Xe Pian National Protected Area!

Xe Pian is situated in Champasak and Attapeu provinces covering 240,000 hectares. This huge area is vital for biodiversity conservation and unique in its habitats variety.

There are at least 29 different types of ecosystem which provide a shelter for varied wildlife including globally endangered species of birds and mammals. This National Protected Area (NPA) contains ecologically important such as clear water rivers and streams with perennial deep pools as well as unique wetland.

Wetland

Wetlands including perennial and seasonal ponds, peat swamps and perennial streams are scattered every where in the area. Wetlands and associated vegetation play a crucial role in determining the distribution and seasonal movements of key species of mammals and water birds. The largest wetland in Xe Pian NPA is Kiet Ngong Wetland, which can be accessed by visitors from Kiet Ngong village and Pha Pho village.

Kiet Ngong Village

Kiet Ngong Village is the most popular place to start your journey into Xe Pian NPA. Major attractions near Kiet Ngong include Phou Asa Mountain, with its ancient stone temple ruins of Vat Phou Asa, and the expansive Kiet Ngong wetlands, excellent for birdwatching. Accommodation in Kiet Ngong includes the Kingfisher Ecolodge, the community guesthouse, and family homestay.

Vat Phou Asa

Getting there

From Pakse:

It takes 1 hour from Pakse to Kiet Ngong. Travel by taxi, or a songthaew bus from the southern bus station (8 km east of town). You can also catch a bus on Route 13. Get off the public bus at Km 48 junction with Route 18, Thang Beng village, where you can visit the Xe Pian NPA Office. From here follow Route 18 for 7 km eastwards. Turn right at the signpost for the last 1½ km to Ban Kiet Ngong. To get to Ban Pha Pho, continue along Route 18. After 5 km turn right at Ban Kele and go on 4 km to Pha Pho.

From Attapeu:

Travel by bus or songthaew west along Route 18. Some buses stop at waterfalls to the north of the Xe Pian boundary. Get out at Ban Kele for Ban Pha Pho, or carry on for a further 5 km for Ban Kiet Ngong.

By Air:

Thai Airways fly daily to Pakse, Champassak Province, from Bangkok. You can also fly to Pakse from Vientiane or Luang Prabang on Lao Airlines.

By road:

There are daily direct VIP buses from Vientiane and from Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand.

What to see and do

Elephants Riding

Xe Pian is a haven for bird watching in and around the wetlands. Visitors who want to explore this outstanding area can also enjoy treks, elephant rides and homestays operated by local villages. There is a fascinating cultural history to be discovered, including rural Lao Loum traditions, elephant mahout culture and historic sites.

You can join The Elephant Festival

The elephant festival in Kiet Ngong Village, Champasak Province, is held every year in late January/early February (depending on the lunar calendar). The festival is held the day before the annual alms giving ceremony at the ancient Vat Phou Asa Temple, which is also located in Kiet Ngong Village. The festival is typically small with mainly local patronage. Activities include elephant procession, traditional dances and music and an elephant baci ceremony.

Booking

Tourism in Kiet Ngong is managed by the community. To book a tour, you can go directly to Kiet Ngong Village and book at the village information office, which is located on the road as you enter the village. You can also choose to book through local tour companies in advance or through the Kingfisher Ecolodge.

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