UNESCO
World Heritage City

WORLD HERITAGE INSCRIPTION

     For the sustainable safeguard and development of Luang Prabang’s heritage wealth, in 1993 the Lao Government wished to place Luang Prabang under the aegis of UNESCO.

     Luang Prabang was inscribed on the World Heritage list on December 9, 1995, at the 19th session of the World Heritage Commission in Berlin. Luang Prabang has recognized: “This city reflects the exceptional merger of traditional architecture and European colonial urban structures from the 19th and 20th centuries. Its unique urban setting is remarkably preserved, illustrating a significant step in fusing two cultural traditions.

UNESCO cited three criteria in its recommendation:

Criterion (ii): Luang Prabang reflects the exceptional fusion of Lao traditional architecture and 19th and 20th-century European colonial style buildings.
Criterion (iv): Luang Prabang is an outstanding example of an architectural ensemble built over the centuries combining sophisticated architecture of religious buildings, vernacular constructions, and colonial buildings.
Criterion (v): The unique townscape of Luang Prabang is remarkably well preserved, illustrating a critical stage in the blending of two distinct cultural traditions.

      Read more about Luang Prabang as a UNESCO world heritage city Here! 

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