Outstanding natural sites embodied in large trees, big rocks and rapids, where the fifteen nagas (royal protectors of the town) live; as well as the sacred Phou Si hill, are worshipped. The creation myths refer to the creation of the spirit idealized in local folklore.

Examples are the numerous cults in Luang Prabang addressed to the Phi (either good or evil spirits), or to Pou Gneu Gna Gneu, the tutelary spirits of Luang Prabang, whom the myths designate as the ‘Organizers of its territory'. This explains the presence of ho phi, shrines dedicated to the guardian spirit, to whom offerings are made within the grounds of ever monastery and in front of some houses.

The local inhabitants visit the town's numerous temples daily where the monks are from the Theravada (Lesser Vehicle) school of Buddhism that replaced that of the Mahayana (Great Vehicle); in practice until the mid XlVth century. The Laotian lunar calendar has twelve months a year. For certain years there are thirteen months; in which case the eighth month will be doubled. The calendar regulates religious and animistic festivals. Of a domestic nature, the festival of the third month is accompanied by an agricutural ceremony

During the fourth month, Boun Phavet or ‘Festival of the Ultimate Existence' is a holy festival, the Vessantara, the ultimate incarnation of the future Buddha, recited.

In Luang Prabang the return to the beginning of the kingdom and the cosmos is sought after during the New Year festival. For this occasion the town observes a series of ceremonies over several days: religious services, the giving of offerings, prayers, processions, building of small sand stupas, spirit worship and nocturnal festivals.