Royal Palace (Haw Kham)

Located on the banks of the Mekong River and faces Mount Phousi, Royal Palace, also known as the National museum or Haw Kham, is one of the famous destinations with many traditional relics you should visit when traveling to Laos.

After the old palace was damaged by the Chinese, the new Royal Palace was built in 1904 during the French colonial era with function as the residence of the King Sisavang Vong and his family. However, in 1975 the monarchy government was overthrown, the last king Sisavang Vatthana and the royal families were forced to leave the palace. This place was changed into a museum and public opened in 1995 for visitors.

Royal Palace was designed beautifully with the mix of French Beaux-Arts style and Laos traditional motifs. Unlike the original palace that was made from wooden and faced the Mekong, the new palace was made from bricks and faced Mount Phou Si. The interior of the Palace Royal, as well as the decorations and furniture, has preserved since 1975.

This is a place to house many cultural relics and historical items of the country. One of the most valuable objects is the golden Phra Bang Buddha statue which was considered the most sacred and cultural symbol in Laos. On each occasion of Lao New Year, this statue is picked up back to Wat Xieng Thong to perform New Year's celebration and the ritual of Buddha statue bathing. Along with that, you will have a chance to explore a broad collection of paintings, weapons and ancient religious objects, the crown jewels of Lao in the Throne Hall. In addition, on the grounds of the Royal Palace of Luang Prabang are a new exhibition hall, a chapel named Haw Prabang, coupled with a statue of King Sisavangvong and the campus of the Upper Garden with a harmonious layout of trees and lakes, creating a peaceful beauty for this place. You can visit and enjoy the atmosphere of this destination.

The palace is opened daily from 08.00 to 11.30 AM and 13.00 – 15.00 PM. With its great location in the city center, Royal Palace is often included in half-day, full-day city tours or any tours in Luang Prabang. Even if you would like to visit this destination on your arrival or departure day from Luang Prabang, it’s easy because the distance from Luang Prabang airport to Royal Palace is about 6km, around 15 minutes driving.

In conclusion, Royal Palace is worth place visiting and explore the living conditions of Laos’s history in Luang Prabang. If you need any help to plan for your trip, please don’t be hesitate to contact Travel Authentic Asia.

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