Three Peaks challenges in Laos

The landscapes of Laos

Laos is an inland country of rugged mountains, plateaux and river valleys. Higher northern landscapes contrast with lower ground beside the major rivers, while the southern regions include broader plains and distinctive elevated plateaux.

The northern highlands surround valleys such as those of the Nam Ou, while the Annamite range follows much of the eastern frontier. Southern Laos contains the Bolaven Plateau, a different elevated landscape near the Mekong lowlands. Mountain, river and plateau country therefore form separate regional settings across the length of Laos.