Laos is a Country in the MoriAtlas geographic dataset. It is used as a structured place record for organizing nearby regions, countries, and protected-area discovery, and where relevant it can also act as part of the broader geographic area of Asia.

How large and how populated is Laos?

Laos covers approximately 236,800 square kilometers and has an available population figure of 7,953,557, recorded for 2,024. Taken together, these numbers give a much better sense of the location’s real scale than either figure would on its own.

Which countries or regions are associated with Laos?

Laos is associated with the following country or countries: Laos. Where more detailed internal geography is available, it is also associated with the following region or regions: Bolikhamsai, Champasak Province, Champassak Province, Khammouane Province, Phongsaly, Salavan Province, Savannakhet Province, Sayaboury Province. This helps show whether the location is narrowly bounded or connected to a wider network of places.

What are the official and native names of Laos?

The official name of Laos is Lao People's Democratic Republic, and its native name is ສາທາລະນະລັດ ປະຊາທິປະໄຕ ປະຊາຊົນລາວ. These naming forms add useful legal, linguistic, and local context beyond the shorter common name used in English interfaces.

What language and time zone information is associated with Laos?

Laos is associated with the following language codes: lo, and with the time zone Asia/Jakarta. These are practical metadata points that help the place profile work better across localization, search, and international geographic browsing.

Is Laos considered mountainous?

Yes. Laos is classified as mountainous in the dataset. That usually suggests stronger relief, more topographic variation, and a physical setting that may support distinctive regional landscapes and park systems.

What are the main country facts for Laos?

For Laos, the capital is Vientiane, the largest city is Vientiane, and the associated currency code is LAK. Together, these facts provide a quick practical snapshot of the country beyond its place on the map.

What codes identify Laos in geographic datasets?

Laos is identified by the ISO code LA and the country code LA. These standard identifiers are especially useful when connecting MoriAtlas place records to other structured geographic or statistical systems.

Which regions are associated with Laos?

Laos is associated with the following region or regions: Bolikhamsai, Champasak Province, Champassak Province, Khammouane Province, Phongsaly, Salavan Province, Savannakhet Province, Sayaboury Province. This is useful for moving from a country-level overview into more detailed regional park discovery.

Countries

Mapping the natural terrain and conservation boundaries across the diverse Lao landscape

Laos: parks and protected areas

Explore maps and profiles of protected areas in Laos, including Phou Hin Poun NBCA and Phou Xieng Thong NPA.

Related tags

landlocked countrysoutheast asiacommunist statebuddhist countryunesco heritage sites

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Park system

Laos Park System Data and Protected Area Profile

Analyze park size, historical establishment dates, and regional habitat distributions across known protected areas in Laos.

Computed metrics reveal median park scale, dominant habitat classifications, and designation patterns across current atlas records for Laos. Reviewing these structural indicators helps users evaluate conservation coverage and terrain diversity within the national protected network.

Known protected area

10,131 km²

Area data available for 8 of 8 parks.

Median park size

1,445 km²

Median across 8 parks with known area.

Oldest known park

Nam Kading National Protected Area

Established in 1993.

Largest known park

Phou Den Din National Protected Area

Recorded area: 2,200 km².

Designation distribution

Habitat distribution

Climate distribution

Tropical6

About

Explore mapped conservation landscapes and regional park geography across mainland Southeast Asia.

National Parks in Laos and Protected Areas Atlas

Browse national parks, protected areas, and regional conservation landscapes across the landlocked geography of Laos. Use the park atlas to examine mapped terrain, biodiversity corridors, and protected boundaries throughout the country.

Laos, officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a unitary communist state in mainland Southeast Asia. As the only landlocked country in the region, it shares borders with Myanmar, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. The country has a population of over 7 million and is known for its mountainous terrain, Buddhist heritage, and three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Luang Prabang, Vat Phou, and the Plain of Jars. The Boten–Vientiane railway completed in 2021 connects Laos to China.

Laos is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia with a population of approximately 7.95 million. The nation operates as a unitary communist state with Vientiane as its capital and largest city. Its history spans the Kingdom of Lan Xang (1353–1707), French colonial rule, and modern communist governance established in 1975. Laos contains three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is characterized by mountainous terrain and forested landscapes. The country participates in regional economic cooperation through ASEAN and the Greater Mekong Subregion.

Largest city:Vientiane

Currency code:LAK

ISO code:LA

Parks count

Capital

Vientiane

Area

236,800 km²

Population

7,953,557 (2,024)

Coastal

Island

Mountainous

Landlocked

Park atlas8 parks

Mapped biodiversity conservation areas and regional park geography

National Parks in Laos and Protected Areas Directory

Browse national protected areas, wildlife corridors, and wetland reserves across the mountainous terrain of Laos. Explore individual conservation landscapes to understand regional geography and habitat distribution.

