A key aspect of Luang Prabang's cultural heritage recognised in 1995 by UNESCO is the unique blend of architectural styles preserved in the town. Whilst the temples rightly get much attention for their beauty, the visitor to Luang Prabang should also take time to appreciate the changing styles of civilian buildings within the town.
The photos below provide an introduction to the different architectural styles to be found along the roads and alleyways of Luang Prabang.
The photos below provide an introduction to the different architectural styles to be found along the roads and alleyways of Luang Prabang.
Traditional Lao
The traditional Lao house, unchanged for centuries, is made from wood and bamboo and is raised off the ground. The length of the house house would be aligned with the river. Inside would have a large living/sleeping area whilst outside would be a balcony along one side used for day time activity. The area below the house would be used for keeping animals, carts and possibly for weaving. In modern times most lower parts have been enclosed with walls to provide additional rooms.
Chinese Villas (c.1910's)
In the early 20th century Chinese merchants settled in Luang Prabang peninsula making large sums of money in trade. The most successful merchants built impressive villas in a style reminiscent of villas in Macao.
French Colonial Commercial (1930's)
Luang Prabang underwent a building boom in 1930's as the French colonialists transformed the centre of the town with commercial shop-houses and private residences using brick together with a wattle and daub style of construction utilising wood, bamboo and buffalo hide.
French Colonial Administrative (1930's - 1940's)
As the French Colonial government developed it built government buildings, schools and hospitals. These were often designed in Saigon, the administrative centre of French Indochina.
French Influenced Royal Residences (1920's - 1940's)
As the Lao aristocracy became educated in French ways their traditional wooden and bamboo palaces were rebuilt using French techniques using timber and wattle and daub style walls and later brick.
Post-Independence Modernist (1955 - 1965)
In the late 1950's and early 1960's modernism came to Luang Prabang with many shop houses being built in concrete, designed with square lines and flat roofs. Some buildings were erected with three or even four storeys. These buildings were not catalogued as part of UNESCO's original work in 1995 but more recently UNESCO has acknowledged their place in the town's architectural landscape.
Modern Suburban (1965 - 1975)
By the late 1960's a modern suburban style was becoming popular in Luang Prabang, influenced by American suburban architecture. These buildings were not catalogued as part of UNESCO's original work in 1995.