A common Lao spirit practice is the Basi Ceremony that ensures the 32 khwan (guardian spirits) are all present in a person’s body. Belief in spirits is very prevalent amongst the upland peoples of Laos, notably the Black Tai, whilst animism and shamanism play central roles in the rites and religious beliefs of the Hmong, Akha and Mien minorities. Luang Prabang was formerly the capital of a kingdom of the same name. Until the communist takeover in 1975, it was the royal capital and seat of government of the Kingdom of Laos. The city is nowadays a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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