Chapter 1 Introduction 1.1. Background of the Study
Chapter 1 Introduction 1.1. Background of the study Luangprabang used to be the ancient capital city of the Lane Xang Kingdom (the Kingdom of a Million Elephants), and established since 1,200 years ago. Sirisack (2014), In the 14th century, the King Chao Fa Ngum founded the first Lao Kingdom of Lane Xang, Luang Prabang remained the capital of Lane Xang until 1565 when the capital was moved to Vientiane by King Setthathirath (although Luangprabang remained the country's main religious centre). And it used to be the center of cultural, architectural, historical and political activities. According to Tourism Department in Luangprabang (2014), stated that Luangprabang as the tourism sightseeing and located in the northern central part of Lao People’s Democratic Republic, surrounded by numerous mountains and green forests. Luangprabang situated in the centre of northern Laos, the province shares border with Oudomxay, Phongsaly and Houaphanh to the north, Vientiane and Sayabouly to the south and southwest and Xiengkhouang to the east. It consists of 12 districts such as Luang Prabang, Xieng Ngeun, Nan, Pak Ou, Nambak, Ngoi, Pakxeng, Phonxay, Chomphet, Viengkham, Phounkhone and Phonthong with Luangprabang occupies of 16, 8755 square kilometers, the estimated population 447,541 people. By UNESCO Websites (2015), Luangprabang is an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries. Its unique, remarkably well-preserved townscape illustrates a key stage in the blending of these two distinct culture traditions. TDD, (2012).Visitors to Luang Prabang is charmed by the friendly atmosphere of this small town.
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