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18 provinces in Laos What do they mean?
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.
13. Khammouan
The word Khammouan evolved from Khamkeut village. “Khamkeut” originates from the fact that gold (Kham) naturally arose (Keut) here. The people of Khammouane panned and dredged for gold and, in doing so, had fun (“fun” in Lao is “mouan”).
14. Bolikhamxay
Bolikhamxay evolved from two important districts in the province, which separated off from Khammouan province. These were the Bolikhan and Khamkeut districts, and the word “xay” was added, meaning “victory.” This name has been in use since 1986.
15. Champasak
The word “Champa” originates from the Champa flower and the ethnic group known as the Cham. “Sak” translates to “prestige.” Some say that “sak” originated as the name of a river called the Bassac.
16. Salavan
The name Salavan comes from the Sal tree. The Sal tree is sacred in the Hindu and Zen religions. The area known as Salavan Province today was created from three provinces, the East Province, Salavan, and Vapikhamthong, in 1975 AD.
18. Attapeu
The name Attapeu originated from the Khmer word “Itkabeu” “It” means “feces,” while “kabeu” translates as “buffalo” together meaning the “city of buffalo droppings.” Pronunciation shifted over the centuries, and then Attapeu became a province in 1954.
17. Xekong
Xekong’s name comes from the Xekong River. “Xe” means “river” in the Cham language, while “kong” refers to a traditional Lao drum. Xekong Province was established in 1984 and named after the river on which it is located.
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This article was serially published between 7-23 February 2025
