Royal Palace Museum, Luang Prabang, Laos

The RoyalPalace Museum, situated just opposite to the famous MountPhousi, is a window to the history of pre-communist Laos and the life of a royal family. No trip to Laos would be complete without a visit to the Royal Palace Museum.

This huge, ornate palace compound was built as the residence of KingSisavang Vong and his family in 1904 during the French colonial time, featuring a blending of Lao and French architectural styles. And interesting enough, it was especially built on this site to allow official visitors to Luang Prabang to gain entry to the palace upon disembarking from the Mekong River voyage.

The palace museum comprises the front reception wing, the Throne Hall, the living quarter and several other small buildings. It contains a wealth of royal artifacts, treasures and personal items, such as the standing Buddha (the pha bang) that gave the city the name, thrones, weapons, photographs, gifts from various heads of state to the Lao monarchy, etc. There is also a collection of old cars used by the royal family in 1950s to 1970s.

Tips: It is open from 08:00 to 11:30 and 13:30 to 16:00 every day except Tuesday. Be sure to dress conservatively, meaning having your shoulder and upper leg covered. Shoes also need to be removed. A bag is not allowed to be brought into - a locker is provided near the entry for your belongings. In addition, photography is prohibited inside the museum.

You might also like to visit the Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Aham, and Wat Visoun in Luang Prabang. We have wrapped all the highlights in this sample itinerary.