| Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Capital: | Louangphabang |
| Area: | 16,875 km² |
| Inhabitants: | 408,800 (2004 est) |
| Pop. density: | 24 inh./km² |
| ISO 3166-2: | LA-LP |
| Geocode: | 600 |
| Map | |
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Louangphabang (also Luang Prabang, Lao ຫລວງພະບາງ) is a province of Laos, located in the north of the country.
Geography
Luang Prabang is strikingly situated on a narrow peninsula that bisects the conjunction of the Mekong River, flowing south along the west side of the city, and the Mae Kok River, a tributary of the Mekong the flows from the east but angles north just before the convergence of the two rivers. The tip of the peninsula is the site of a wat that was frequented by the royal family when it resided there, and is still a site of devotion for local Lao Bhuddists as well as increasingly frequent tourists. Stone boat landing steps lead down to the river from the wat at the very tip of the peninsula, affording a striking panoramic view of the river in all seasons.
In the centre of the peninsula is a mount, Phou si, which despite the constrained scale of the city, is 100m high; a steep stair leads to a shrine and a stunning overlook of the city and the rivers.
History
Luang Prabang became the first capital of Laos in the 14th century when King Fa Ngum returned from Cambodia where he and his father were exiled by the previous king, Fa Ngum's grandfather. Fa Ngum had the support of the Kingdom in Siem Reap and brought with him thousands of soldiers and so established his kingdom. Luang Prabang was previously known as Muang Sawa, but changed name after Cambodia sent the precious gold Buddha the Prabang as a gift. The Prabang is today the symbol of the town and a copy is at display at the museum. The real one was sent off to the Soviet Union in the 1970s to settle debt.
Loung Phabang was known as Xieng Dong Xieng Thong before it was renamed Loung Phabang, after the Buddha image of the same name was sent to Laos.
The Phabang was returned to Laos, during the invasion of Vientiane by Taksins forces; the Phabang as well as the Pra Keow were taken to Bangkok, the Phabang was returned to Laos, but the Pra Keow has never been returned.
Luang Prabang is now very popular with travelers with such activities as tubing, which basically means you go up the river and float down on a inflated tractor tire tube. It also has a number of good places to eat and drink.
Administrative divisions
The province is made up of the following districts:
- Chomphet (6-09)
- Louangphrabang (6-01)
- Nambak (6-05)
- Nan (6-03)
- Ngoi (6-06)
- Pak Xeng (6-07)
- Park Ou (6-04)
- Phonxay (6-08)
- Phoukhoune (6-11)
- Viengkham (6-10)
- Xieng Ngeun (6-02)
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