Lao People's Democratic Republic | World Heritage Explorer

The Lao People's Democratic Republic has been a State Party to the World Heritage Convention since 1987. With 4 inscribed properties, the country maintains a well-established presence on the World Heritage List. The majority of its sites are cultural properties, reflecting a strong emphasis on historical and architectural heritage. One of these properties is shared with neighboring countries, demonstrating cooperation across borders in heritage conservation.

Lao People's Democratic Republic as a State Party to the World Heritage Convention

State Party since: March 20, 1987

Status: Ratification

Mandates to the World Heritage Committee: None

Total of Mandate Years: 0

Total of Mandates: 0

WHC Electoral Group: IV (Asia/Pacific)

World Heritage Sites in Lao People's Democratic Republic (4)

Cultural: 3 | Natural: 1 | Mixed: 0

Megalithic Jar Sites in Xiengkhuang – Plain of Jars · Cultural
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park · Natural (Transboundary)
Town of Luang Prabang · Cultural
Vat Phou and Associated Ancient Settlements within the Champasak Cultural Landscape · Cultural

Map of World Heritage Sites

This interactive map shows the location of all UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Tentative World Heritage Sites (2)

Nakai – Nam Theun National Park (NNT NP) · submitted: June 30, 2025
That Luang de Vientiane · submitted: March 25, 1992

Source: UNESCO Tentative Lists

Country Profile Lao People's Democratic Republic

Official Name: Lao People's Democratic Republic

Continent: Asia

Subregion: South-Eastern Asia

UNESCO Region: Asia and the Pacific

Capital: Vientiane

Population (2024): 7,769,819

Land Area: 230,800 km²

Currency: Lao kip (LAK)

Country Data Sources

Links

UNESCO World Heritage Convention: State Party Lao People's Democratic Republic

About States Parties

States Parties are countries that have joined the World Heritage Convention. They commit to identifying, nominating, and protecting properties of outstanding cultural or natural value on their territory. States Parties are also expected to monitor and report on the condition of inscribed sites.

World Heritage Insights

How Politics and Institutions Shape the UNESCO World Heritage List

The UNESCO World Heritage List is usually seen as a catalogue of the world’s most important cultural and natural places. Yet behind every inscription there is a structured decision process: countries must first join the Convention, run for a seat on the World Heritage Committee, prepare nominations through a fixed procedure, and finally obtain enough votes for inscription.

World Heritage Info

Background

Learn about UNESCO, the World Heritage Convention, Tentative Lists, and how World Heritage Sites are selected and preserved. Explore the history, structures, and processes that protect humanity’s cultural and natural treasures.

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