Located in the center of North Laos, Luang Prabang is a picturesque small town surrounded by limestone hills. The town is mostly enclosed by the Mekong and Khan rivers, that join at Luang Prabang. Its charming character and picturesque setting have made the town one of the most attractive tourist sites of Laos.
Founded in the 8th century, the town is dotted with ancient Buddhist temples and traditional Laos buildings. Along the banks of the Mekong river are restaurants serving Laotian and French food.
The town is a mix of traditional architecture and one or two storey French colonial houses. The town of Luang Prabang was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
Luang Prabang history
From 1354 until 1563 Luang Prabang was the capital of the Lan Xang Kingdom, a powerful Laotian Kingdom that finally split up in three Kingdoms in 1707. The town is named after the Phra Bang Buddha image, the most highly revered image in the country. In the year 1353 it was given by the King of Angkor to Fa Ngum, the first King of the Lan Xang Kingdom.
Luang Prabang was part of French Indochina from 1893 until 1953, after which Laos regained its independence.
To do & see in Luang Prabang
There are many historical and natural places worth a visit in the town of Luang Prabang and surrounding area.
Natural attractions
About 30 kilometers from Luang Prabang are the Kuang Si waterfalls, a very picturesque place with beautiful terraced turquoise pools, that local people come to swim in. There are picnic tables near the falls and food is available. There is also a bear rescue center with bears that have been rescued from poachers and bile farms.
Luang Prabang on Mekong river