The 7 Largest Museum in Luang Prabang

Laos is a Southeast Asian country with a rich history and culture. It is home to numerous museums that showcase the country’s heritage, art, and traditions. Here are the five largest museums in Laos:

• National Museum of Laos:

Located in Vientiane, the National Museum of Laos is the largest and oldest museum in the country. It was founded in 1925 and houses a vast collection of artifacts that span from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum’s exhibits include bronze and stone sculptures, textiles, ceramics, and traditional musical instruments. It also has a section dedicated to the history of the Laotian people.

• Haw Pha Kaew Museum:

Located in Vientiane, the Haw Pha Kaew Museum is home to the Emerald Buddha, a sacred Buddha image that is considered to be the most important religious object in Laos. The museum also houses a collection of other Buddha images, as well as artifacts from the Laotian monarchy. The museum is housed in a former royal temple, which adds to its historical significance.

• Luang Prabang National Museum:

Located in Luang Prabang, the Luang Prabang National Museum is housed in a former royal palace. The museum’s exhibits focus on the history and culture of Luang Prabang, as well as the surrounding region. The museum’s collection includes textiles, ceramics, musical instruments, and other artifacts that provide a glimpse into the life and traditions of the Lao people.

• Vat Phou Museum:

Located in Champasak Province, the Vat Phou Museum is dedicated to the history of the Vat Phou temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The museum houses artifacts that were excavated from the temple grounds, including sculptures, ceramics, and inscriptions. The museum also has a section that focuses on the history of the Champasak Kingdom.

• Vientiane Military Museum:

Located in Vientiane, the Vientiane Military Museum is dedicated to the history of the Lao People’s Army. The museum houses a collection of military equipment, uniforms, and documents that showcase the role of the military in Laos’ history. The museum also has a section that focuses on the country’s involvement in the Vietnam War.

The 7 Biggest Museum near Luang Prabang

National Museum

• Address: 27 Ounheun Rd, Luang Prabang, Laos
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.1 (2049)
• Phone: +856 71 212 122
• Website:
• Opening hours:
  
  Monday: 8:00 – 11:30 AM, 1:30 – 4:00 PM

  Tuesday: 8:00 – 11:30 AM, 1:30 – 4:00 PM

  Wednesday: 8:00 – 11:30 AM, 1:30 – 4:00 PM

  Thursday: 8:00 – 11:30 AM, 1:30 – 4:00 PM

  Friday: 8:00 – 11:30 AM, 1:30 – 4:00 PM

  Saturday: 8:00 – 11:30 AM, 1:30 – 4:00 PM

  Sunday: 8:00 – 11:30 AM, 1:30 – 4:00 PM
• Reviews:
  
  Tomáš Gregor✭✭✭✭

  2 months ago

  Pretty good. The museum was interesting, especially the paintings on the walls were impressive. Swing the gifts from other countries also makes you feel like you’re living part of the past when you explore them. Also the garage with a few models of king’s historical cars, given to him by the US government, was a nice touch and I enjoyed it quite a bit. The temple is also nice, but you’d find better ones in other places.

  Jane Irving✭✭✭

  3 months ago

  Busy, but not too busy. Nice grounds to walk around. Didn’t go into the Palace as told I needed to leave my shoulder bag in the locker room. So had a stroll around the gardens and the small car museum. Which was interesting. Plenty of seating outside to sit and relax.. great for people watching ?

  andjacksdeutsch✭✭✭

  a week ago

  Ok to see, but no pictures allowed inside for whatever reason. It would surely get more crowded and messy inside if everyone started taking pictures of themselves. Don’t understand why you have to cover up since it’s just a museum and not a holy place, but ok, was prepared for it thanks to the other reviews. Arrived around 9am and there were loads of Chinese tourists that must have just arrived. Once I got passed the big groups it was less crowded. Nothing spectacular to see, but still nice if you have the time.

  Hoang Yen Xuan Nguyen✭✭✭

  3 weeks ago

  Very very strict rules before you can enter the area for visiting. The most annoyed thing here is that locker area is inside ballet room but the area to allow you to have ability to go visit Palace is far from locker. You must go back and forth.

  M. K.✭✭✭

  2 months ago

  It’s a nice place and you can walk around a big area and see different buildings. A lot of people were there but it didn’t hinder our walk through. What I disliked was the rework of a lot of buildings.

  And no photographs in some buildings and before that you have to remove your shoes and cap.

