World Heritage Identification Number: 951
World Heritage since: 2003
Category: Natural Heritage
WHE Type: Protected Areas & National Parks
Transboundary Heritage: Yes
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: Lao People's Democratic Republic, Viet Nam
Continent: Asia
UNESCO World Region: Asia and the Pacific
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Transboundary Treasures: Exploring Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park
The Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park, a transboundary extension of Viet Nam's Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, offer a captivating blend of natural beauty, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. Inscribed by UNESCO in 2003, these two national parks lie within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, a region teeming with over 1,500 plant and 536 vertebrate species.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
The Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park is a transboundary extension of Viet Nam’s Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, inscribed in 2003. Located in the Annamite mountains, it features rugged karst landscapes, deep caves—including the vast Xe Bang Fai Cave—as well as rich biodiversity and associated local traditional use. The park lies within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, home to over 1,500 plant and 536 vertebrate species, including many endemics and globally threatened species like the Red-Shanked Douc Langur and Sunda Pangolin. Unique species such as the Lao Rock Rat and Giant Huntsman Spider also inhabit the area. Its diverse ecosystems span lowland forests to high-altitude karst habitats.
UNESCO Justification of the World Heritage Site
Criterion (viii): The transboundary property is among the largest intact humid tropical karst systems globally. The distinctive topography and diversity of the karst landscape is formed from the complex interbedding of limestone karst with shales, sandstone and granite. On the surface, a diversity of polygonal karst features has been recorded nowhere else, at the time of extension. Underground, an extraordinary diversity of caves (including dry, terraced, dendritic and intersecting caves) provide evidence of past geological processes, from ancient, abandoned river passages or changes in river routes, to the deposition and later re-solution of giant speleothems. Of particular significance, are the Son Doong and Xe Bang Fai caves which contain the world’s largest documented cave passage in terms of diameter and continuity and, largest active river cave passage and single cave gour pool (water formed by calcite deposits) respectively.
Criterion (ix): The property protects globally significant ecosystems within the Northern Annamites Rainforests terrestrial ecoregion, Northern Annam and Southern Annam freshwater ecoregions and Annamite Range Moist Forests priority ecoregions. The complexity and relative intactness of the limestone landscape has led to the creation of multiple ecological niches and provided the opportunity for eco-evolutionary and speciation processes to occur at the landscape level. As a result, the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park property is home to various highly-specialised and endemic species of flora and fauna both aboveground (such as a number of orchid and begonia species) and below-ground (with some invertebrate and fish species restricted to single cave systems).
Criterion (x): A rich terrestrial, freshwater and subterranean biodiversity can be found within the transboundary property, and reported species numbers, at the time of inscription and of the extension, are likely to be a significant under-representation of the actual species diversity. The over 2,700 species of vascular plants and 800 vertebrate species recorded in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park include 237 globally threatened species at the time of inscription and 400 species endemic to the central Lao People’s Democratic Republic and/or Viet Nam. Over 1,500 species of vascular plants (from 755 different genera) and 536 vertebrate species have been recorded in Hin Nam No National Park, including many globally threatened and endemic species, including the Giant Huntsman Spider, the largest spider by leg span globally and endemic to the Lao Khammouane Province. The species richness of the property is likely to exceed the individual richness of the two national parks respectively due to topographical and niche differences. Importantly, the property hosts 10-11 species of primates, four of which are endemic to the Annamite Mountain range. These include the largest remaining population of Southern White-cheeked Gibbon and the endemic Black Langur.
Encyclopedia Record: Hin Namno National Park
Hin Namno National Park is in Boualapha District, Khammouane Province, Laos. The park borders Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park of Vietnam to the east and Nakai-Nam Theun National Park of Laos to the north. Hin Namno National Park was created by prime ministerial decree in January 2020. It is managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF).Additional Site Details
Area: 217,447 hectares
Number of Components: 2
(ix) — Outstanding example representing ecological and biological processes
(x) — Contains most important habitats for biodiversity
Coordinates: 17.4275555556 , 105.9052777778
IUCN World Heritage Outlook
The 2025 Conservation Outlook on Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park reports the following assessment:
Source: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) · View assessment
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© GIZ ProFEB/ Paul Williams. Used with permission.
