Its name, meaning “Royal Buddha Image,” derives from the Phra Bang, a statue symbolizing Lao sovereignty.

[4] 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.

[13]: 225–226  Luang Prabang was occupied by the Vietnamese forces during Emperor Lê Thánh Tông's 1478–1480 expedition against Lan Xang and Lanna.

On 9 March 1945, a nationalist group declared Laos once more independent, with Luang Prabang as its capital and on 7 April 1945 2 battalions of Japanese troops occupied the city.

[17] Among the natural tourism sites are the Kuang Si Falls, Tat Sae Waterfalls, and Pak Ou Caves.

At the end of the main street of Luang Prabang is a night market where stalls sell shirts, bracelets, and other souvenirs.

The Haw Kham Royal Palace Museum and the Wat Xieng Thong temple are among the historical sites.

Every morning at sunrise, monks walk in a procession through the streets accepting alms offered by local residents.

[19] Luang Prabang is served by Route 13, which connects to Vang Vieng and Vientiane to the south, and to Boten in the north.