Facts

• Elevation: 2,830 m (9,285 ft)
• Prominence: 2,079 m
• Ribu category:  Tinggi Sedang
• Region: Northern Lao
• Coordinates: 18.9808, 103.1517
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• Other names: ພູເບັ້ຍ 
• World Ribus ID: 68505

Phou Bia is the highest mountain in Lao and the Annamite Range, rising on the southern edge of the Xiangkhoang Plateau in Xaisomboun Province. Despite its lofty status, it remains rather inaccessible lying within a restricted military area near the former Long Chen airbase, where unexploded ordnance and military checkpoints severely limit access.

Trail conditions are extreme where trails exist at all and the Lao government plans which were initiated in 2021 for tourism development – roads, trails, cable car and resort development under a long-term concession – are not open to the public as of mid-2025 and appears to be on hold, perhaps due to the recent discovery of unsafe landmines and unexploded ordnance. Despite an unpaved road seeming to go within 500 metres of the summit, public access remains tightly restricted and unsafe for casual trekking. It may change quickly with little prior notice. As far back as 2021, photos were taken at the top by locals showing a summit viewpoint and national flag.

Only a handful of Lao nationals have attempted climbs in recent years and only a couple of foreign hikers are known to have entered due to access and safety concerns. Let’s hope this changes soon.

Practicalities

• • Getting there: A rough road is under development but there is a military checkpoint where tourists are likely to prevented for passing.

• • Permits: Access requires special clearance from Lao authorities. Things may change in the near future.

• • Water sources: Unknown.

Local Average Monthly Rainfall (in Luang Prabang)

Location