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.

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

Down the Mekong River, a 15-minute boat ride from the city centre, Ban Chan (the pottery village)[18] is another place.

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