Text by Jason Rolan

Photos by Phoonsab Thevongsa

In Central Laos, two natural marvels stand out: the last remaining colony of Eld’s deer in Savannakhet and the enigmatic Xe Bang Fai Cave in Khammouane’s Hin Nam No National Park.

Laos’ only population of Eld’s deer, a rare and majestic animal, has piqued the interest of both wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists. Eld’s deer, commonly known as the brow-antlered deer, are distinguished by their striking antlers that sweep backward in a dramatic arc. This rare species previously wandered freely throughout Southeast Asia, but habitat degradation and hunting have pushed it to the edge of extinction. Today, the protected refuge in Savannakhet provides a rare look into their life, allowing tourists to observe these exquisite creatures in their native environment.

To the north, in Khammouane’s Hin Nam No National Park, is the mysterious Xe Bang Fai Cave. Here, the Xe Bang Fai River has excavated an 11 km tunnel through the park’s karst mountains over millions of years, creating huge caverns, some as large as 200 m wide and 120 m tall. It is recognized for its breathtaking cave structures and diverse ecosystem. Visitors can camp at the cave entrance and kayak through the cave to experience this unique environment.

GETTING THERE

Lao Airlines has daily flights from Vientiane to Savannakhet