The best museums Luang Prabang

This superb palace faces Mount Phousi. It was built in 1904 by King Sisavang Vong. The architecture shows different influences: French classical foundations and traditional roof with a three-headed elephant as an emblem. The palace was inhabited by the royal family until the removal of the future king Sisavang Vatthana and the queen in the north of the country in 1975.

The main entrance opens onto a huge park, Sisavangvong Street. On the left, as you enter, you can see the statue of Sisavang Vong (sculpted in 1960 by a Russian artist) whose hand position - one evoking a promise, the other holding the Constitution of the former Kingdom of Laos - symbolizes the oath of loyalty to her people. The checkroom is behind the statue, you will have to leave your bags and cameras, forbidden in the palace, in a secured locker. On the right, stands Wat Ho Pra Bang which houses the Prabang, the standing golden Buddha that gave its name to the city. This statue of Buddha of Sinhalese origin (between the 8th and 9th centuries) is 83 cm high and weighs 40 kg. It was offered in 1359 by the Khmer king Praya Sirichanta to Fa Ngum, founder of Lane Xang, in order to reinforce the legitimacy of the latter who made Buddhism the state religion. Entering on the left: the King's Secretary's Hall where gifts given to the sovereigns by foreign heads of state are displayed, including a collection of exceptional handicrafts. On the right: the former king's room where Art Deco murals illustrate the traditional life of the time. They were painted by the French artist Alix de Fautereau in the 1930s. In addition to the furniture and objects that belonged to the royal family, there are busts of the various kings of Luang Prabang as well as magnificent bronze drums. On the way to the throne room, one can notice the collection of Sevres vases, as well as a representation (wooden cabinet on the right) of a Dutch merchant with a large hat, whose testimonies have contributed to the knowledge of Lao history.

The throne room, with its frescoes in colored mosaics on a red background (1963) illustrating life in the palace, is quite unusual. The wooden throne is decorated with gold leaves. In the showcases, are distributed various religious objects, including crystal Buddhas dating from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, brought back from That Mak Mo, ancient statuettes, swords of pomp, jewelry and toiletries that belonged to the queen. When you cross the throne room (in the direction of the visit) you pass in front of the library, then you reach the private apartments of the royal family. Art Deco style (1930), very chic at the time. The dining room and the bedrooms have been stripped of their original decoration. We then go through the left wing occupied by the reception room of the queen. Here are displayed the portraits of Their Majesties King Sisavang Vatthana, Queen Khamphouy and Crown Prince Vong Savang.

Behind the Royal Palace, you can visit the garage which houses the collection of cars of the royal family, including two Lincoln Continental of 1960, an Edsel of 1958, an old DS Citroen, but also a jeep and a small boat. A must-see visit to learn more about the history of the country!

The Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre is a center for the exchange and demonstration of handicrafts of the different ethnic minorities of Laos (Akha, H'mong, Khamou, Mien Yao, Lanten, Tai Dam and Tai Lue). The aim is to promote the handicraft by bringing financial aid to the populations to preserve the customs. The visit is not very long, but worth the detour (if only because you participate in the preservation of traditions). The store is located on Sakkarine Road. A guide can be booked on request by e-mail.