The former royal palace, now the National Museum, home to royal collections and the revered Phra Bang image.

🌿 Low-impact tip: this is an easy walk or bike ride from the old town.

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Construction of the palace began in 1904, during the French colonial period, for King Sisavang Vong and his family, and its design blends traditional Lao and French Beaux-Arts styles. After 1975 it became a museum displaying the throne hall, reception rooms, gifts from foreign states and belongings of the royal family. In the grounds, the ornate Haw Pha Bang shrine houses the Phra Bang, the Buddha image that gave the city its name. The Royal Theatre beside the palace stages Phralak Phralam, the Lao version of the Ramayana. The museum usually closes over lunch (about 11:30–13:30); bags and cameras go in lockers and modest dress is required.

In the UNESCO heritage zone — The old-town peninsula is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1995). Building height, materials and signage are regulated to protect its character.