Dong Phou Vieng Nature Reserve
Mountainous Lao forest landscape with karst formations
Dong Phou Vieng in Savannakhet is a protected karst and forest landscape with caves, limestone cliffs and upland forest. Travelers arrive for caving, trekking and birdwatching in a relatively undeveloped natural area.
Dong Phou Vieng at a Glance#
Address: Dong Phou Vieng National Protected Area, Savannakhet Province, Laos
About Dong Phou Vieng#
Dong Phou Vieng is a protected area in Savannakhet province, Laos, designated to conserve forested hills and karst features in a largely rural landscape. It is notable for its mixed habitats and ecological value at the provincial scale.
Remote forested ridges, limestone outcrops and cave systems characterise the area, along with trails used by local communities; the site is primarily of interest for nature conservation and low-intensity ecotourism rather than developed visitor services. Wildlife and plant diversity reflect the transitional environments of interior southern Laos.
The area has been managed under Laos’ protected-area framework to conserve habitat and reduce pressures from agriculture and hunting, with collaboration between local communities and conservation authorities on sustainable use.
Dong Phou Vieng lies in Savannakhet province in central-southern Laos, inland from the Mekong corridor in a landscape of hills and forested karst.
- Landscape features: The area contains a mix of limestone karst and forested hills with caves and seasonal streams that are locally important for biodiversity and traditional land use.
Best Time to Visit Dong Phou Vieng#
Visit Dong Phou Vieng in the dry season (Nov-Apr) for the best hiking conditions and accessibility.
Weather & Climate near Dong Phou Vieng#
Dong Phou Vieng's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in May) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 16°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1767 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 16° - 27° | 22° | 5 mm | mostly sunny | 80% | 1.8 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.1h |
| February | Ideal | 18° - 29° | 24° | 9 mm | mostly sunny | 74% | 1.5 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.5h |
| March | Ideal | 21° - 32° | 26° | 28 mm | some cloud | 71% | 1.5 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Very Good | 23° - 33° | 31° | 75 mm | partly cloudy | 68% | 1.5 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.4h |
| May | Acceptable | 24° - 32° | 32° | 202 mm | overcast | 74% | 1.4 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.8h |
| June | Acceptable | 24° - 32° | 31° | 204 mm | overcast | 78% | 1.5 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 13.0h |
| July | Acceptable | 24° - 31° | 31° | 358 mm | overcast | 82% | 1.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.9h |
| August | Good | 24° - 31° | 31° | 357 mm | overcast | 86% | 1.5 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.6h |
| September | Good | 23° - 30° | 27° | 361 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.1 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.1h |
| October | Very Good | 22° - 29° | 25° | 119 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 1.3 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.7h |
| November | Excellent | 19° - 28° | 23° | 39 mm | some cloud | 84% | 1.5 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.2h |
| December | Ideal | 17° - 27° | 22° | 10 mm | some cloud | 83% | 1.5 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.0h |