Ecotourism in Laos and Ecotouring in Vientiane

**CLICK HERE for special room rates, discounts and reservations on Vientiane Hotels**

The country of Laos sees itself as being a popular destination that specializes in different forms of sustainable tourism. Not only does Laos want to benefit through conserving natural resources, cultural heritage and socio-economic development, it also aims to spread knowledge about the country’s unique cultural heritage with programs of ecotouring in Vientiane.

Despite having a low population, Lao people have diverse ethnic lifestyles and traditions. The country also has one of the richest and most extensive ecosystems in the Indochina Peninsula as more than 800 species of birds and more than 100 massive mammals have been identified in the country. Aside from this, even more new species are being discovered every year.

In order to protect and conserve such irreplaceable natural resources, a network of 20 National Protected Areas in Laos are in effect. It covers at least 14% of Laos and covers many ecotourism attractions such as tropical forests, wildlife populations, limestone formations and many ethnic minority groups. Such projects are often cited as being among the best systems to protect such rich areas in the world.

On top of such well protected forests and aquatic areas, the country has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One is the Vat Phou Temple Complex, which is a ruined Khmer temple found in south of Laos that dates from the pre-Angkorian times, and the Ancient City of Luang Prabang, which used to be the country’s capital.

One of the most popular groups that encourage ecotouring in Vientiane is Green Discovery Laos, which was established back in year 2000. Green Discovery Laos offers more than 100 tour programs all over the country from trekking, rafting, cycling and even caving. Aside from the typically guided trips, the group also offers wildlife watching tours and motorcycle excursions for the more adventurous.

Ecotours in Vientiane mostly revolve around exploring the city either by foot, by bicycle or by tuk-tuk. Tours involve seeing the many landmarks and highlights of the city such as the That Luang with its many Buddha relics, the Kaisone Phombihane Museum, the famous Wat Sisakhet, the Patuxai or the Buddha Park. The outskirts of Vientiane also provide a thrilling tour with zip line adventures, elephant watching and orchid discovery. Ecotouring is not just limited to the great outdoors but also extends to the concrete jungles that are filled with remnants of former glories of the city.

Safety is Green Discovery Laos’s priority. All adventure tour equipment is assured to be of the highest standard. The group also has regular maintenance and replacement programs for equipment with guides who have received international training and certification. All of them are also equipped with search and rescue, first aid and CPR certification to ensure the safety of all ecotouring participants.

Laos constantly works towards realizing the importance of ecotourism in a country. Green Discovery aims not only to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip but they are also committed to being environmental friendly and socially responsible. Not only do they aim to promote awareness of such biological diversity and ethnic groups but they also seek to help the country benefit from such efforts. Visit this beautiful country and make it a point to experience the splendid biodiversity and culture heritage of Laos yourself by ecotouring in Vientiane.