Nam Et - Phou Louey

Nam Et–Phou Louey (pronounced “naam et poo loo-ee”) National Park is located in the northeast of Lao PDR. With an area of 595,000 hectares, it is the largest of Laos’ protected areas, covering 10 districts and three provinces (Houaphan, Luang Prabang and Xieng Khouang provinces). Mostly hilly or mountainous, it is the source of many rivers. It is named after its two main features, the Et River and Phou Louey (“Forever Mountain”). The area has primary forest remaining in many areas, a high level of biodiversity, and a number of endangered species including Sambar deer and white-cheeked gibbon. There are four other cat species including clouded leopard, Asian golden cat, marbled cat, and leopard cat. Approximately half the park is dedicated to full habitat protection and the other half is managed directly by communities and local district governments for sustainable use.