Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park

The predominant plant communities in the park are dry evergreen forest and semi-evergreen forest, with extensive areas of scrubland and secondary forest resulting human disturbance. The area has a high level of biodiversity and endangered species including tiger, leopard, clouded leopard, Asian golden cat, marbled cat, civet, gaur, Sambar deer, white-cheeked gibbon, sun bear, black bear, Asian elephant, dhole, hornbill, and three species of otter. There are no records or evidence of tigers in the park since 2013, which means they are extinct in all of Laos. Leopards vanished from the park even earlier. ==Ecotourism==

The only access for visitors to see the park is by doing a tour organized by the area ecotourism unit. Nam Nern Night Safari boat tour (24-hour overnight tour) — This innovative and adventurous journey by traditional long-tail boat offers nature activities that include bird watching, wildlife tracking, nighttime wildlife spotting, medicinal plant exploration, and moderate hiking. This tour won the prestigious 'World Responsible Tourism Award' at the World Travel Mart in London, England, in 2013 and 2014. Trekking Tours The Nests (two or three days) is a family-friendly hike with overnights in cozy spherical baskets hanging from the trees. The trip is perfect to enjoy wildlife viewing from the observation tower (under construction) at the nearby Poung Nyied salt lick, which attracts animals such as the rare Sambar deer from far and wide. Trekking Tours Cloud Forest Climb (four or five days including 'The Nests') is a hiking trail to the summit of Phou Louey to one of the few cloud forests in the region. It is an option for the more adventurous. The hike goes through the evergreen forest and offers a rare opportunity to track wild species such as white-cheeked gibbon, leopards, bears and wild dogs using camera traps, which are set up along the trail and maintained by tourists. For more information contact the protected area headquarters. ==See also==