Don Ampham National Protected Area (NPA), also known as DAP, is a remote mountainous protected region in the southeast of Laos. Situated in northeast Attapeu Province, it is a region of incredible biodiversity that will appeal to eco-tourists.
Don Ampham NPA, encompassing the Annamite Mountains on the Lao-Vietnam border, is remote due to its rugged lofty terrain, which is a big plus for the wide variety of wildlife that calls DAP home. There are many species of high conservation value in Don Ampham NPA, including about 30 mammals and dozens of rare birds.
There are several excellent trails in Don Ampham NPA, yet you should employ the services of a knowledgeable local guide as it is easy to get lost here. There is also a delectable crater lake to trek to in Don Ampham NPA, known as Nong Fa.
Trekking is the main highlight of a visit to Don Ampham NPA, where you can get right in the thick of it, well away from the noise and lights of any city.
Getting There & Away
You first need to get to Attapeu before embarking on your Don Ampham NPA journey, and bus is the best transport option from Pakse. Buses take about 6 or 7 hours to get to Attapeu from Pakse and it’s a good few hours by four-wheel drive or motorbike to the remote mountain hideout. Pakse has an international airport with connections to Bangkok and Phnom Penh.