  Of course I’ll always honor different views and vows of country but for me….that takes the fun out of it…why walk through without shoes if you can’t take any pictures.

  So the experience for me was kind ok.

Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre

• Address: House 355 Ban Khamyong, Luang Prabang 06000, Laos
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.6 (434)
• Phone: +856 71 253 364
• Website:
• Opening hours:
  
  Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

  Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

  Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

  Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

  Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

  Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

  Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Reviews:
  
  Juliette Crescione✭✭✭✭✭

  a week ago

  This visit was so worth it! The museum is quite small, but it enables us to get to learn more about Lao Ethnies, Lao culture and history. Some stunning traditional clothes, and handmade objects are also showed. I recommend !

  Fleur Van Aalst✭✭✭✭✭

  a month ago

  This should be on top of your list if you plan on visiting Laos, and are staying or visiting Luang Prabang. You get to know a lot about the ethnical groups in Laos. Many of us are very unaware about their heritage and all the efforts that go into the handicrafts and how easy it get copied by the big fashion companies. If the big fashion companies aren’t transparent, then educate yourself. This museum will help. Take your time, and take photos to read everything back later. Or if you are not staying in this area, visit their website and check out their mini documentary.

  Bella Lay✭✭✭✭✭

  2 months ago

  Really enjoyed my visit to this museum, I went on a Tuesday and at 3pm they had a free tour available which I joined. The tour guide was really insightful and it was great to learn more about Laos. Tickets were 30,000 Kip at the time of writing, and we spent about an hour to an hour and a half here.

  Michelle McCarthy✭✭✭✭✭

  3 weeks ago

  Tour guide excellent. Got introduced to an overview of Laos ethnic groups as well as a deeper look at 4 in particular. Also a look at the fashion industry and the difference between stealing designs, appropriation, and collaboration/ appreciation. Got to try our hand at crafting too

  Jennifer McWilliams✭✭✭✭✭

  2 weeks ago

  Wonderful museum up on a quiet hill in Luang Prabang. The exhibits are interesting and unique and provide good insight into ethnic groups in Laos. There is also a nice gift shop selling beautiful handmade goods and a shady patio area where you can order snacks and practice some of the crafting techniques. Nice place to spend an hour or two away from the more crowded attractions in Luang Prabang.

Heuan Chan Heritage House

• Address: Heuan chan alley, Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang, Laos
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.4 (218)

UXO Lao Visitor Center

• Address: V4JP+QH7, Luang Prabang, Laos
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.7 (773)

Lao National Museum

• Address: 328 13, Vientiane, Laos
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 3.6 (124)

Lao Textile Museum

• Address: Ban Nongtha-tai, Chanthabouly District, Laos
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.6 (259)

Xieng Khouang Provincial Museum

• Address: C6V6+V5J, Phonsavan, Laos
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.1 (90)

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Top Museum Alternatives in Luang Prabang

While Luang Prabang is known for its beautiful temples and cultural landmarks, there are also several popular museum alternatives that offer unique experiences for visitors. These museums provide a deeper understanding of the culture, history, and natural heritage of the region.

• Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre: This museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting the traditional ethnic cultures of Laos. It showcases a collection of artifacts, traditional textiles, and handicrafts from various ethnic groups. Visitors can learn about the different customs, beliefs, and traditional practices of the diverse ethnic communities in Laos. The museum also offers educational programs and workshops to support local artisans.
• Laos Buffalo Dairy: Located just outside of Luang Prabang, Laos Buffalo Dairy is a unique and sustainable initiative that combines a working buffalo dairy farm with an educational visitor center. Visitors can learn about the dairy’s mission to provide local farmers with an additional source of income by producing and selling buffalo milk products. The visitor center offers tours, milking demonstrations, and the opportunity to interact with the friendly buffaloes. Visitors can also sample a variety of delicious buffalo milk products, including ice cream and cheese.
• Mekong Elephant Park: Situated along the banks of the Mekong River, the Mekong Elephant Park offers a different kind of museum experience. Visitors can learn about the important role elephants have played in the culture and history of Laos. The park provides a responsible and ethical alternative to elephant riding by offering interactive and educational experiences with elephants. Visitors can participate in activities such as elephant feeding, bathing, and walking alongside these majestic animals. The park aims to promote elephant conservation and provide a sustainable way for locals to care for and earn income from elephants.

Thank you for taking the time to read our article. For more in-depth reviews and comprehensive ratings on the Museum spots, please explore the recommended articles listed below.