This can be a good visit if you know what to expect. So get a shirt with sleeves (even short ones) and longer pants/skirt and you are set. Unfortunately, you can only take some photos outside. Everything must be dropped at the entrance (backpacks, cameras, etc). But it's still worth checking out as the interior of the palace is quite impressive and there are some interesting tidbits to discover. But then you'll have to go read some history on your own as they won't be telling you what happened to to royal family. Don't miss the car collection behind the museum too!

Do NOT listen to any negative reviews or you will miss this gem of a museum! Yes, you need to wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, big deal! And, yes you must remove your shoes and not take big bags inside but these same rules are in place to see any temples in SE Asia so it should not be such a burden. While I was disappointed about no interior photography the interior of the royal palace is impressive. The throne room and the murals alone are worth visiting for. I wished we had allotted more time for our visit. We did have a local guide show us around so that means we got more information than if you are on your own but there are placards with English information so you’ll still learn a lot.

It was very interesting to walk through this building and be told it’s history . We did have a private guide and that always helps. The walls of the rooms are ornately decorated. It was quite busy as this is one of the main tourist sites in Luang Prabang. Note you must lock your purses or backpacks at the lockers which are housed in another building before being allowed into the museum.

Entrance fee is 60,000 kip per person. Personal stuffs have to left in the Storage area before entering this attraction. Shoes have to be taken off before entering the museum. Exhibits include several rooms and bedrooms, pictures of the king, personal memorabilias, etc. We were told to move quickly, it was very crowded during my visit. There is no air con inside the building, with the big crowd around me , I quickly ended my visit. Other attractions: Gardens with benches to sit down, Temple, National Theater, big Statue. Photo- taking is allowed here. Note that no photo taking is alowed inside the Temple. Entrance is prohibited as well.

Yes, there is a strict dress code but I don't know why people moan about this. Show some respect, cover your knees and shoulders and get on with it. Our guide warned us the day before of what to wear and still some people paid no attention and were not allowed in. One guy actually broke his belt trying to pull his shorts to be just past his knees! You also cannot take in bags or proper cameras but they can be securely stored. You CAN take in a small one like a bum bag, which I did, with my phone inside no problem. They can be strict about taking water bottles inside though. Anyway, once inside it certainly has the wow factor with plenty to see and stories to hear about. The murals and mosaics in particular are stunning. Only disappointment was the no photo rule. I get the rule itself as too many stupid people cannot be trusted to turn off their flash. But I could find no trace of a guide book to buy that had the inside of the palace detailed and with photos. Not even a postcard of it. Meant I had nothing to show people when I got back. Would certainly hope the Luang Prabang tourist board take note and provide such mementos in future! The no photo rule is VERY strictly enforced so no chance of a quick snap anywhere. Don't try this!

Probably the largest complex of buildings in Luang Prabang, the grounds of the former Royal Palace bear testament to Laos's storied history over the last half-decade or so. Built for the royal family at the turn of the last century in what was then the country's capital, the buildings were eventually converted into a museum when the communists took power. During our visit, we spent more time strolling along the corridors of the main palace. Highlights included the king's & queen's reception rooms, murals depicting scenes of Lao life, statues, silk screens (one of which was weaved by a former queen), and various diplomatic gifts. Photography was prohibited so visitors will have to be content with relying on their memory. We also visited the palace temple and the barge museum. The former was moderately large in size with a three-tiered roof with an elaborate gold leaf-decorated facade, the highlight being the Buddha statue that gives its name to the city. Here again, photography was not allowed. There was also a royal cars exhibitiong (not much to see) with a couple of old petrol pumps (in poor condition), a couple of royal carriages (at least that's what the sign said). Do take note that the grounds are closed for a couple of hours at midday.