Wildlife reserveKhammouane Province

Phou Hin Poun National Biodiversity Conservation Area: Khammouane Province Landscapes

Tower karst geology and Annamite Range biodiversity

Delve into the geography of Phou Hin Poun National Biodiversity Conservation Area, where dramatic stone ridges and dense forest patches define a unique karst ecosystem. Located in Khammouane Province, this wildlife reserve stands as a major center for scientific discovery and protected habitat monitoring in central Laos.

Area: 1,801.49 km²
Established: 1993
IUCN: VI
Relief: Mountain

Phou Hin Poun Wildlife Reserve Geography

Protected areaSalavan Province

Phou Xieng Thong National Protected Area: Geographic Boundaries and Regional Landscape Context

A unique Mekong River protected area in Salavan Province

Phou Xieng Thong National Protected Area defines a unique geographic corridor in southern Laos. Spanning across Salavan and Champasak provinces, the park features a dramatic vertical transition from the Mekong River boundary up to an interior plateau. Its landscape, characterized by sheer cliffs and open rocky flats, serves as an essential ecological bridge and Important Bird Area within the regional conservation network.

Area: 1,200 km²
Established: 1993
IUCN: VI
Relief: Upland

Phou Xieng Thong National Protected Area Geography

Wildlife reserveSayaboury Province

Nam Phouy National Biodiversity Conservation Area: Protected Geography and Forested Terrain

Wild habitats and montane ecosystems in the Luang Prabang Range of Laos.

Nam Phouy National Biodiversity Conservation Area encompasses nearly two thousand square kilometers of steep, forested slopes in Sayaboury Province. As a key wildlife reserve, the area features essential riverine corridors, seasonal wetlands, and dense montane rainforest. Its geography defines a critical transboundary refuge where continuous wilderness stretches across the border, forming a cornerstone for regional conservation efforts and elephant population stability.

Area: 1,912 km²
Established: 1993
IUCN: VI
Relief: Mountain

Nam Phouy National Biodiversity Conservation Area Atlas

Wildlife reservePhongsaly Province

Phou Den Din National Protected Area: Atlas View of Northern Laos Protected Landscapes

Highland wildlife reserve and remote forest mountain terrain.

Spanning the rugged hills of Phongsaly Province, Phou Den Din National Protected Area represents a major conservation anchor in northern Laos. This reserve is defined by its steep mountain ridges, dense forest cover, and rich riparian habitats that support regional wildlife populations. Its position along the international border creates a transboundary forest landscape, offering significant value for biodiversity monitoring and geographical study within the Indochinese mountain network.

Area: 2,200 km²
Established: 1993
IUCN: VI
Relief: Mountain

Phou Den Din National Protected Area Map

Protected areaSavannakhet Province

Phou Xang He National Protected Area: Geographic Overview and Forest Landscape Mapping

Protected forest ecosystems in Savannakhet Province, Laos

Phou Xang He National Protected Area encompasses a vast, relatively undisturbed forest expanse in central Laos. This detailed look at the park's physical geography highlights its characteristic mix of deciduous and evergreen woodlands, serving as a vital habitat within the Annamite foothills region. Understand the spatial distribution of this protected landscape and its regional importance to conservation efforts across Savannakhet Province.

Area: 1,180 km²
Established: 1993
IUCN: VI
Access: Access unknown

Phou Xang He National Protected Area Atlas

Protected areaSavannakhet Province

Xe Champhone Wetlands: Geographic Overview of the Ramsar Protected Area in Laos

Wetland ecosystems and floodplain terrain of Savannakhet Province

Xe Champhone Wetlands encompass a broad floodplain landscape within Savannakhet Province, defined by its complex hydrology and diverse habitat zones. From rice paddies and reservoirs in the north to dense semi-evergreen forests in the south, this protected area serves as an essential subject for understanding monsoonal wetland geography and river-dependent ecosystems in southern Laos.

Area: 124 km²
Established: 2010
Relief: Lowland
Climate: Tropical

Xe Champhone Wetlands Protected Area

Protected areaChampassak Province

Beung Kiat Ngong Wetlands: Protected Area and Freshwater Landscape in Champassak Province

A rare tropical peatland mosaic and conservation corridor in southern Laos

Beung Kiat Ngong Wetlands is a distinct protected area in Champassak Province characterized by its rare tropical peatland formations, perennial swamps, and seasonal marshes. This site acts as a key flood regulator and biodiversity refuge within the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot, offering a complex terrain that bridges aquatic habitats with the nearby Xe Pian National Protected Area.

