Royal Palace Museum

The Royal Palace — Haw Kham — was built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong, on the banks of the Mekong facing Mount Phou Si. After the Pathet Lao abolished the monarchy in 1975, it became a museum. The collection includes the royal throne room (largely preserved as it was in 1975), royal regalia, gifts from foreign heads of state, and the Phra Bang Buddha — or rather its very convincing replica.

The throne room is particularly striking: gilt walls, traditional lacquerwork, and the paraphernalia of a modest but genuine court. Dress codes are strictly enforced — no shorts, no bare shoulders, and no photography inside the buildings. Open Monday to Friday, with morning and afternoon sessions; closed Thursday afternoon. The grounds include the royal temple Haw Pha Bang (still under construction) and are pleasant to walk through.

things to do museum sight
A story
The Phra Bang, the sacred gold Buddha image that gives Luang Prabang its name, was brought to the city from Sri Lanka via Cambodia in the 15th century. It was taken to Bangkok as war booty twice — in 1779 and 1828 — and returned both times. A replica is now displayed in the museum while the original is kept separately; even the Lao authorities are reluctant to say exactly where.