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Luang Prabang Overview
Situated in the centre of northern Laos, Luang Prabang is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural, historic and architectural values and its harmonious relationship between the natural and built environment. In the 14th century Luang Prabang town was the site where King Fa Ngum founded the first Lao kingdom, Lane Xang. Luang Prabang remained the capital of Lane Xang until 1565 when the capital was moved to Vientiane, and afterward continued to serve as the country’s spiritual and religious centre.
Visitors to Luang Prabang are charmed by the ‘small-town’ friendly atmosphere. The town itself offers several unique insights into the history of the region, through excellently preserved Buddhist temples, museums and a variety of Lao....Read more |
Luang Prabang History
Archaeological evidence suggests that Luang Prabang has been inhabited since at least 8,000 BC. The first Laos kingdom, Lane Xang, was founded here in the 14th century by King Fa Ngum after he conquered and unified the lands of modern-day Xiengkhouang , the Khorat Plateau and Luang Prabang. The city was first reffered to as Muang Swa and by 1357 the name was again changed to Muang Xieng Dong Xieng Thong by local inhabitants. Shortly thereafter, King Fa Ngum accepted a golden Buddha image called the Pha Bang as a gift from the Khmer monarchy and the thriving city-state became known as Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang was the capital of Lane Xang until moved to Vientiane in 1545 by King Setthathirath (although Luang Prabang remained the country's main religious centre). The city's...Read more |
Located: Northern Laos.
Total area: 16,8755 square kilometers.
Population: 405,000.
12 Districts: Luang Prabang, Xieng Ngeun, Nan, Pak Ou, Nambak, Ngoi, Pakxeng, Phonxay, Chomphet, Viengkham , Phounkhone and Phonthong.
Capital of the province: Luang Prabang. |
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