Location: Central Laos

Natural Protected Areas: Houay Ngang Forest Reserve & Phou Khao Khouay National
Protected Area.

Main Ethnic Groups: Lao

Ecotourism Attractions: The Houay Ngang Forest Reserve, located in Vientiane Capital, is an excellent site for bird watchers and butterfly enthusiasts. Inside the forest reserve, a nature trail can be followed for a self-guided, one-day tour of the area.

Vientiane Capital has one of the more popular ecotourism accommodations in Laos, the Ban Pako ecolodge, which offers a relaxing getaway from the city that overlooks the Nam Ngum River. From Ban Pako take a boat across the river for a one-day forest walk on a trail developed by Dong Dok University with assistance from GTZ.