region now known as Laos.

Sisavang Vong's reign lasted 55 years, during which he ruled over Luang Prabang and Laos. When he fell ill, he appointed his son, Crown Prince Savang Vatthana, as regent. His son succeeded him after his death in 1959. Sisavang Vong was cremated and buried at Vat That Luang (Luang Prabang) in 1961. His funeral procession included a royal funeral carriage, a 12 metre high wooden hearse decorated with a carved seven-headed snake. Many dignitaries attended the state funeral,