First-time visitors to Vientiane who wish to know more about the country’s history should check out the Lao National Museum in Vientiane – Laos.
This is the biggest of all the ten museums run by the government of the country.
Location
The Lao National Museum in Vientiane – Laos is situated along Thanon Samsenthai on the opposite side of the Lao National Cultural Hall and right beside the Lao Plaza Hotel.
Getting There
Reaching the tourist hotspots in the city via public transport can be through a tuk-tuk ride, bus, taxi, or bike.
These four are the most common means of getting around the city for those looking for cheaper ways of exploring the sights. For the tuk-tuk and taxi, you can ask the driver to drop you off right at the entrance to the Lao National Museum in Vientiane – Laos.
For the buses, these can drop you off to the nearest point from which you can easily walk towards the museum.
What to See and Do
The Lao National Museum in Vientiane – Laos will walk you down some of the most important moments in the country’s history. The museum is divided into two floors.
On the first floor, you will see various artifacts that illustrate the country’s early history. These items include tools and implements from the Stone Age and the Bronze Age.
The second floor provides a more in-depth look at how the country struggled against foreign powers that wanted to take hold of the nation.
The items here may be as ordinary as they come such as pairs of socks used by members of Politburo during the time they broke out of prison; but these provide visitors with glimpses of how the struggle must have been like for the people.
There is also an exhibit on the Laotian Kingdom of the 18th Century. Finally, the tour culminates at the photo exhibit depicting some of the country’s important issues.
Within the museum’s premises there is also a small shop and art gallery with a few paintings on display.
Brief History
The Lao National Museum in Vientiane – Laos was originally the Lao Revolutionary Exhibition Hall which was later upgraded to the Lao Revolutionary Museum in the year 1985.
Finally in the year 2000, the Lao Revolutionary Museum was transformed into the Lao National Museum.
The building that houses the exhibits was constructed some time in the year 1925 for the purpose of providing a residential building for the French governor.
It was heavily damaged during the 2nd World War but was later on restored.
Cost
Entry fee into the Lao National Museum in Vientiane – Laos is ten thousand kip per person.
Other Information
The Lao National Museum in Vientiane – Laos is open daily from 8 in the morning up to 4 in the afternoon, with a noontime break between 12 noon and 1 pm.
