Take your time and discover the charming town of Luang Prabang.
Luang Prabang is located in northern Laos, in the province of the same name. It was once the capital of the Kingdom of Lan Xang, founded in the 14th century by Prince Fa Ngum. This kingdom, whose name literally means “A Million Elephants,” was the first attempt to unify Lao territory as we know it today. The city of Muang Sa (present-day Luang Prabang) was chosen as the capital and flourished for nearly three centuries as a spiritual center.
During this period, Theravada Buddhism, introduced from the Khmer Kingdom, became established, and golden temples were built in the city. Unfortunately, the temples seen today are not originals but reconstructions dating from the 19th and 20th centuries. In the meantime, the Kingdom of Luang Prabang could not withstand successive invasions, which repeatedly looted the city. In the late 19th century, the kingdom requested the French to replace Siam as protector after liberating the city.
The French protectorate era in Asia coincided with the time of great explorers discovering these regions. Figures such as Auguste Pavie, Henri Mouhot, and Francis Garnier all admired Luang Prabang — and it’s easy to understand why even today.
The best way to explore the city is to stroll through its narrow streets or along the Mekong River, discovering beautiful temples and colonial architecture.
Our Laos extensions give you the chance to explore not only the city but also the surrounding province, with its magnificent natural sites such as the Kuang Si waterfall.
