Text by: Vila Phounvongsa / Snaé History

Photos by: Phoonsab Thevongsa

Translated by: Nick Pugh

1. Luang Prabang

The meaning of the word “Luang” in Lao refers to “grand” and is an abbreviation of “grand city” or a capital. “Prabang” comes from the name of priceless Buddha image. Combining the two to make “Luang Prabang” therefore translates as the “grand city which is home to the Prabang” and this name has been in use since 1560.

2. Xieng Khouang

The meaning of the word “Xieng” in Lao came from the Chinese word “Sian,” which refers to a city. “Khouang” is derived from the word for “spacious,” so when the two words are combined, they translate to “spacious city.”

3. Xayaboury

The meaning of the word “Xaya,” which translates as “Victory” or win + “Boury” (city), becomes “City of  Victory.” This name has been in use since 1946.

4. Bokeo

The word “bo” refers to a “mine,” while “keo” refers to gems or sapphires of exquisite colors that were found on the banks of the Mekong River when locals used to sift the sands here.

5. Luang Namtha

“Luang” in Lao means “grand,” possibly referring to a large city, while Nam Tha is the name of an important river that flows through the town, becoming “the large city of the Nam Tha River.” This name has been used since 1983.

6. Oudomxay 

“Oudom” can refer to “abundant,” while the term “xay” comes from the word “victory.” Together, they can be translated into “abundant victory.” This name has been in use since 1969.

7. Houaphan

Houaphan once referred to a frontier region called “Houaphan Thang Ha Thang Hok,” which could be translated as “The Fifth and Sixth Provinces.”

8. Phongsaly

Phongsaly evolved from the Tai Leu term “Fongsaly” “Phong” is said to translate to “beauty” while “saly” was the name of a legendary chieftain in this area. 

9. Xaysomboun

  “Xay” means “victory” while the meaning of the word “somboun” means rich abundance. Putting these together, it means “Abundant Victory”. This has been the official name of the new 18th province since 2013.

10-11. Vientiane Capital and  Vientiane Province

“Vieng” means a “walled city,” while “chan” evolved from “chanthana” or “sandalwood” tree. Alternatively, it may refer to Boulichan, who was the first recorded lord of Vientiane in an ancient chronicle. 

12. Savannakhet

Savannakhet was originally a tiny village called “Na Kham” or “field of gold,” which became Souvannakhet. “Souvanna” in Pali-Sanskrit means gold, while the term “Khet” means “an area of land.” Later, the pronunciation changed from “Souvanna” to “Savanna” instead, finally taking on the meaning of the “city of heaven.” This name was first used in 1895.