Things to Do in Lao National Museum, ປະເທດລາວ

The Lao National Museum, located in Vientiane, Laos, serves as the country's premier cultural institution and a gateway to understanding Lao history, heritage, and identity. Housed in a beautiful French colonial building that was once the residence of the French governor, the museum showcases artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the modern era, including ancient Khmer sculptures, Buddhist art, traditional textiles, and exhibits documenting the struggle for independence and the formation of modern Laos. Vientiane itself is a charming, laid-back capital city situated along the Mekong River, offering visitors a unique blend of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences. The city serves as an excellent base for exploring Laos' rich cultural heritage, with numerous temples, markets, and colonial architecture complementing the museum experience. Despite being a capital city, Vientiane maintains a small-town atmosphere with tree-lined streets, riverside cafes, and a relaxed pace that reflects the Lao philosophy of taking life slowly.

Top Things to Do in Lao National Museum

Explore Buddhist Temples

Visit Vientiane's magnificent Buddhist temples including Wat Si Saket, the oldest temple in the city with thousands of Buddha images, and Pha That Luang, the golden stupa that serves as Laos' national symbol. These sacred sites offer insight into Lao religious traditions and architectural styles that complement the cultural artifacts seen in the National Museum.

Booking Tip: Temple visits are free or require small donations (5,000-10,000 kip). Visit early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) for the best lighting and to avoid midday heat. Dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees.

Mekong River Sunset Cruise

Take a leisurely boat trip along the Mekong River to watch the sunset while enjoying views of both Lao and Thai countryside. Many cruises include traditional Lao music and local snacks, providing a peaceful way to end a day of museum and temple visits.

Booking Tip: Sunset cruises cost $15-25 per person and last 1.5-2 hours. Book through your hotel or local tour operators along the riverfront. Dry season (November-March) offers the most reliable weather.

Traditional Lao Cooking Class

Learn to prepare authentic Lao dishes like laap, tam mak hoong (papaya salad), and sticky rice in hands-on cooking classes that often include market visits. These experiences provide cultural context to complement the traditional lifestyle exhibits at the National Museum.

Booking Tip: Classes cost $25-40 per person including ingredients and meals. Morning classes (9 AM start) often include market tours. Book 1-2 days in advance through cooking schools or guesthouses.

Morning Market Shopping

Explore Talat Sao (Morning Market) and the newer Talat Sao Mall to shop for traditional textiles, handicrafts, jewelry, and local products. The market offers an authentic glimpse into daily Lao life and opportunities to purchase items similar to those displayed in the museum's cultural exhibits.

Booking Tip: Markets open early (6 AM) and are busiest until noon. Bargaining is expected - start at 50% of the asking price. Bring small bills (20,000-50,000 kip notes) for easier transactions.

Patuxai Monument and City Views

Climb the Patuxai (Victory Gate), Vientiane's Arc de Triomphe-inspired monument, for panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. The monument itself tells the story of Lao independence, connecting to themes explored in the National Museum's modern history sections.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is 5,000 kip (about $0.50). Visit late afternoon for best photography light and cooler temperatures. The climb involves several flights of stairs, so bring water.

Getting There

Wattay International Airport (VTE) is located about 3km from central Vientiane and receives flights from major Southeast Asian cities including Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Kuala Lumpur. Taxis from the airport cost around $7-10, while tuk-tuks charge $3-5. Alternatively, you can reach Vientiane by bus from Thailand via the Friendship Bridge crossing at Nong Khai, or take the train from Bangkok to Nong Khai and cross by bus. The museum is centrally located and easily accessible from most accommodations in the city center.

Getting Around

Vientiane is a compact city best explored on foot, by bicycle, or using tuk-tuks for longer distances. Bicycle rentals cost $2-3 per day and are available from most guesthouses and hotels. Tuk-tuks charge 20,000-40,000 kip ($2-4) for short trips within the city center, while motorcycle taxis cost slightly less. Many attractions, including the National Museum, temples, and markets, are within walking distance of each other in the historic center. For day trips outside the city, organized tours or private drivers are recommended.

Where to Stay

City Center near Nam Phu Fountain

Riverfront area along Mekong

Near Wat Si Saket temple district

Talat Sao Market vicinity

Setthathirath Road cultural zone

Chao Anouvong Park area

Food & Dining

Vientiane's dining scene reflects its multicultural heritage, offering everything from street food stalls serving traditional laap and pho to upscale restaurants featuring French cuisine. The riverfront area contains numerous restaurants with Mekong views, while the morning market area offers authentic local eateries. Don't miss trying Lao specialties like sticky rice, tam mak hoong (papaya salad), and fresh spring rolls. French bakeries throughout the city serve excellent pastries and coffee, a legacy of colonial times. Evening food markets along the Mekong provide affordable dining options with outdoor seating and local atmosphere.

When to Visit

The best time to visit the Lao National Museum and Vientiane is during the cool, dry season from November to March when temperatures are comfortable (20-28°C/68-82°F) and rainfall is minimal. This period offers ideal conditions for walking between attractions and exploring outdoor sites. The hot season (April-May) can be uncomfortably warm, while the rainy season (June-October) brings heavy afternoon downpours that can disrupt sightseeing plans, though mornings are often clear and the countryside is lush and green.

Insider Tips

The museum is closed on Mondays and has limited English signage, so consider hiring a local guide or downloading translation apps beforehand

Combine your museum visit with nearby attractions like Wat Si Saket and the Presidential Palace, all within a 10-minute walk of each other

Photography may be restricted in certain museum sections - always ask permission and respect posted signs to avoid issues with staff

Things to Do in Lao National Museum