Phou Bia

Phou Bia (Lao: ພູເບັ້ຍ) is the highest mountain in Laos. It is in the Annamese Cordillera, at the southern limit of the Xiangkhoang Plateau in Xiangkhouang Province. Owing to its elevation—2,819 m (9,249 ft), the highest terrestrial point in Laos, the climate is cold and the area around the mountain is mostly cloudy.

Phou Bia
Highest point
Elevation2,819 m (9,249 ft)
Prominence2,079 m (6,821 ft) [1]
ListingCountry high point
Ultra
Coordinates18°58′54″N 103°09′07″E 
Geography
Phou Bia
Location of Phou Bia in Laos
LocationLaos
Parent rangeAnnamite Range

History

Although no snow has been reported for decades, it is claimed that as late as the first years of the 20th century, snow fell occasionally on its summit.

On 10 April 1970, an Air America C-130A aircraft crashed into the mountain.[2]

The area is remote, covered with jungle, and has been used by Hmong guerilla soldiers. In the 1970s, c. 60,000 Hmong supporting FAC operations took refuge at the Phou Bia massif.[3] There have been reports of smaller Hmong hideouts in the area as recently as 2006.[4]

Phou Bia rises in a restricted military area near the abandoned Long Chen air base, and for this reason sees few outside visitors. Unexploded ordnance further complicates access. As of July 2008, there had been no known ascent by a non-Lao person for at least 30 years.[5]

In 2021, Xaisomboun Province officials announced the development of Phou Bia Mountain as a "sustainable development tourism site", valued at some US$500 million. The development will center on Phou Houa Xang Village, in Anouvong District, Xaisomboun, under a 99 year concession.[6]

See also

References
  1. Phou Bia - Peakbagger.com
  2. Lee, Thomas E. (25 June 2011). "Laos Incident List 1970-1973 (Incidents, Casualties, Rescues, Captures and Unknowns)". Angel Fire.
  3. Christopher Robbins, The Ravens: Pilots of the Secret War in Laos. Asia Books 2000.
  4. "Hmong Women, Children Leave Hiding Place in Laos Special Zone; Call US for Help by Cell Phone". Huntington News Network. Archived from the original on 2007-10-10. Retrieved 2008-07-07.
  5. "Phou Bia (Laos' highest peak)". Lonely Planet Thorntree.
  6. Thanabouasy, Phayboune (22 January 2021). "Unrest in Xaysomboun Province Now Resolved". The Laotian Times. Retrieved 25 January 2021.
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