Buddhist religious centre in Laos, on the Mekong River at the head of river navigation; population (2007 est) 52,500. It was the capital of the kingdom of Louangphrabang, incorporated in Laos in 1946, and the royal capital of Laos 194675.
The temple of Angkor Wat had five towers but often only three are depicted. Red and blue recall the earlier flags of Cambodia. Effective date: 20 June 1993.