Unesco Offices

Luang Prabang


This vital office advises on how new developments must adhere to strict architectural guidelines in order to maintain the historical authenticity of the old city. The ochre colonial-era villa in which it is housed was once the city's customs office.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Luang Prabang attractions

1. Wat Pakkhan

0.04 MILES

Dated 1737 but rebuilt a century ago, Wat Pakkhan has a simple, appealingly archaic look with angled support struts holding up the lower of its two…

2. Wat Xieng Thong

0.08 MILES

Luang Prabang's best-known monastery is centred on a 1560 sǐm (ordination hall). Its roofs sweep low to the ground and there's a stunning 'tree of life'…

3. Wat Souvannakhili

0.11 MILES

The most prominent building of Wat Souvannakhili looks more like a colonial-era mansion than a monastery, but the small sǐm (ordination hall) is a classic…

4. Wat Sensoukaram

0.25 MILES

Rich ruby-red walls with intricate gold overlay give Wat Sensoukaram one of the most dazzling facades of all of Luang Prabang's temples. The name, temple…

6. Wat Xiengleck

0.35 MILES

Riverside Wat Xienleck has an Angkorian-style brick stupa that looks like it's about to fall over.

7. Wat Longkhun

0.43 MILES

When the coronation of a Luang Prabang king was pending, he spent three days in retreat at Wat Longkhun before ascending the throne. The central sǐm …

8. Tham Sakkalin

0.43 MILES

Ask at the Wat Longkhun ticket desk for the key required to visit Tham Sakkalin, a humid, slippery 100m-long limestone cave. It's a three-minute walk…