, a lawyer and bryologist from Germany.Lindenbergia was originally placed in the family Scrophulariaceae.[1]Molecular phylogenetic studies have caused that family to be split up, with many genera, including Lindenbergia, placed in a greatly expanded family Orobanchaceae.Lindenbergia has been placed in the tribe Lindenbergieae,one of two basal clades in the family Orobanchaceae that are not parasitic
Rhynchoglossum is a genus of plant in family Gesneriaceae. In recent times, members of the former genus Klugia are also included. Species within the broader genus are found in India, southern China to New Guinea and about three species in tropical America. The genus has a leaf arrangement that is termed as alternate-distichous and the leaves are asymmetric in shape. The flowers have two lips. The older genus Klugia had four stamens compared to the typical two but Klugia from southern India are found to be very close based on molecular evidence.
Tham Pa Seuam Cave: A Hidden Natural Attraction in Khammouane Province
Inside Tham Pa Seuam, visitors can discover fascinating natural formations created over thousands of years. Stalactites and stalagmites hang from the cave ceiling and rise from the ground, forming shapes that spark the imagination.
The cave atmosphere is cool and quiet, making it a fun place to explore and take photographs. For travelers who enjoy nature and adventure, walking inside a limestone cave is a memorable experience.
ດອກລະຄ ັງຫວງ [Dok La KhangLouang].
Microchirita magniflora. Souvann. sp. nov. Similar to Microchirita involucrata (Craib) YinZ.Wang in the habit and morphology of flower form, but differing in bracts fuse at the base (vs free), calyxcovered by glandular hairs with some stellate hairs outside (vs only glandular hairs), corolla 35–40 mm long, yellow inside throat (vs 18–21 mm long, notyellow inside), filaments minutely glandular (vs glabrous).
pale green abaxial with glandular hairs, margin remote serrate, secondary veins 5–10 pairs. Inflorescences arising from the petiole, near the axil or in close proximity, consisting of one main pedunculate inflorescence, each very compressed and thus appearing subumbellate and bearing 2–4-flowers; peduncles 4.5–7 mm long, with glandular hairs; bracts fused at the base and enclosing the base of pedicels, 2–6 × 1–2.5 mm, sessile or shortly petiolate, margin and indumentum as those of the leaves; pedicels 1.5–2.2 cm long, covered with minute glandular hairs. Calyx green, bilabiate; tube 5–6 mm dorsally, c. 4 mm ventrally, lobes narrowly lanceolate, upper lobes 7–8 × 2–3.5 mm long, lower lobes 4–6.5 × 1.8–2.5 mm, with dense glandular hairs and some stellate hairs outside, glabrous inside, apex acuminate with fuscous. Corolla dark purple on dorsal to lobes with slight paler on ventral to base, granite grey patch near lips with yellow inside throat, outside glandular hairs, inside shortly glandular puberulous; tube 3.5–4 cm long, slightly curved downwards, funnelform; lopes spreading lobes, broadly reniform, upper lobes 1.0–1.2 × c. 1.4 cm, lateral lobes 0.8–1.2 × c.1.8 cm, lower lobe 1.2–1.5 × 1.8–2.2 cm. Stamens arising 14–16 mm above the corolla base, filaments white, straight, 7–10 mm long, 0.8–1 mm wide, minutely glandular; anthers glabrous, c. 5 × 5 mm, coherent by a weak ligature, thecae divergent; lateral staminodes c. 4.5 mm long, arising c. 15 mm at above the corolla base, near apex slightly curved, central staminode c. 1 mm long, arising c. 8 mm at above the corolla base. Disk ring-link, lobed, 0.5–0.8 mm long. Pistils c. 34 mm long; ovary 10–12 mm long, c. 1.2 mm diameter, with many ovules, densely glandular hairy; style c. 24 mm long, with separate glandular hairs; stigma deeply bilobed, 1.8–2 mm long. Capsules in young green, sparsely eglandular hairy, with some glandular hairs, curved.
