Phou Hiphi

Phou Hiphi is a provincial protected area of about 19,700 hectares east of Oudomxay town in northern Laos, with old-growth forest, limestone outcrops and mountains^[1].

Monkeys are often heard in the trees near the falls^[1].

The forest around the main falls includes giant dipterocarps, among them the nyang oil tree, together with other trees and herbs^[1].

The protected area includes limestone outcrops and mountains^[1].

Northern Laos has a monsoon climate, with a wet season and a dry season.

The sources consulted give no detail on the human history of the area.

The area is a provincial-level protected area; the Nam Kat waterfall is its best-known site^[1].

The Nam Kat (Tad Nam Kat) falls are tiered, about 20 m high, and drop into a large pool for swimming, with a series of smaller falls along the stream formed by large boulders^[1].

An eco-resort at the falls offers waterslides, pools, hiking, zip-lining, camping and ATV rides, with tours starting from its information centre. Most tours drive about 5 km to the waterfall entrance and continue on foot^[1].

The area is protected at provincial level, with its forest and watershed also supporting local eco-tourism.