Vegetation consists primarily of varieties associated with monsoon forests such as teak, Asian rosewood and bamboo. Endemic animals include the concolor gibbon, snub-nosed langur, lesser panda and raccoon dog. Exotic species found in neighbouring countries are usually found in greater numbers in Laos because of the forest cover and fewer hunters. They include the Javan mongoose, Siamese hare, leopard cat, tiger, Irrawaddy dolphin, and a few Javan rhinos thought to survive in the Bolaven Plateau. There are 17 recently-opened Biodiversity Conservation Areas scattered throughout the country.
Temperatures vary according to altitude.
During most of the rainy season, daytime temperatures average around 29 degrees Celsius in the lowlands and 25 degrees Celsius in the mountain valleys. The best time to visit is between November and February. Peak tourist months are December to February and during August, although there are relatively few visitors at any time. Lonely Planet Publications Pty. Ltd. All rights reserved.