Distribution.— Central Laos (only known from type location in Hin Nam No National Park, Khammouane) Habitat and phenology.— Growing on open karst mixed with the population of Impatiens chamchumroonii Suksathan & Ruchis. (Balsaminaceae), Hedyotis sp. (Rubiaceae) and Kopsia sp. (Apocynaceae). Flowering from August to September and fruiting from September to October. Etymology.— The specific epithet refers to large flowers.
Lithophytic, cylindrical, annual herb, 60–120 cmtall, 5–15 mm in diameter near base, with internodes3–15 cm long, branched. Stems succulent, withglandular hairs, purple-reddish to green forward toapex, branching. Leaves opposite, the basal leaf not seen; petioles 1.5–8.5 cm long, brownish to pale green,with multicellular glandular hairs; blades broadlylanceolate, 4–14 × 1.5–8 cm, base oblique rounded toobtuse, apex acuminate, dark green adaxial withdensely glandular hairs mixed with eglandular hairs,
Camchaya spinulifera
Annual herbs, 40-100 cm tall. Stems erect, terete, inconspicuously ribbed, scabrous with uniseriate and T-shaped hairs. Leaves alternate, ovate to lanceolate, 4-10 by 1.5-4 cm, margin serrate, apex acute, base attenuate, chartaceous; both surfaces scabrous with whip-shaped hairs, cylindrical hairs, T-shaped hairs and capitate glands; lateral veins 5-13-paired; petioles up to 1 cm long. Capitulescences terminal and axillary, paniculate. Capitula campanulate or hemispherical, 10-15 mm long, pedunculate. Receptacle convex, 4.5-6.5 mm in diam., glabrous. Involucres hemispherical, in 8-9 series, 10-15 mm long, 10-20 mm in diam. Phyllaries imbricate, greenish with purple apex, margin with spines up to 10 mm long, outer surface arachnoid without glands; the outer lanceolate, apex spinose; the inner ones lanceolate to oblong, apex acuminate. Florets 130-220; corollas funnelform, purple, puberulous, glands capitate; corolla tubes 7.5-9 mm long; corolla lobes 2.5-3 mm long. Anthers ca. 2 mm long, apical appendage acute, base rounded. Styles purple, 8-11 mm long, branches 2-2.5 mm long. Achenes obovate, 1.3-1.5 mm long, glabrous, 10-ribbed. Pappus in one series of bristles, 1.5-3 mm long, present in some florets, deciduous.
Tat Sieng Lue Waterfall Opens as Khammouane’s New Eco-Tourism Site
Tad Xieng Lue is a beautiful natural waterfall located in Khammouane Province, central Laos. Surrounded by dense forests and limestone mountains, the waterfall is part of the rich natural landscape that makes Khammouane a popular destination for eco-tourism and nature lovers.The waterfall flows gently over rocky cliffs, creating a peaceful atmosphere especially during the rainy season when the water volume is at its highest. Tad Xieng Lue is known for its clear water, fresh air, and quiet surroundings, making it an ideal place for relaxation, photography, and short nature walks.
Khoun Kong Leng
Khoun Kong Leng: A Miracle of Turquoise Waters
Khoun Kong Leng is one of the most beautiful and charming natural tourist attractions in Khammouane Province. Located in the Hin Nam No National Protected Area, Hinboun District, Khammouane Province. It is a natural spring formed by underground water flowing from the karst mountains. Situated in Ban Nakhou, Hinboun District, Khammouane Province. From Thakhek town, take Route 13 South, heading north (towards Vientiane Capital). Drive for approximately 30 kilometers until you reach a right turn (entrance to Ban Nakhou, or a sign indicating the way to Khoun Kong Leng).
From the junction, follow the paved road for 20 kilometers to reach the tourist site. According to local legend, in the past, villagers in the area often heard the sound of a "gong"emanating from beneath the water or from caves in the vicinity every evening (especially on Buddhist holy days or important religious days). For this reason, the villagers named this place "Khoun Kong Leng."
Around Khoun Kong Leng Lake, several small trails lead deep into the Phou Hin Poun forest, giving visitors a chance to explore nature in a more intimate, unhurried way. These paths wind between the limestone mountains and lush greenery, amid the quiet atmosphere typical of Laos’s karst landscape. Along the way, visitors can catch many beautiful views of the emerald-blue lake set against the wild, untouched mountain scenery.
