The Top 10 Museums and Exhibits in Laos

December 9, 2017 regina beach

This post was originally published on Culture Trip. To read the original and see the accompanying images, click here.

The sun is incredibly hot in Laos. When you’re ready to take a break from its rays, duck into one of these museums to learn about Laos’ natural history, ethnic minorities, politics, textiles, and many more.

Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum

Savannakhet is very proud of the dinosaur fossils that have been found in the province. See (and touch!) fossilised remains of dinosaurs and learn about the excavation process in this small but informative museum located in the Provincial Science, Technology and Environment Office.

Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum, Savannakhet, Lao PDR

COPE Visitors Center

The COPE Center helps Lao citizens with disabilities obtain prosthetics and do physical therapy to regain mobility. The visitors’ centre has an in-depth display on the horrors of cluster munitions and the damage bombings have caused and continue to cause in Laos. Watch documentaries on UXO removal then see photos and read stories about some of the patients COPE has helped.

COPE Center, Boulevard Khouvieng, Vientiane, Lao PDR

Royal Palace and Museum

The former Royal Palace in Luang Prabang is now a spectacular museum. Check out the mosaics in the throne room, and the former king’s luxury car collection. On the premises is the Haw Pha Bang, built to house the golden Pha Bang buddha statue, which gave Luang Prabang its name.

Royal Palace and Museum, Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR

Luang Prabang Museum | © Rebeccamack/WikiCommons

Lao National Museum, Vientiane

The Lao National Museum is moving from its former building across from the Lao Culture Hall to a new building 3 miles (5 km) from the city centre. The collection spans prehistoric tools and pottery to ethnic clothing and household goods. A large collection of party memorabilia and modern Lao history is also housed here.

Lao National Museum, Rue Samsenthai, Vientiane, Lao PDR

Laos National Museum | © neajjean/WikiCommons

Lao Textile Museum

A little ways away from down town, the Laos Textile Museum in Vientiane is a family-run museum and shop. Weaving has been part of the family for generations and they are happy to share the history of cultivating silk, natural dyes like indigo, and weaving silk into textiles with guests.

Lao Textile Museum, Ban Nongtha Tai, Vientiane, Lao PDR

Silk Thread | © Adam Jones/WikiCommons

Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Center

Right on the bank of the Mekong, Luang Prabang’s Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Center teaches visitors all about Lao textiles. Take a free guided tour and see the silkworms and meet the weavers. Try your hand at a batik or weaving workshop. Stay for a meal or a drink at Silk Road Cafe on the premises.

Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Center, Phothisalath Rd. Luang Prabang, Lao PDR

Kaysone Phomvihane Museum

Kaysone Phomvihane was the leader of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and served as the prime minister and then president of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. This museum in Vientiane was opened in 1995 to honour the late Phomvihane’s 75th birthday and houses memorabilia of the man as well as the history of the party.

Kaysone Phomvilhane Museum National Highway 13 km 6, Ban Sivilay, Muang Saythani, Vientiane

Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre

Hike up a tall set of stairs to Luang Prabang’s Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre. Take a guided tour or wander around on your own to discover the intricate and beautiful crafts of the Tai Lue, Akha, Hmong and Kmhmu ethnic minorities in Laos. Other exhibits feature works from other parts of Asia, Africa, and South America. Check out the gift shop and support artisans from around Laos who sell their work at the TAEC.

Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center Dala Market, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR 0600

National Institute of Fine Arts

Vientiane’s National Institute of Fine Arts contains the works of present and former student artists studying painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Patrons can peruse the large paintings displayed in the hall, check out the sculpture gallery, and purchase original artwork to take home as a souvenir.

National Institute of Fine Arts, Khoubulom Rd, Vientiane 0100, Lao PDR

Luang Namtha Provincial Museum

If you’re in Luang Namtha to trek in the Nam Ha National Biodiversity Conservation Area, spend a day in town and check out the Provincial Museum. You’ll learn about local people, see traditional costumes, weaponry, pottery, household goods and religious artefacts.

Luang Namtha Provincial Museum, Road 17A, Luang Namtha, Xaysomboun, Lao PDR