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Laos is a mountainous country. The total area of Laos is 236,800 kilometers squared (147,140 mi) and approximately 70% of that is mountainous.
How many mountains are in Laos?
There are 3158 named mountains in Laos. Among these, several mountains are worth traveling to based on their features and attractions. Here are a few notable ones:
Phu Xai Lai Leng: Located on the border between Laos and Vietnam, Phu Xai Lai Leng stands at 2,720 meters and is one of the ultra-prominent peaks in Southeast Asia. Although it's a restricted area not open to tourists, it is renowned for its craggy terrain and adventurous appeal.
Phou Louey: Standing at 2,257 meters and located in northern Laos, Phou Louey offers breathtaking natural scenery and is an ideal destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Phu Soi Dao: With a height of 2,120 meters, Phu Soi Dao is known for its picturesque landscapes and is a popular destination for trekking and camping.
Phou Khe: This mountain, with a height of 2,079 meters, is located in the Luang Prabang Province along the international border between Laos and Thailand. It is part of the Luang Prabang Range and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Mount Phousi: Despite its modest height of just 100 meters, Mount Phousi in Luang Prabang is a must-visit destination. It is famous for its cultural significance, featuring the Wat Chom Si, a gilded Buddha Stupa, and providing panoramic views of the city, especially during sunset.
What's the tallest mountain in Laos?
Phou Bia, also spelled as Phu Bia, is the highest mountain in Laos, reaching a height of 2,817 meters. It is situated in the Annamese Cordillera, located at the southern limit of the Xiangkhoang Plateau within Xaisomboun Province. Despite its stunning natural beauty and potential as a tourist destination, Phou Bia remains relatively unknown to tourists due to restrictions on access.
Features of Phou Bia:
1. Restricted Access: Phou Bia is currently a restricted area and is not open to tourists for trekking or other activities. This restriction is partly due to the presence of unexploded ordnance (UXO) left from past conflicts, making it unsafe for visitors.
2. Biodiversity and Natural Resources: The area surrounding Phou Bia is rich in biodiversity and natural resources. However, despite its natural beauty, the population in the region remains among the poorest in Laos.
3. Development Plans: There are plans for developing tourism facilities on Phou Bia Mountain, with a focus on creating tourism activities in line with the Sustainable Conservation of Phu Bia Project. This development aims to attract visitors to the region while also promoting environmental protection and rural development.
4. Potential Tourist Activities: Once developed, the site is expected to offer a range of tourist activities, including hiking trails, a zipline, climbing, cycling, camping, homestays, a cable car, and an amusement park. Additionally, a five-star hotel is planned to accommodate visitors.
Despite these plans for development, concerns have been raised about the impact on the local population, particularly the Hmong ethnic minority living in the area. There have been reports of government military campaigns targeting Hmong groups in the region, leading to violence and displacement. Calls for international intervention and protection of the Hmong people have been made, highlighting the complex social and political dynamics surrounding the development of Phou Bia Mountain.