The trekking routes here aren’t too difficult, so they suit even those who just want a light walk to enjoy nature. The cool air, birdsong, and lush green surroundings make walking around the lake a deeply relaxing experience. This is also a favorite activity for visitors wanting to fully immerse themselves in nature and take in the untouched beauty of the Phou Hin Poun protected area.
Gesneriaceae : Paraboea species @Phu Hin Pun , Khoun Kong Leng
Rhynchoglossum obliquum Blume
Rhynchoglossum Blume is a small genus in the family Gesneriaceae distributed in tropical Asia and America. Several of its 13 species are narrowly endemic, as reported by Burtt (1962), Weber (2004), Kartonegoro (2013), Pattharahirantricin (2014) and POWO (2021). In Thailand, the genus has been recently revised and included two new and endemic species, Rhynchoglossum mirabilis Patthar. and R. saccatum Patthar., and one widespread and common species, R. obliquum Blume (Pattharahirantricin, 2014). The genus was also revised for Malesia with four endemic species in addition to Rhynchoglossum obliquum (Kartonegoro, 2013). The distributions of all species of Rhynchoglossum
Khun Kong Leng Lake
Khun Kong Leng is a refreshing oasis 50 kilometres northeast of Tha Khaek, making for a good day trip with time for several dips and a picnic lunch. The colour of the water changes every few months—sometimes it’s emerald green, other months cyan, orange or pink. Villagers believe that on every night of the full moon, a gong can be heard across the water.
ດອກລະຄ ັ ງເຫ ຼືອງ [Dok La Khang
Leung].
Microchirita flavofusca Souvann. & Lanors. sp. nov.
Similar to Microchirita glandulosa C.Puglisi in having bracts fused at the base, but differeng in the stem glabrous (vs stem sparsely glandular hairy), calyx tube 2.5–4 mm, hairy only outside (vs 1.5 mm, hairy on both sides), corolla 3–3.5 cm long, light yellow with brown-red patch (vs 15–18 mm, white), filaments minutely glandular (vs glabrous). It is also similar to M. magniflora Souvann., but differing by calyx sparsely eglandular pubescent, remote serrate with glandular margin (vs densely glandular pubescent, with some stellate hairs, and entire margin), corolla lightly yellow with brown-red patch inside (vs corolla dark purple, granite grey patch near mouth with yellow inside). 
Lithophytic, annual herb to 20–80 cm tall, 3–12 mm in diameter near base, with internodes up to c. 15 cm long, branched. Stems succulent, glabrous, purple-brown to pale green near apex. Leaves opposite, except for the basal leaf; petioles 1–6 cm long, glandular hairy, purple-brown; blades lanceolate to ovate, 5.5–12 × 1.5–7 cm, base oblique rounded to obtuse, apex acute to shortly acuminate, dark green adaxial, with densely glandular and eglandular hairy, pale green abaxially with eglandular hairs, margin remote serrate, secondary veins 6–9 pairs, dark purple on midrib adaxially, pale purple to green abaxially. Inflorescences arising from the petiole, at the axil or in close proximity, consisting of one main pedunculate inflorescence, each very compressed and thus appearing subumbellate and bearing 3–8 flowers; peduncles 2–8 cm long, with glandular hairs; bracts fused at the base about 1/3 of length and enclosing the pedicels, 2–6 × 0.7–3.2 cm, sessile or shortly petiolate, margin and indumentum as those of the leaves; pedicels 1.8–2.5 cm long, covered with minute glandular hairs. Calyx green, bilabiate; tube 2.5–4 mm dorsally, c. 2 mm ventrally, lobes narrowly lanceolate, upper lobes 8–9 × 2–3 mm long, lower lobes 5–7.5 × 2–2.5 mm, sparsely eglandularbpubescent, remote serrate with glandular margin, glabrous inside, apex acuminate.
