Contested heritage in Luang Prabang

Heritage in Luang Prabang is carefully managed to align with official political narratives while balancing the expectations of tourists and locals. The site's unique fusion of traditional Lao architecture and colonial European structures presents both opportunities and challenges for its presentation. Authorities must navigate ideological constraints within a nominally socialist society, aiming to create an engaging experience that resonates with visitors and gains local support. This study highlights the dynamic nature of heritage interpretation in Luang Prabang, where the targets of heritage presentations are not static, nor are their expectations consistent.

Wilcox, P. (2018). Contested heritage in Luang Prabang. Routledge Handbook of Urbanization in Southeast Asia, 411–419. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315562889-37