Xiangkhoang Plateau

plateau, Laos
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites
Also known as: Plateau de Xiangkhoang, Tran Ninh Plateau
French:
Plateau de Xiangkhoang
Formerly:
Plateau du Tranninh
English:
Tran Ninh Plateau

Xiangkhoang Plateau, dissected upland of complex geologic structure in north-central Laos. The plateau constitutes a western extension of the northern Annamite Chain; it is drained principally by the Ngum and Ngiap (Nhiêp) rivers to the south and the Khan River to the north, all of which are Mekong River tributaries. Once the upland’s limestone and sandstone hills were covered with tropical monsoon rain forest, but shifting cultivation practiced by mountain Hmong (Miao, or Meo) and Lao-Theung (Mon-Khmer) peoples have left only scattered remnants of oak and pine, principally along the stream courses. Around Xiangkhoang town are workable deposits of alluvial gold, antimony, copper, lead, zinc, and silver.