Royal Palace & National Museum

Luang Prabang, Laos

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The Royal Palace, now home to the National Museum of Luang Prabang, is one of the city’s most important cultural landmarks. Built between 1904 and 1909 as the residence of the Lao royal family, it served as the official palace until the monarchy was abolished in 1975. Today, it preserves the history, art, and heritage of the former Kingdom of Laos. The museum houses royal artifacts, ceremonial objects, religious treasures, historical photographs, and gifts presented to the Lao monarchy by foreign leaders. One of its most revered possessions is the Prabang Buddha, a sacred image that gave Luang Prabang its name. Located beside the Mekong River in the heart of the UNESCO-listed historic district, the Royal Palace & National Museum offers visitors a fascinating insight into Laos’s royal past, Buddhist traditions, and national identity, making it one of the most visited attractions in Luang Prabang.