Museums in Laos offer a fascinating look into the country’s rich history, diverse culture, and long-standing traditions. If you want to delve deeper into Laos’ heritage, these museums are the perfect place to start. In addition to being cultural museums, they showcase the country’s spiritual and cultural evolution over time. Now, let’s take a closer look at the top 10 museums in Laos that every history buff should visit.
Top 10 museums in Laos
Royal Palace Museum Luang Prabang
Address: Route Sisavangvong, Luang Phrang, Laos
Opening hours: every day except Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Entrance fee: 30,000 kips/foreigner (around 3 euros)
The Royal Museum is located in the old town of Luang Prabang, Laos and was once the royal palace of the Kingdom of Laos before becoming the current royal museum of the country. The museum is also known as “Haw Kham” or “Hall of Gold”. That is, it houses a large number of interesting historical artifacts that tell the story of Laos during the royal period. The museum was built in 1904 for King Sisavang Vong. It represents a combination of traditional Lao style and French influence from the colonial period.
The museum displays exquisite artifacts of the Lao monarchy such as royal costumes, crowns, chairs and other royal objects. Visitors can enter the old palace rooms which are elegantly painted with historical paintings and other royal artifacts, giving visitors a sense of the life of the Lao royal family in the past.
In addition, the palace also includes several buildings. Including the royal barge room, the conference room and the Haw Pha Bang (flower house) which houses the Prabang (standing Buddha) statue. There are many interesting items to explore. There are marble staircases, a collection of weapons, priceless artworks, murals (depicting the Ramayana epic and scenes of local life), jewelry, a collection of American cars belonging to the last king of Laos and of course the crown.
Visiting these museums is just the beginning, let’s enhance your journey with guided Laos tours, exploring historic sites, stunning landscapes, and vibrant local culture all in one trip!
Royal Palace Museum Luang Prabang
Lao National Museum
Address: Rue Samsenthai, Vientiane, Laos
Opening hours: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m every day; closed on public holidays
Price: 10,000 Kip/person (around 1.03 euro)
The Lao National Museum is the largest and most important museum in Laos, located in the heart of Vientiane. Housed in the historic French Governor’s Palace, the Lao National Museum is a treasure trove of Lao’s rich heritage, providing a comprehensive account of the region’s history from prehistoric times to the 20th-century revolution in Laos. Some of the artifacts on display in the museum include tools used by prehistoric people, sculptures, and other artifacts brought by the French during the colonial period. Highlights of the museum include ancient Khmer sculptures, dinosaur bones, and fascinating ceramic pieces.
Additionally, on the upper floor, you will find information relating to the modern history of Laos from the Siamese invasion and the French colonial period to the present day. There are some photos of old prisons, soldiers, secret wars, and reminders of the hardships the country faced during the colonial period. Visitors can get acquainted with the traditional life of the Lao people, their customs and traditions, as well as the historical significance of Laos.
Lao National Museum
COPE Visitors Center
Address: Boulevard Khou Vieng, Vientiane
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:30 a.m – 4 p.m
Price: free
Located in Laos, the COPE Visitor Center is a state-of-the-art museum that offers exhibits and films about the history of bombings and related disabilities. It offers visitors the opportunity to learn about Laos’ tragic history and raise awareness about the problem of unexploded ordnance (UXO) left over from the Vietnam War through informative displays and exhibits. The museum sheds light on the aftermath of the secret war during the Vietnam War, which saw millions of bombs dropped on Laos.
The COPE Center features an in-depth look at the horrors of cluster bombs and the damage they have caused and continue to cause in Laos. Watch a documentary about mine clearance operations, then view photos and read stories about some of the patients COPE has helped to get prosthetic limbs and undergo physical therapy to regain mobility.
The unique exhibition in COPE Visitors Center
Lao Textile Museum
Address: Vientiane, Laos
Opening hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Price: 30,000 Kip/person (around 3 euros)
The Lao Textile Museum, located 6 km from Vientiane, is a family-run museum and shop, as well as a unique cultural center that preserves the rich textile traditions of Laos. Textiles have been part of the family for generations and they are happy to share their history of silk cultivation, natural dyes such as indigo and weaving silk into textiles with visitors.
