Mafic rocks in the Luang Prabang tectonic zone are Early Carboniferous–Late Carboniferous.
Geochemical data suggest that the mafic rocks formed in a continental back-arc basin.
Luang Prabang tectonic zone may link with the Nan and Ailaoshan suture zones.
Luang Prabang tectonic zone is a remnant of a Carboniferous back-arc basin.