THE TEMPLE NEAR THE LUANG PRABANG NATIONAL MUSEUM

4th DECEMBER 2016 ~ There was this temple at the entrance to the National Museum. It was majestically located at the heart of Luang Prabang town and no one could miss it when walking along the main road.

Known as Haw Pha Bang Temple, which means "the Royal Temple", this holy building was however completed in 2006, so it is not as old or historical compared to many other temples in the area. It becomes significant because it houses a bronze Buddha statue which is covered with gold leaves. I did not see the statue though when I was there - perhaps I was not observant enough and did not enter the main hall of the temple. (It seemed not to be opened to public when I was there and people were only looking from the foyer)

photo taken on the second day

the temple at night
took the photo after watching the theatre

Once you are inside the complex area, you better go and have a look as it is in the package already. You wouldn't know when you are coming back to Luang Prabang again.

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STOPPING BY AT LUANG PRABANG NATIONAL MUSEUM

the ticket counter

4th December 2016 ~ One of the prominent landmarks in Luang Prabang town is the National Museum complex which also housed another two buldings: (1) Haw Pha Bang Temple, and (2) The Royal Theatre House. We were at the ticket counter at about 12:30 p.m. but the lady told us it was time for lunch break and asked us to come back at 2:00 p.m. As promised, the window of counter opened right on time and we happily marched to the museum.

By this time, the air was no longer cool like when we first arrived in the morning.

Visitors had to leave all their belongings in the lockers provided and photography was strictly forbidden in the museum. So there would not be any photos of the inner section of this building and all the exhibits.

There were not many exhibits on display in the museum and we managed to finish the visit in less than an hour.

There was a building at the back which accommodated the collection of royal cars. They were really old (and rusty) and I had never heard of the brands before. The most interesting things were the photos of the royal drivers displayed on one of the walls.

This is one place that you should visit if you want to learn more about the history of Luang Prabang or its royal families.

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