Nam Lan

Nam Lan is a conservation area of about 22,000 hectares of dense forest on steep ground in Boun Tai District, Phongsaly Province, in far northern Laos^[1].

Phongsaly Province as a whole is described as having abundant flora and fauna and many species not yet described by science^[1].

Nam Lan is covered by dense forest on steep terrain^[1].

Phongsaly Province lies in mountains roughly 450 to 1,800 m above sea level^[2].

The mountain climate of Phongsaly is described as "four seasons in a single day", with cold mornings and evenings, humid days and afternoon rain^[2].

Villages with paddy fields lie along the northern and eastern boundaries of the area. Phongsaly Province is home to 13 minority groups, including Khammu, Yao, Hmong, Akha and Hani^[2].

Nam Lan is listed as a protected area of Phongsaly Province^[2].

Visiting Nam Lan is listed among things to do in Phongsaly, and the provincial tourism office organises treks in the province^[1].

Some ecotourism lodges are being built in the villages beside the area, and treks are arranged through the Provincial Tourism Office in Phongsaly^[1].

Nam Lan is a government-designated conservation area, and ecotourism in the neighbouring villages is being developed around it^[1].