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Luang Phabang[lwAng pubAng´] Pronunciation Key or Luang Prabang[pru–] Pronunciation Key, city (1995 est. pop. 55,300), capital of Luang Phabang prov. and the historic and cultural capital of Laos, NW Laos, on the Mekong River. The economic center of N Laos, it is a river port and a market for rubber, rice, teak, and fish. Tourism is also important, and zinc is mined nearby. According to tradition, Luang Phabang was founded by Indian Buddhist missionaries. For several centuries it was the center of a Laotian-Thai kingdom that controlled most of Laos and parts of Siam; it is home of the former Royal Palace. Luang Phabang came under French rule in 1893.
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