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