Housed in a traditional complex, it houses a diverse collection of antique textiles from various ethnic groups across Laos. Visitors can enjoy weaving demonstrations, see antique looms and hand-dyed fabrics representing ethnic minority motifs. The museum also has a shop selling handmade textiles. You can buy traditional Lao silk textiles or exclusive designer clothing in the souvenir shops.
The green campus of Lao Textile Museum
Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Center
Address: Route Phothisalath, Luang Prabang, Laos\Opening hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Opening hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Price: free
Located right on the banks of the Mekong River and just 15 minutes from downtown Luang Prabang, Ock Pop Tok Living Handicrafts Centre teaches visitors all about Lao textiles. The name “Ock Pop Tok”, which means “East meets West” in Lao, reflects the founders’ vision of bridging cultures while empowering local artisans.
What makes Ock Pop Tok truly special is its people. Founded in 2000 by two passionate women, Joanna Smith and Veomanee Douangdala, the center was born out of a shared love of traditional Lao textiles and a desire to preserve the rich textile heritage. It is run by a community of skilled artisans, many of whom are women from nearby villages. Here, you will be welcomed not as outsiders but as guests, invited to learn, explore and connect.
A visit to the Ock Pop Tok weaving center will take you behind the scenes of weaving and the entire process of making silk fabrics in a large tropical garden. Therefore, you can observe all the stages of creating the caterpillar with the scarf being produced. The tour lasts 30 minutes with a local English-speaking guide and you may have the opportunity to try your hand at a batik or weaving workshop. In addition, the center also has a charming cafe decorated with exquisite taste and beautiful views of the mighty Mekong River. During the day, you can enjoy flavorful Lao cuisine prepared with extremely fresh ingredients from the vegetable garden.
Visitors can try hand at a batik or weaving workshop
Center for Traditional Arts and Ethnology
Address: Luang Prabang, Laos
Opening hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday
Price: 25,000 Kip/person (around 2.5 euros)
Opened in 2006, this private museum is one of the must-see museums in Laos for culture lovers. The museum was born out of a deep respect for the cultural heritage of Laos, especially the traditions of the ethnic minority communities. The exhibition includes traditional textiles and clothing, valuable jewelry, many spiritual items, handmade tools and daily utensils with each characteristic of each tribal group. It also provides quotes, photos and videos to help visitors better understand the cultural diversity of Laos.
The museum also organizes cultural workshops and events, attracting visitors to experience. Join a guided tour or walk on your own to discover the beautiful crafts of the ethnic minorities in Laos. Don’t forget to visit the gift shop and support artisans from different regions of Laos by purchasing their works.
If you want to take your cultural journey even further, embark on our Discover the Minority Ethnic Groups of Northern Laos in 8 Days tour to step beyond museum exhibits and immerse yourself in the daily lives, customs, and traditions of Laos’ indigenous people.
The museum includes traditional textiles and clothing, and other items of each tribal group
Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum
Address: Savannakhet, Laos
Opening hours: 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m Monday to Friday
Price: 10,000 Kips/person (around 1.03 euro)
This is one of the best museums in Laos, located in the town of Kaysone Phomvihane, Savannakhet. The museum exhibits an impressive array of dinosaur bones, footprints and other prehistoric artifacts, many of which were discovered in the surrounding area. For the people of Savannakhet, the museum is a source of pride as their homeland was once a thriving ecosystem teeming with life millions of years ago.
In the lobby, you will find a large collection of dinosaur fossils known as the Lao giant lizard bones that have been searched for since 1930 to this day. The museum even houses fragments of a meteorite that fell to earth more than 100 million years ago. In particular, the first mammals that existed about 200 million years ago and rare gemstones are also on display in the museum. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about Earth’s history, step back in time and admire the wonders of a world long gone.
Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum
National Institute of Fine Arts
Address: Vientiane, Laos
Opening hours: 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m, 1 p.m – 4 p.m. Monday to Friday
If you are interested in and want to learn about Lao art, this museum is the best place to learn and explore the current art scene in Laos. The museum was established not only to teach but also to inspire a deep connection with Lao identity, ensuring that the country’s artistic traditions continue to thrive in an ever-changing world.
The National Institute of Fine Arts houses works by current and former artists studying painting, engraving and sculpture. You can admire the large paintings displayed in the hall, visit the sculpture gallery and buy original artwork as souvenirs. In addition to classes, the museum’s influence extends to the wider community, hosting vibrant performances, exhibitions and workshops, inviting the public to experience the beauty of Lao art.
The large paintings displayed in the hall of the museum
Vientiane Museum of Contemporary Arts
Address: Phomviharn Road, Vientiane
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 9 a.m – 5 p.m
Price:
- Adult: $10
- Senior or student (ID card is required): $5
- Children under 12: free
The Vientiane Museum of Contemporary Art is a beacon of creativity and cultural expression in the Lao capital. It is the first and only private wood museum in Vientiane, housing over 20,000 rare and large-scale wood carvings, whole carvings, panel paintings and other art exhibits, recreating the history, culture and humanity of Laos in different periods through various forms of mahogany art exhibitions. Visitors will find an impressive array of sculptures and paintings, many of which use traditional materials and techniques, creating a unique fusion of heritage and modernity.
In addition to the art, the museum’s architecture is also notable, combining sleek modern design with elements that celebrate Laos’ cultural landscape. The museum serves not only as a gallery but also as a community center for artistic dialogue, hosting workshops, lectures and events that foster interaction between artists and the public.
This museum is the first and only private wood museum in Vientiane
Lao People’s Army Museum
Address: Kaysone Phomvihane Avenue, Vientiane
Opening hours: 8 a.m – 4 p.m from Monday to Friday, closed on Saturday and Sunday
Price: ~20.000 Kip
The museum was established in 1976 and focuses on the military history of Laos, especially the period from 1950 to 1975, with the Struggle for Independence during the First Indochina War and the Second Indochina War (Vietnam War). The Lao People’s Army Museum in Vientiane is a prominent historical attraction, displaying many artifacts related to the formation and development of the Lao military.
The museum has a rich collection of MiG-21 fighter jets, UH-1 helicopters, tanks, Soviet armored vehicles, and a variety of personal weapons such as bazookas, Kalashnikov rifles, and M60 machine guns. On the second floor, visitors can learn about important battles through photos, murals, and actual weapons used in combat, providing a vivid perspective on the sacrifices and heroic fighting spirit of the Lao Army.
Lao People’s Army Museum
Essential tips when visiting museums in Laos
Here are some travel tips to help you have a smooth, informative, and enjoyable experience exploring museums in Laos:
- Check the entrance fees and closing times of each museum in advance to avoid disappointment. Some museums may close at lunchtime or the Royal Palace Museum in Luang Prabang has strict closing times and may ask visitors to leave earlier than closing time.
- Dress modestly and respectfully when visiting museums, avoiding shorts, tank tops, or see-through clothing. If you visit during the rainy season, bring an umbrella and raincoat as some museums have outdoor exhibits.
- Many museums in Laos offer English-speaking guides, and hiring one can help you better understand the exhibits. Some museums, such as the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center, offer audio tours that provide in-depth information about Laos’ ethnic groups and traditions.
- Please respect museum rules about taking photos or handling exhibits and do not touch them as many items are fragile and have cultural significance.
- While museum staff usually speak English, learning basic Lao phrases such as “Sabaidee” (Hello) and “Khop chai” (Thank you) can enhance interactions and show respect for local culture.
We hope this guide to the top 10 museums in Laos will inspire you to explore these incredible cultural treasures. Each museum has a unique story to tell and visiting them will not only give you a deeper understanding of Laos but also a greater appreciation for the country’s heritage. A visit to the national museums in Laos will give you the opportunity to explore the history, traditions and heritage of this wonderful Southeast Asian country.
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