Background
Location & Geography
Landlocked by Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and China, Laos is dominated by forested mountains and plateaus which stretch 1,700 kilometres from north to south, covering some 236,800 square kilometres, an area roughly the size of the United Kingdom.
The Mekong River spends 1,900 kilometres in Laos, far more than any other country, and holds up the country’s western frontier, cutting much of its border with Myanmar and Thailand. Of the country’s 2,400 kilometres of waterways, only about a third are navigable.
The rugged Annamite Mountain Range forms the country’s backbone and the eastern boundary with Vietnam, and reaches 2,820 metres in Xiang Khouang province in the north. The Khammouanne Plateau’s limestone karsts dominate the centre with the Bolaven Plateau in the south.
Nature
Laos is home to over 100 species of large mammals including tigers, clouded leopards, Asian elephants and gaur. Among Laos diverse primate population are five species of gibbon, five species of macaque and four species of leaf monkeys including the Douc Langur.
Laos recently received attention from the international science community after the discovery of new mammal species including the antelope-like Saola, a deer species known as the Giant Muntjac and a new family of rodent, kha-ngoo, which is related to the porcupine.
Laos is also home to over 165 species of amphibians and reptiles including pythons and cobras.
Over 700 species of birds have been recorded in Laos. The north holds a large diversity including babblers, kingfishers, hornbills and warblers. The Mekong Plain supports buzzards, woodpeckers and minivets, while the river provides an important flyaway for several migratory birds and waterfowl. The Mekong Plain near the Cambodian border is home to rare ibis species as well as vultures, cranes and ducks.
The Laos system of 20 National Protected Areas (NPAs) covers nearly 14% of the country. They include large tracts of monsoon forest, diverse wildlife populations and limestone karst formations riddled with caves. From Vientiane the most accessible for trekking is Phou Khao Khouay NPA, Nam Ha NPA in Luang Namtha, Dong Phou Vieng NPA in Savannakhet and Phou Hin Pou NPA with its popular caves in Khammouane.
Climate
Laos has a monsoon climate with a dry season from November to May. In December and January night temperatures can drop below 15°C, and even lower at high altitudes. The hottest months are March through May with temperatures soaring well above 35°C. The monsoon season from June to October is generally cooler but sometimes humid, and daily downpours are often brief.