Area: 23.6 km²
Established: 2010
Relief: Lowland
Climate: Tropical

Beung Kiat Ngong Wetlands Protected Area Map

Protected areaBolikhamsai Province

Nam Kading National Protected Area: An Atlas of Rugged Terrain in Bolikhamsai Province

River-carved mountain ranges and forest corridors

Nam Kading National Protected Area encompasses a vast, roadless wilderness in central Laos shaped by the Nam Kading river system. This protected landscape features deep valleys, dense evergreen forests, and dramatic relief that support a wide array of fauna and significant environmental research in the Bolikhamsai region.

Area: 1,690 km²
Established: 1993
IUCN: VI
Relief: Mountain

Nam Kading National Protected Area Atlas

View Complete Laos Park List

Landscape and environment

Understand how Laos is shaped by terrain, ecosystems, and seasonal conditions

Laos geography, nature, climate, and landscape context for park-focused travel research

Explore the physical geography, natural setting, and climate patterns of Laos through a location-first overview built for travel research, national park discovery, and broader regional context. This section helps explain how landscapes, habitats, and environmental conditions shape what people search for, where they travel, and how they experience protected areas in Laos.

Laos geography and landscape

Laos is located in mainland Southeast Asia, occupying a mountainous and forested landscape. It is bordered by Myanmar and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the southeast, and Thailand to the west and southwest. As the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, it has no coastline. The country lies at approximately 17.967°N latitude and 102.6°E longitude.

Laos nature and environment

Laos features predominantly mountainous terrain with extensive forests covering much of its landscape. The country's geography includes highlands, plateaus, and river valleys, particularly along the Mekong River which flows through the country. Dense forest areas contain significant biodiversity.

Laos climate and seasonal conditions

Laos has a tropical savanna climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The monsoon season typically runs from May to October, followed by a dry season from November to April.

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Ways to explore Laos

Useful phrases, related topics, and discovery prompts connected to Laos.

where is laos locatedwhat is laos known forlaos capital citylandlocked countries southeast asialaos population and arealaos unesco world heritage siteslaos political systemlaos countrylao pdrsoutheast asia landlockedvientiane capitalmekong river countriesasean laoslaos tourismlaos geography

Park map

Explore mapped protected landscapes and regional park distribution across mainland Southeast Asia.

Laos National Parks Map, Protected Areas and Conservation Terrain Geography

Preview national protected areas and conservation zones distributed across the mountainous terrain of Laos. Open the comprehensive country map to examine regional park boundaries and detailed geographic coordinates.

Open Full Laos National Parks Map

Essential insights into park geography, protected landscapes, and regional distribution across Laos

Frequently Asked Questions About National Parks and Protected Areas in Laos

Explorers often seek clarity regarding national protected areas, conservation zones, and wetland habitats across mainland Southeast Asia. Structured answers provide geographic context for mountainous terrain, river corridors, and biodiversity reserves throughout the country.

Other countries

Compare regional park geographies and adjacent protected landscapes across Southeast Asia

National Parks in Nearby Countries and Protected Areas Around Laos

Browse national parks and protected areas in neighboring countries to compare transboundary conservation corridors and regional mountain terrain. Expanding the search helps researchers trace broader Mekong river ecosystems and connected wildlife habitats beyond Laos.

Thailand: parks and protected areas

Parks and protected areas in Thailand, including Khao Yai and Kaeng Krachan.

119 parks

Thailand National Parks Atlas

Malaysia: parks and protected areas

Parks and protected areas in Malaysia, including Kinabalu Park and Kinabalu Park.

63 parks

Malaysia National Parks & Protected Areas

China: parks and protected areas

Parks and protected areas in China, including Jiuzhaigou and Wulingyuan.

34 parks

China National Parks and Protected Areas

Vietnam: parks and protected areas

Parks and protected areas in Vietnam, including Phong Nha and Cat Tien.

31 parks

Vietnam National Parks and Protected Areas

Bangladesh: parks and protected areas

Parks and protected areas in Bangladesh, including Satchari and Bhawal.

19 parks

Bangladesh Protected Areas Atlas

Cambodia: parks and protected areas

Parks and protected areas in Cambodia, including Kirirom and Phnom Kulen.

12 parks

Cambodia National Parks and Protected Areas

Bhutan: parks and protected areas

Parks and protected areas in Bhutan, including Royal Manas and JDNP.

11 parks

Bhutan National Parks Atlas

Myanmar: parks and protected areas

Parks and protected areas in Myanmar, including Alaungdaw Kathapa and Hkakaborazi.

5 parks

Myanmar National Parks and Protected Areas

View All Country Park Indexes

Protected area types

Examine the Full Spectrum of Protected Area Designations Across Laos

Gain insight into the conservation architecture of Laos by exploring the distinct classification systems applied to its wilderness areas. MoriAtlas facilitates a deeper understanding of how these designations map to the country's varied mountainous and riverine terrain.

Laos Park Designation Atlas

MoriAtlas Explorer

National parks and protected areas worldwide

Find a park and explore its geography, habitats, and monthly climate.

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Global natural geography

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