Jagged limestone outcrops dominate the landscape in Hin Nam No National Park. –Photo GIZ Laos, Lucas Wahi

Laos, Vietnam boost ties with new cross-border national park

Authorities in Khammuan province and neighbouring Quang Tri province in Vietnam have agreed to share in the preservation of the adjacent Hin Nam No and Phong Nha-Ke Bang national parks, now officially recognised by UNESCO as a joint World Heritage Site.
Representatives of the two provinces agreed to partner in the management of the two parks during a meeting held in Khammuan on July 28, co-chaired by the province’s Deputy Governor, Mr Somsaard Ounsida, and Vice Chairman of the Quang Tri Provincial People’s Committee, Mr Hoang Nam.
The two sides discussed a draft framework to guide long-term cooperation between the parks, focusing on forest protection, ecotourism, and conservation of the area’s rich biodiversity.
The meeting followed a major milestone on July 13, when UNESCO inscribed Hin Nam No National Park as part of the transboundary World Heritage Site “Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park” during a meeting held in Paris, France.
This is the first transboundary natural World Heritage Site in Southeast Asia, and the first time a place of great natural value in Laos has been recognised by UNESCO.
The park joins Luang Prabang, Vat Phou Champasak, and the Plain of Jars as the country’s fourth World Heritage listing.
Hin Nam No and Vietnam’s Phong Nha-Ke Bang, which was listed by UNESCO in 2003, are located in one of Asia’s oldest karst regions, shaped over 400 million years.
The area is known for its dramatic limestone mountains, vast cave systems, and unique wildlife, including the Great hornbill, Lao rock rat and Southern white-cheeked gibbon.
The parks are also home to Xebangfay Cave, a spectacular underground river cave in Khammuan province that draws interest from nature lovers and scientists alike.
The two provincial authorities agreed that closer cooperation will be essential in protecting these shared natural treasures, while promoting sustainable tourism that benefits local communities.
Following the meeting, Mr Hoang Nam and his delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Khammuan province, Mr Vanxay Fongsavanh, before visiting the President Ho Chi Minh Memorial in Xiengvang village, Nongbok district.
The Vietnamese delegation lit incense at the memorial in honour of President Ho Chi Minh, reflecting the deep-rooted friendship and close ties between Laos and Vietnam.

by Times Reporters
 (Latest Update July 30, 2025)