The Beung Kiat Ngong Wetlands complex is made up of a number of important wetland types, including swamps, lakes, peatlands and marshes. The edge of the wetland is forested, and is surrounded by large trees, including species typically found in the south and east of Lao PDR. The forest is rich due to the quality soil and abundance of water, and seasonal and perennial flooded grasses are found here. The Beung Kiat Ngong Wetlands is also the only place in Lao PDR where peatland areas can be found.
The wetlands are shaped somewhat like a bat with outstretched wings: the perennialpeatland wetlands are found in one wing, the northwestern part of Beung Kiat Ngong, which includes high quality peatland accounting for about 400 hectares (ha); the seasonal semi-peatland wetlands with a low quality of peatland are found in the other wing, the southeastern part of the site, and cover about 1000 ha.