Population
   Luang Prabang province has a total population of just over 400,000 that includes 12 distinct ethnic groups. The Khmu are the largest ethnic group in the province and make up the majority (about 40%) of the provincial population. They are a Mon-Khmer speaking people known for their knowledge of the forest, and they are believed to the original inhabitants of Laos. The Hmong are the second most populous ethnic minority (16%). Lowland lao comprise 39% of the population and live mostly in lowland valleys and Luang Prabang Town.

History    Archaeological evidence suggests that Luang Prabang has been inhabited since at least 8,000 BC. The firat lao kingdom, Lane Xang, was fouded here in the 14th centuey by King Fa Ngum after he conguered and unified the lands of modern-day Xieng khouang, the Khorat Plateau and Luang Prabang. The city was first referred to asMuang Swa and by 1357 the name was again changed to Muang Xieng Dong Xieng thong by local inhabitants. Shortly thereafter, King Fa Ngum accepted a golden Budha image called the Pha Bang as a gift from the Khmer monarchy and the thriving city-state became known as Luang Prabang.

Luang Prabang was the capital of Lane Xang until moved to Vientiane in 1545 by King Setthathirath (although Luang Prabang remained the country’s main religious center). The city’s first contact with western emissaries occurred in the mid 17th century during the reign of King Surigna Vongsa. After his death in 1694, Lane Xang broke up into three separate Kingdoms; Vientiane, Champassak and Luang Prabang . By the late 19th century Luang Prabang was under attack by marauding Black Flag bandits who destroyed many sacred Budha images, temples and historical documents. Under King Sisavang Vong (1904-1959) a number of restoration and beautification projects were launched, many of which are still evident today. French influenced buildings began to appear in the later 1800’s, adding to the mixture of Lao, tai-lue, Burmese, Chinese and tai architecture.

Transport By air Luang Prabang is served by Lao Airlines, Thai Airways International, Bangkok Airways and PB Air, with regular Services to Vientiane, Chiang Mai and Bangkok. By bus   Southern bus station: To Vientiane (10 hours), Vang vieng (6 hours), Xieng Khouang (8hours), and Luang Namtha(8 hours), Northern bus station: to Oudomxay (5 houre), Nong Khiaw (3 hours), Pakmong (2.5 hours), Nambak (2 hours) and Virng Kham (5hours). By boat   Slow boat: To Houay Xay (16 hours), Pakbeng (8hours) Thasouang (8 hours), meung khuea (7 hours ), Nong Khiaw (7 hours), Thadeu (5 hours) and Paklay (24hours),

  Please be aware that transportion schedules and prices are subject to change, so we suggest you check the above information at transportation terminals or through a travel agent prior to your trip.

  Transport within Luang Prabang : Tuk-tuks, trishaws (los-sam-lor)and jumbos (smalltuk-tuks) are available all over town and are an easy way to get around. Taxis and mini buses can be hired through guesthouses, hotels and tour operators. It is also possible to rent bicycles for about $1 per day. Please note thattourists are not permitted to rent motorcycles.