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PLACES OF INTEREST

 

 

 

  Luang Prabang National Museum

 

Laos

The Luang Prabang National Museum, which is also known as the Royal Palace Museum.  The palace was converted into a museum after the monarchy was overthrown by the communists in 1975.

 

It is located at the banks of the Mae Khong River, opposite of Mount Phousi (fig.). Completed in 1909, it was built during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong, whose statue stands in the palace garden, in front of the main building, which is usually referred to as the conference hall. The king and his family lived here until his death in 1959, after which it was occupied by the crown prince, Savang Vatthana.

 

  Luang Prabang National Museum

 

  Luang Prabang National Museum

 

Above the entrance of the conference hall is a tympanum with the Laotian royal emblem, i.e. Erawan, the three-headed elephant sheltered by a parasol.

 

At the right side of the entrance, within the palace grounds, there is also a Buddhist temple, called Ho Pha Bang (fig.), which was built in 1963 to house Phra Bang, the royal Buddha image after which the city was named.

THAILAND'S NEIGHBOURS & BEYOND MAP LOCATION DIRECTIONS

 

  Luang Prabang National Museum