Corolla lightly yellow with brown-red patch inside, glandular hairs outside, glabrous inside; tube 3–3.5 cm long, slightly curved downwards, funnelform; lobes spreading, broadly
orbiculate, upper lobes 1.0–1.4 × c. 1.5 cm, lateral lobes 0.8–1 × c. 1 cm, lower lobe 1.2–1.5 × 1.5–1.8 cm. Stamens arising 1.7–2 cm at above the corolla base, filaments lightly green, straight, 4–6 mm long, 0.5–1 mm wide, minutely glandular; anthers glabrous, 1.5–1.8 × 0.9–1.2 mm, coherent by a weak ligature, thecae divergent; lateral staminodes 2–2.2 mm long, arising c. 1.2 cm at above the corolla base, central staminode c.0.5 mm long, arising c. 6 mm above the corolla base. Disk ring-link, lobed, 0.3–0.5 mm long. Pistils c. 25 mm long; ovary 10–15 mm long, c. 1 mm in diameter, glabrous at base near disk, with many ovules, covered with dense glandular hairs; style c. 10 mm long, with sparse glandular hairs; stigma deeply bilobed, 1.5–1.8 mm long. Capsules when young green, with sparse eglandular hairs mixed with some glandular hairs, curved.
Laos is home to several unique and recently discovered species of Impatiens (family Balsaminaceae), many of which grow in specialized habitats like limestone karst formations and wet rocky waterfall areas.
Notable Impatiens Species in Laos
Impatiens rostrata: A distinct species discovered in Khammouane Province, published alongside several new regional records.Impatiens subfalcata: Found in southern Laos on the Bolaven Plateau (Champasak Province), growing on dripping wet rocks near waterfalls in the Dong Hua Sao National Protected Area. It features succulent stems and pinkish flowers. Impatiens pachycaulon: A succulent perennial species native to the limestone karst regions of Khammouane Province (Gnommalat and Mahaxay Districts). Impatiens gadellae & Impatiens nurae: Two specialized species identified in the limestone flora of northern Laos. Impatiens attopeuensis: Another notable regional species found in southern Laos near waterfall habitats.
Habenaria medioflexa นางอั้วป่กฝอย is native to Southeast Asia and South-Central China. Its distribution spans across countries including Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and northern Peninsular Malaysia.
It grows primarily as a tuberous geophyte in wet tropical biomes. Like many other terrestrial Habenariaspecies, it produces underground tuberoids that store energy, allowing the plant to go completely dormant during the dry season and sprout anew when the wet season returns.
LAOS – The Rock Viewpoint
The Rock Viewpoint is the gateway to the Phou Hin Boun National Protected Area, an uncharted world of ancient karstic forests, breathtaking views and indigenous wildlife in central Laos. This treasure trove of natural wonders offers a great itinerary of treks and walks. But any trip there has to take in the Rock Viewpoint, a must-stop venue that also acts as a tourist information centre. Whether calling in here for a coffee, a delicious meal or more info on the incredible adventures ahead, the stunning views are assured!
From the Rock, travellers can go on to discover the limestone Forest of Phou Pha Marn, one of the largest of its kind in Asia, and experience an epic zip line ride that flies over unforgettable canopies and landscapes, as well as thrilling treks using suspended bridges and spider nets. The trip ends with an incredible, final zipline flight over the most breathtaking rock formations. Accessible for almost everybody, this is a recommended excursion for families and groups.
The Nature Trail
A Walk Through The Karst: For those looking for something a bit more sedate than the zipline circuits, a 650 meter nature trail has been installed. The trail is constructed of steel and timber and is configured in a loop which takes you down into the karst terrain, via a series of stairways and boardwalks. The best time for doing the nature trail is late in the afternoon (16:30 – 17:00). This is the best time for a sighting of the Languors (Monkeys) which live in the area. The price for the nature trail is 50,000 Laotian Kip per person.
Nok hualon นกหัวโล้น The bare-faced bulbul is a member of the bulbul family of passerine birds. It was newly described from central Laos in 2009. It is one of the very few Asian songbirds with a bald (featherless) face and is the first new species of bulbul to be described from Asia in almost a century.
Stay at The Rock Lodge
Capsule Accommodation: For those wishing to extend their stay, The Rock Lodge offers unique accommodations designed to blend with the forested environment. Choose between air-conditioned CAPSULES with inbuilt amenities for 50 USD per night, or those with communal facilities for 40 USD. Access the on-site cafe and restaurant for a relaxing meal, enjoy excellent coffee, or sip a Beer Lao with sunset views over the limestone forest.
