The palace was strategically located so that important visitors could arrive by river and be received in grand style right below the palace. Imagine hopping off a boat and feeling like a VIP!
But, alas, all good things must come to an end. After King Sisavang's death, his son Savang Vatthana and the rest of the royal family were the last ones to enjoy this regal residence. In 1975, the communists decided to overthrow the monarchy (not cool, guys) and sent the royal family to re-education camps. It's like going from being a king to learning how to tie your shoelaces again. Tough break!
But fear not, my friend, because the palace didn't go to waste. It was transformed into a national museum, where you can now explore its stunning architecture and learn all about Laos' rich history.
The palace itself has a mix of traditional Lao design and French Beaux-Arts styles. It's like having a fashion show for buildings! Have a look at the double-cruciform shape, with the entrance on one side of the lower crossbar. You'll be walking up Italian marble steps, feeling as fancy as can be.
Inside, you'll find a treasure trove of royal religious objects. Just imagine being in the presence of such sacred artifacts. Oh! And be sure to check out the king's reception room, where you'll see busts of the Luang Phrabang and other Lao monarchs. There are also two magnificent gilded and lacquered Ramayana screens crafted by a local artisan. Talk about craftsmanship!
Now, one of the highlights of the palace is the Phra Bang statue. This beauty stands tall at 83 cm and weighs around 50 kg. Legend has it that it was made way back in the 1st century in Sri Lanka. It traveled around a fair bit, even spending some time in Thailand, but thankfully, it found its way back to Laos.
As you explore the palace, you'll come across various rooms filled with paintings, silver, china, and other gifts from countries all around the world. The secretary's reception room is like a visual feast, with gifts presented to Laos from Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, and even good ol' United States. There's even a piece of Moon rock from an Apollo mission. It's rockin' out of this world, literally!
In the queen's former reception room, you'll find stunning portraits of the royal family painted by a Russian artist. It's like stepping into a royal gallery. And don't forget to visit the bedrooms, dining hall, and the throne room, where you'll find the crown jewels of Laos. These jewels are fit for a king or queen, or even a royal unicorn if they existed!
So prepare to be amazed as you wander through history and soak up the glory of the Royal Palace. It's a place where the stories of kings and queens come to life, and where you can truly appreciate the grandeur of bygone times. Enjoy!