World Heritage Research
Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.
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Perilimnastes dongchauensis C. H. Nguyen, D. V. Nam & C. W. Lin 2026, sp. nov.
A new species of plant, Perilimnastes dongchauensis, has been discovered in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park, Vietnam. This lithophytic shrublet, characterized by its setose stems, adaxial surface, hypanthia, and notably large petals measuring 20 × 18 mm, differs significantly from its closest relative, P. suberalata, in several key morphological traits. The discovery was made through field surveys conducted in primary and old secondary evergreen broad-leaved forests at elevations ranging from 100 to 750 meters above sea level. Perilimnastes dongchauensis is locally common along streams and stream valley slopes with humus-rich soil, flowering from June to November and fruiting from July to December. Preliminary assessment suggests that the species is of least concern (LC) according to IUCN Red List criteria, as it thrives in both secondary and primary forests within protected areas.
Huu Nguyen, C., Duong, N. V., Bui, D. T., Tran, H. T., Bach, H. T., Phan, Q. T., Le, V. K., Nguyen, D. T., Nuraliev, M. S., Averyanov, L. V., & Lin, C. W. (2026). Perilimnastes dongchauensis C. H. Nguyen, D. V. Nam & C. W. Lin 2026, sp. nov. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.19591603
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Phát triển du lịch dựa vào thiên nhiên tại vườn quốc gia Phong Nha – Kẻ Bàng
Nature-based tourism in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its biodiversity and cultural significance, has been identified as a sustainable pathway for economic growth while preserving ecological integrity. A study analyzing survey data from 105 visitors through linear regression revealed that enhancing tourism promotion, upgrading infrastructure to align with ecological standards, and improving local human resource quality are critical factors for sustainable development in the region. These findings underscore the potential of nature-based tourism to balance conservation efforts with economic benefits, offering a model for similar protected areas globally.
Vu Thi, N., & Pham Ngoc, K. (2026). Phát triển du lịch dựa vào thiên nhiên tại vườn quốc gia Phong Nha – Kẻ Bàng. Tạp Chí Khoa Học Và Công Nghệ Trường Đại Học Công Nghệ Đông Á, 1(2), 138–146. https://doi.org/10.65153/hfxmx807
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Cyrtomium lacrimipinnum (Dryopteridaceae), a new sexually reproducing fern from Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam
Researchers have identified and described a new fern species, Cyrtomium lacrimipinnum, from the limestone ridges of Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park in central Vietnam. This discovery stands out due to its unique combination of morphological traits, including pinnae with acute and attenuate apices and distinctive black or dark brown microscales on both surfaces of the pinnae. Unlike its closest relative, C. pachyphyllum, this species also exhibits a sexual reproductive mode, as evidenced by spore counts of 64 per sporangium. The study employed detailed morphological analysis to distinguish this new species from related taxa, contributing valuable insights into the biodiversity of UNESCO-listed Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park.
Yoneoka, K., Fujiwara, T., Dang, V.-S., Pham, Q. T., Souladeth, P., Sengthong, A., Masuda, R., Yamamoto, T., Tanaka, N., & Tagane, S. (2026). Cyrtomium lacrimipinnum (Dryopteridaceae), a new sexually reproducing fern from Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam. PhytoKeys, 275, 177–189. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.275.183837
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Cyrtomium lacrimipinnum Yoneoka, T. Fujiw., V. S. Dang & Tagane 2026, sp. nov.
A new species of fern, Cyrtomium lacrimipinnum, has been discovered in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park, Vietnam. This species is distinguished by its teardrop-shaped lateral pinnae, black or dark brown microscales on both surfaces of the pinnae, and unique venation patterns. It closely resembles Cyrtomium pachyphyllum and C. hemionitis but differs in key morphological traits such as pinnae apex shape and margin characteristics. The discovery was made through herbarium surveys and fieldwork, with specimens collected from limestone outcrops and crevices within shrubby moist forests. Notably, this species is believed to reproduce sexually, a rare trait among Cyrtomium ferns, which are predominantly apogamous. Further cytological studies are planned to clarify its biological characteristics.
