 Luang Prabang (Loungphrabang), a city in Laos, is the religious center of the country and the former royal capital. It lies on the Mekong River, about 200 km (125 mi) northwest of Vientiane, to which it is connected by highway. The city is an important river port and a market town for fish, agricultural and forest produce, and some handicrafts. The Gold Buddha (Prabang), a sacred Sinhalese carving, was brought to the city in 1356. Established as the capital of Laos by King Fa Ngum in 1353, the city was originally named Moung Swa. Its present name dates from 1563. It continued to serve as the royal residence until 1975, when the People's Democratic Republic of Laos was established. |
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