World Heritage Site


Luang Prabang was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1995 under 3 of 6 criteria for cultural heritage concerning the protection of world cultural and natural heritage as outlined in the 1973 World Heritage Convention. Criteria (II) states 'Exhibits an important heritage of human values over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world on developments in architecture, monumental arts, etc.' Criteria (IV) states 'An outstanding example of a type of building or architectural ensemble which illustrates a significant stage in human history'. Criteria (V) states 'An outstanding example of traditional human settlement or land use which is representative of a culture'.


Upon the request of the Lao. P.D.R. Government, the UNESCO World Heritage Center initiated a joint cooperative undertaking between the cities of Luang Prabang and Chinon, France. The Program included the development of regulations concerning the protection of heritage, development of a local Heritage Committee, and implementation of a Program for Safeguarding and Development of the City of Luang Prabang.