Yoneoka, K., Fujiwara, T., Dang, V.-S., Pham, Q. T., Souladeth, P., Sengthong, A., Masuda, R., Yamamoto, T., Tanaka, N., & Tagane, S. (2026). Cyrtomium lacrimipinnum Yoneoka, T. Fujiw., V. S. Dang & Tagane 2026, sp. nov. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.20493464
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Description of the second Calybium Morlet, 1892, and the first record of the genus for Vietnam’s terrestrial gastropod fauna (Neritimorpha: Helicinoidea: Helicinidae)
Researchers have identified and described Calybium plicatus, a new species of terrestrial gastropod (snail) belonging to the genus Calybium. This discovery marks the first record of the genus in Vietnam's terrestrial fauna, specifically within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park, part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The species was collected from Son Doong Cave in Quang Binh Province, Central Vietnam. Unlike its congener, Calybium massiei, C. plicatus exhibits a smaller shell size and distinct parietal wall features with six evenly spaced lamellae. This finding contributes to the understanding of biodiversity within these protected areas and expands the known distribution of the genus.
HOANG, N. K., VU, V. L., TRAN, T. T. B., NGUYEN, T. S., & DO, D. S. (2025). Description of the second Calybium Morlet, 1892, and the first record of the genus for Vietnam’s terrestrial gastropod fauna (Neritimorpha: Helicinoidea: Helicinidae). Ruthenica, Russian Malacological Journal, 35(1), 39–45. https://doi.org/10.35885/ruthenica.2025.35(1).4
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A new species of Lycodon Fitzinger, 1826 from the Northern part of the Truong Son Mountains, Central Vietnam (Reptilia, Squamata, Colubridae)
Researchers have identified a new species of snake, Lycodon poyarkovi, within the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Dong Chau-Khe Nuoc Trong Nature Reserve in Central Vietnam. This discovery, based on four specimens, distinguishes L. poyarkovi from its closest relative, L. paucifasciatus, through key morphological differences such as higher ventral and subcaudal scale counts, increased crossbands on the body and tail, and fewer scales before the first crossband starts. The species appears endemic to the northern Truong Son Mountains, with the Ben Hai River acting as a biogeographic barrier separating it from L. paucifasciatus. The study suggests that L. poyarkovi should be classified as Least Concern (LC) under IUCN Red List criteria, while also highlighting the need for further taxonomic reassessment of related species like Lycodon anakradaya and L. cardamomensis.
NGUYEN, T. V., & VOGEL, G. (2025). A new species of Lycodon Fitzinger, 1826 from the Northern part of the Truong Son Mountains, Central Vietnam (Reptilia, Squamata, Colubridae). Zootaxa, 5570(3), 484–510. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5570.3.3
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Orophea phouphamarnensis (Annonaceae), a new species from limestone karst in central Laos
Researchers have discovered Orophea phouphamarnensis, a new species of plant belonging to the Annonaceae family, within the limestone karst landscapes of central Laos. This finding highlights the region's rich biodiversity, particularly in Khammouane Province, which is part of two significant protected areas: Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area and Hin Nam No National Park. The discovery underscores the ecological importance of these sites, which cover approximately 30,000 km² of limestone in Laos, contributing to the global understanding of plant diversity in fragmented limestone habitats.
KONGXAISAVATH, D., TAGANE, S., SOUVANNAKHOUMMANE, K., PHENGMALA, K., SENGTHONG, A., DANG, V.-S., NGUYEN, Q. B., YAMAMOTO, T., TANAKA, N., TAKAHASHI, K. T., & SOULADETH, P. (2025). Orophea phouphamarnensis (Annonaceae), a new species from limestone karst in central Laos. Phytotaxa, 687(1), 15–20. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.687.1.3
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