The Khop Chai Deu Cafe
Cafe and Restaurant: For those who just want to chill out and watch the sunset, with a cold Beer Lao, the restaurant/cafe has a fantastic viewing platform providing a magnificent panorama across the limestone forest. The restaurant also has an excellent menu and great coffees.
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| Paraboea sp. |
Habenaria myriotricha นางอั้วหนวดแมว
A ground orchid native to Burma, China, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. It grows to a height of 30-50 cm. It blooms reliably every year around the turn of August and September.
Habenaria myriotricha
A ground orchid native to Burma, China, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. It grows to a height of 30-50 cm. It blooms reliably every year around the turn of August and September.
Vernacular name.— ຊາລືສີ
Middletonia reticulata is here newly recorded for the flora of Laos. It was reported to be endemic to Thailand by Puglisi & Middleton (2017) but they also predicted its likely occurrence in Laos and Myanmar. Here we confirm its distribution in Laos based on our voucher specimens collected from Nam Kading NPA. Measurements of the characters of the above-mentioned Lao specimen are within the previously known variation (Barnett, 1961; Puglisi & Middleton, 2017).
20/09/26
In many regions, including the Nepal Eastern Himalayas, Aeginetia indica is used for medicinal and ritual purposes.[6 For example, the entire plant is placed in shrines or on altars during the Teej festival as a symbol of Shiva and Parvati.
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| Microchirita minor Microchirita minor (Gesneriaceae), a new species from the limestone area in Son La Province, north-western Vietnam, is described here. The new species resembles M.hamosa, but it differs by the combination of corolla tube shape, stamens number and the length of pistil. Detailed morphological description, together with photographic plates, information on phenology, distribution, ecology and preliminary conservation status of the new species are presented.  Microchirita bimaculata, a recognized plant species belonging to the African violet family (Gesneriaceae). Microchirita bimaculata is native to Southeast Asia, and its presence spans several regions, including Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam     |
Laotian langur
The Laotian langur or white-browed black langur (Trachypithecus laotum) is a species of the primate family Cercopithecidae that is endemic to Laos in Southeast Asia. It is closely related to other primates found in the region such as Indochinese black langur and Hatinh langur. It is classified as endangered in the IUCN Red List.
Laotian Langurs are primarily herbivorous and the diet consists of leaves, fruits, seeds, and flowers. They share a sympatric relationship with the Assamese macaque in their range. They often feed on the same trees, though the langurs occupy higher positions compared to the macaques. The langurs occupy limestone caves in rocks and cliffs, which serves as a shelter from predation and weather. As they consume a vegetation heavy diet, they often spend long times resting, and socializing.
The Laotian langur has a dark black fur covering most of the body. The face is black with white hair encircling it. It has small ruft of black hair on top of the head.[8] New borns have a golden fur, which changes color while the monkeys grow. Juveniles have similar appearance to the adults though the fur color might be paler and are usually smaller in size. It has four fingers on the limbs with a short thumb, which is an adaptation for their arboreal lifestyle. The Laotian langur has a multi chambered stomach, which helps in the digestion of the plant matter.
Discover Khammouane's hidden gem, Nam None Cave! Just 10 km from Kong Lor (heading towards Na Hin), this easily accessible and awe-inspiring wonder awaits your exploration.
The genus Ornithoboea (Gesneriaceae) is a distinct group of calcicolous perennial herbs native to the karst limestone landscapes of Southeast Asia, including Laos. In Laos, these plants are strongly associated with the extensive limestone ecosystems of Khammouane Province, such as the Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area and Hin Nam No National Park
Lindenbergia muraria
Lindenbergia muraria, synonym Lindenbergia urticifolia, is a flowering plant in the family Orobanchaceae, native from Ethiopia to south China and Indo-China.It is a common plant throughout India.It is an annual herb growing up to 40 cm (16 in) tall. It grows along trailsides, along rivers and dry mountain slopes. It has a faint aromatic odour and a slightly bitter taste, and has been used to treat skin problems and bronchitis.[
