Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang
ຫຼວງພະບາງ Louangphabang | |
|---|---|
| Luang Prabang District | |
Southeast Luang Prabang | |
| Coordinates: 19°53′24″N 102°08′05″E / 19.89000°N 102.13472°E | |
| Country | Laos |
| Province | Luang Prabang |
| District | Luang Prabang District |
| Established as Muang Sua | 698 |
| Controlled by Nanzhao | 709 |
| Khmer vassal | 950 |
| Formation of Lan Xang | 1353 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Local Committee for World Heritage Louangphabang |
| Elevation | 305 m (1,001 ft) |
| Population | |
• Total | 55,027 |
| Time zone | UTC+7 (ICT) |
| Post Code | 06000 |
| Website | http://tourismluangprabang.org/ |
| Criteria | Cultural: ii, iv, v |
| Reference | 479 |
| Inscription | 1995 (19th Session) |
| Area | 820 ha |
| Buffer zone | 12,560 ha |
Luang Prabang (Lao: ຫຼວງພະບາງ, pronounced [lǔaŋ pʰāʔ.bàːŋ]), historically known as Xieng Thong (ຊຽງທອງ) and alternatively spelled Luang Phabang or Louangphabang, is the capital of Luang Prabang Province in north-central Laos. Its name, meaning “Royal Buddha Image,” derives from the Phra Bang, a statue symbolizing Lao sovereignty. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, the city is recognized for blending traditional Lao architecture, European colonial buildings, and over 30 Buddhist temples. The protected area encompasses 33 of its 58 villages, where daily rituals like the morning alms-giving ceremony persist.