The Royal Palace Museum (also known as “Haw Kham”) was once Laos’ Royal Palace. It’s located within the city of Luang Prabang, near the base of Phousi mountain and on the bank of the Mekong River. The Palace is part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage historic center.
The palace was built from 1904 – 1909 and features a blend of Lao and French architectural elements. It was built for King Sisavang Vong (whose image is located on the palace grounds) and his family during the French colonial era. After the King’s death, crown Prince Savang Vatthana became king; he and his family were the last to live in the palace.
After the revolution in 1975 ended the monarchy, the building was taken over by the government and was later converted into a national museum, opening to the public in 1995. The museum houses a lot of interesting historical items, well beyond those that were used as furnishings in the palace. Unfortunately, no photography is allowed within the palace or any of the buildings within the Museum complex, so all I have to share are exterior photos and some descriptions.
As you enter the Royal Palace building, you are in the King’s reception hall. Behind it is the throne room, the walls of which are decorated in colored glass mosaics – a lovely effect. The back side of the palace contains the royal residence, with bedrooms for the king, queen and family and living quarters. Lots of exhibits, like musician instruments and gifts to Laos from other nations, are also on display. I could find only one free-to-use image of the interior on line, which I believe is of the throne room. Notice the beautiful glass mosaics.
There is a temple on the grounds, which houses the highly revered Phra Bang Buddha (Prabang Buddha — from which the city derives its name). The Prabang Buddha is a spiritual treasure that came to Laos in the 14th century. The building is called a “Pavilion” rather than a temple and is also known as Haw Pha Bang. The Prabang statue is just under a meter tall, with palms facing forward, cast using thong, an alloy of bronze, gold, and silver. According to local lore, it was cast in Ceylon sometime between the 1st and 9th century, but it’s exact origin is somewhat unclear. You can walk to the door of the Pavilion to see the Prabang Buddha, but are not allowed to photograph it.
Also in the compound is a building that houses the royal car collection. It’s a small collection, mostly American cars from the 1950s to 1970s. These include brand names like Lincoln Continental, Edsel, and Citroen, as well as a motorboat. Unfortunately photography in the garage is also not permitted.
There are a few old gas pumps standing near the garage, a photo of which was featured as last week’s One Clue Mystery (see below). As usual, it was correctly identified by George G. Note the lush greenery of the grounds behind the pumps.
The grounds are quite nicely landscaped, with palm and other tropical trees….
A lotus/fish pond….
There are also a few royal barges on display and a building with a conference center/auditorium.
If you visit:
There is a modest entrance fee which converts to a few US dollars — very affordable and worthwhile.
- No photography is allowed inside the museum or most of the interior of the other buildings on the grounds
- No bags are allowed, so you must leave yours in the free lockers provided near the entrance (in the building with the auditorium)
- Shoes must be removed before entering the museum. Dress should be modest (knees and shoulders covered)
- Opening Hours: Typically daily from 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM (closed for cleaning on the last Thursday of each month; confirm locally as hours can vary).
