- Address: Luang Prabang, Laos
- Phone: +856 71 212 122
- Working hours: daily, 8: 00-16: 00, break 11: 30-13: 30
- Visit price: $ 2.50
Luang Prabang is a special city in Laos . Once it was the capital of the state, and for tourists it remained a closed territory. Since 1989, its attractions have become available to travelers. It must be said that according to the number of churches the city is not inferior to Vientiane , there are also truly unique specimens here. After all, it was in Luang Prabang that royalty resided, and if you are eager to plunge into this ancient atmosphere, then by all means visit the Royal Palace of Laos Ho Kham.
What is interesting about the palace of Ho Kham?
The history of this landmark dates back to 1904. The palace was erected for Sisavat Wong, the last king of Luang Prabang. Construction took about four years, and only in 1907 the crowned ruler found a new home. The special love of tourists Ho Kham won due to the fact that for such a long period of its existence there is still a majesty, and the building has not lost its traditional features.
The Royal Palace of Ho Kham is a whole complex of buildings, which today is a museum. Here, the traditional Lao architecture and French neoclassicism blended together. On the territory of the palace-museum there are a lot of attractions that attract the attention of tourists. Among them is an exact copy of the Sacred Golden Buddha, known as the Buddha Pra Bang, which Khmer King Jayavarman Paramesvara once donated to the ruler Pha Ngum.
Internal environment
In the building of the palace you can see portraits of the royal family: both the ruler Sisavat Wong, and his wife Khampohui and son Wong Sawang. These paintings by Russian artist Ilya Glazunov were painted back in 1967. In addition, the exhibits here are antique furniture, household items, and a collection of royal gifts.
The frescoes that adorn the walls of the Ho Kham palace deserve special attention. Their authorship belongs to the Frenchman Alex de Fontero, and they were written in 1930. The peculiarity of these murals lies in a special arrangement, through which natural light falls in such a way that it illuminates images corresponding to a specific kind of day.
On the territory of the museum complex you can also see the majestic temple, made in the original style of Laos religious buildings. In its walls, under a watchful eye, is the royal throne. The walls of the temple, as well as the floor and ceiling are painted with fascinating red and gold patterns and drawings, and the traditional roof, like the entrance, is crowned with statues of dragons.
The entrance to the palace complex is $ 2.50. It is allowed to shoot only from the outside. In addition, visitors should remember the dress code: give up the defiant outfits, planning to visit the Royal Palace of Ho Kham in Laos.
How to get to the palace-museum?
You can get to the Ho Cham palace by taxi, tuk-tuk, or on a rented bicycle. The complex is located in the center of the city, and in its environment there are many hotels , so the way here will not become a tiring walk for you.