Traffic police take to the streets to enforce new regulations in Luang Prabang’sWorld Heritage zone.

Luang Prabang introduces new traffic rules in World Heritage quarter
 
Luang Prabang authorities have begun enforcing new traffic and parking regulations within the city’s historic World Heritage zone in an effort to improve order, safety, and the protection of the area’s cultural character.
The new measures are being rolled out by the Luang Prabang City Department of Public Works and Transport in cooperation with the LuangPrabang Public Security Command Traffic Police.
Officials say the regulations aim to ease vehicle movement and ensure that parking takes place only in designated areas.
Speaking on March 11, Head of the LuangPrabang Traffic Police, Major KhammyKeointhavong, said authorities have been working with government offices, businesses, tour operators, and residents to raise awareness and ensure compliance with the new rules.
Under the updated regulations, minibuses are permitted to travel along the Nam Khan and Mekong riverbank roads but may stop only briefly at designated locations to drop off or pick up passengers.
Vehicles may remain stopped for no longer than five minutes, and waiting or long-term parking is strictly prohibited. Drivers must instead use authorised parking areas such as the That Luangfield or other designated lots.
Delivery trucks are allowed to stop to unload goods for a limited period of 10 to 15 minutes.
Authorities have also established restricted zones within the city centre. Minibuses, ordinary buses, tuk-tuks, and three-wheel “jumbo” taxis are prohibited from entering Sisavangvong Road between the Hongxaek and Pakkhan intersections unless they have a special permit.
Special arrangements have been made for the morning almsgiving ritual, when vehicles transporting tourists to observe monks as they process along the streets may temporarily park along the riverbank but must leave the area before 7am.
In addition, all vehicles are banned from entering the section of road between the Thaheaumay ferry pier junction and the Hongxaek intersection.
New rules also apply to two-wheeled vehicles. Motorbikes, electric scooters, and bicycles are prohibited from parking anywhere onSisavangvong Road, particularly between the National Museum in Choumkhong and the Tadmor waterfall intersection in Xiengmouan. Riders must instead use designated parking spaces along the riverbank or in other approved areas.
To enforce the regulations, authorities have introduced a tiered fine system. Riders of bicycles and electric scooters face fines starting at 100,000 kip for a first offence, increasing to 300,000 kip for a third offence. Motorbike ridersmay be fined from 200,000-400,000 kip, while tuk-tuk and jumbo taxi drivers face penalties ranging from 300,000-500,000 kip. Drivers of minibuses, SUVs, and sedans may be fined between 300,000 and 1,000,000 kip depending on the number of violations.
Officials warned that drivers who violate the rules more than three times must pay double the third-offence fine and may have their driving licencesuspended for three to six months. In more serious cases, penalties could include triple fines, vehicle impoundment for one to three months, and prosecution in a court of law.
Authorities say the new regulations are designed to protect the historic environment of LuangPrabang while ensuring smoother traffic flow and a safer experience for both residents and visitors in the UNESCO-listed heritage town.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update March 13, 2026 )