Learn about Luang Prabang's long history as a major centre of power and culture in mainland South-East Asia.

For 400 years Lan Xang, Land of a Million Elephants was a powerful kingdom

In the 19th century Luang Prabang is a vassal of Siam but this period ends disastrously with the sacking of the city by Chinese rebels

Luang Prabang enters the 20th century as a French Protectorate under which profound changes begin

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Laos gains independence but is divided ideologically and devasted by war before finally finding peace

A timeline of Luang Prabang's royal dynasty going back 700 years

The Lao people believe that their first ruler was King Boulom who was sent down from the heavens to bring order to the world