The 7 Biggest Cultural Site in Luang Prabang

Laos is a Southeast Asian country with a rich cultural heritage. The country is home to numerous cultural sites, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These sites offer a glimpse into Laos’ fascinating history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty.

Here are five of the largest cultural sites in Laos:

• Vat Phou Temple Complex: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in the southern province of Champasak. The complex consists of a series of Hindu temples that were built between the 6th and 13th centuries. The temples are dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and are considered to be some of the most important examples of Khmer architecture in Laos.
• Luang Prabang: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in the northern province of Luang Prabang. The city is home to numerous temples, stupas, and other historical sites. Luang Prabang was once the capital of the Kingdom of Laos and is considered to be one of the most important cultural centers in the country.
• Xieng Khouang Plain of Jars: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in the central province of Xieng Khouang. The plain is home to over 2,000 stone jars that are believed to date back to the Iron Age. The jars are of various sizes and shapes, and their purpose is still unknown. The plain is also home to numerous other archaeological sites.
• Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area: This national protected area is located in the central province of Bolikhamxay. The area is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including elephants, tigers, and leopards. The area is also home to numerous caves, waterfalls, and other natural attractions.
• Nam Ou River Valley: This river valley is located in the northern province of Oudomxay. The valley is home to a variety of ethnic groups, each with its own unique culture and traditions. The valley is also home to numerous temples, stupas, and other historical sites that date back to the Lan Xang Kingdom.

The 7 Biggest Cultural Site 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:
  
  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 ?

  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.

  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.

Heuan Chan Heritage House

• Address: Heuan chan alley, Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang, Laos
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.4 (218)
• Phone: +856 20 23 390 126
• Website:
• Opening hours:
  
  Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Reviews:
  
  Tomáš Gregor✭✭✭✭

  2 months ago

  Very nice place to visit with a calm & peaceful environment ideal for a bit of rest while sipping coffe or drinks. Interesting although limited amount of historical items which sit in the traditional building’s environment well. They have the option to dress in traditional clothes and take photos in various spots and settings in the garden and house. The staff who deals with the dressing though, didn’t seem very keen to do their job and acted like we were bothering them by wanting to pay for their services. That’s the only thing they should work on, and the only reason for 4/5 rating. The than that, cool place to visit.

  Andrew Simon✭✭✭✭✭

  a month ago

  We did the $10 bamboo/hr weaving course, which was very interesting and quite challenging. Our instructor was very patient with our slow progress and managed to rescue our crafts when we broke the bamboo ?. After the class he gave us a personal tour of the house and was very knowledgeable of its history, happily answering our questions. Overall we ended up spending 1.5 hours with him, beyond even the original schedule. Great time, would recommend.

  Doro Li✭✭✭✭✭

  2 months ago

  Beautiful location, full of amazing flowers and plants. The museum on the first floor is worth the visit, photos well documented and interesting. There is also a little corner for drinks in the garden. Suggested!

  Avy .A✭✭✭✭✭

  a month ago

  An undiscovered gem, I was the only Traveller here. A refurbished traditional house with more information than its National Museum. Learn about their house visiting ceremonies, the morning alms, dress code, instruments to even culinary arts!

  There is a small cafe with well at the back and a wash room. Do not turn left into the monastery as one of the dogs will bark at you and rile up the other dogs and monks…

  ? Entrance Fees Comes in 3 pricing: • 10K Kip to ‘Walk Around’ (Pretty useless & I’ve asked them to remove this. It’s more for the locals who wanted to rent the traditional dress and take photos I think) • 30K Kip for the ‘Walk Around’ + Museum of the traditional house • 40K Kip for the above plus 1 soft drink (She tried to upsell me this ?) They actually have traditional herbal teas which you should definitely try instead of drinking unhealthy sodas which has no cultural experience nor nutritional value.

  Just top up 10K (Total 50K) to get Iced herbal teas like: Butterfly pea / Pandan / Lemongrass / Bael / Roselle. They are eco friendly and uses bamboo straws. ☺️

  sarah xiao✭✭✭✭✭

  a month ago

  Good place to learn some local culture. Many people take photos with traditional Lao clothing which is very beautiful and elegant.

Wat Xiengthong

• Address: V4XV+277, Khem Khong, Luang Prabang, Laos
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.5 (2547)

Phousi Hill

• Address: Luang Prabang, Laos
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.3 (4373)

Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre

• Address: House 355 Ban Khamyong, Luang Prabang 06000, Laos
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.6 (433)

Kaysone Phomvihane Monument

• Address: V4MG+45Q, Phothisalath Rd, Luang Prabang, Laos
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.1 (14)

Haw Pha Bang

• Address: V4RP+MHC, Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang, Laos
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.4 (251)

Explore prominent consulting firms in neighboring countries, such as those referenced in Vientiane, Yogyakarta and Bali, to gain insights into the dynamic business landscape of ASEAN. These firms contribute to the region’s enterprise vibrancy, positioning Luang Prabang, Laos as a hub for strategic insights and innovative solutions.

Top Cultural Site Alternatives in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, the UNESCO World Heritage city located in northern Laos, is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture. Here are three of the top cultural sites that are extremely popular among tourists:

• 1. Wat Xieng Thong

Wat Xieng Thong, also known as the “Golden City Temple,” is one of the most important and impressive Buddhist temples in Luang Prabang. Built in the 16th century, this temple showcases traditional Lao architecture with its intricate gilded carvings and ornate mosaic features. The temple complex also houses various chapels, pavilions, and a stunning tree of life mosaic on the exterior wall. Visitors can explore the temple grounds, admire the beautiful craftsmanship, and learn about Lao Buddhist traditions and beliefs.

• 2. Royal Palace Museum

The Royal Palace Museum, also known as Haw Kham, was the former residence of the Laos royal family. This exquisite building, built in 1904, now serves as a museum showcasing artifacts and treasures of the royal family. Visitors can explore the various rooms and galleries that display royal furnishings, religious art, traditional costumes, and other historical objects. The museum provides a glimpse into the country’s royal history and offers insights into the culture and lifestyle of Laos.

• 3. Mount Phousi

Located in the heart of Luang Prabang, Mount Phousi is a small hill that offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside. Aside from its natural beauty, the hill is also home to several Buddhist shrines and temples. Visitors can climb the 328 steps to reach the top, where they can enjoy breathtaking views of the Mekong River, explore the sacred caves, and pay their respects at the various Buddhist statues and shrines. Sunset and sunrise are the best times to visit Mount Phousi, as the views become even more captivating during these hours.

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