Kaysone Phomvihane Memorial Museum
A preserved glimpse into the life of Laos' former president, showcasing mid-century design and Soviet memorabilia at an unbeatable price.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid midday heat
Kaysone Phomvihane Memorial Museum
Best Time
Avoid midday heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A preserved glimpse into the life of Laos' former president, showcasing mid-century design and Soviet memorabilia at an unbeatable price.
"An incredible experience, a perfectly preserved snapshot of Comrade Kaysone’s life for political history nerds!"
💰 Incredible Value
Only 5,000 Kip for admission and a private guided tour. A must-visit for history buffs!
🚶♀️ Private Guided Tour
Enjoy a 30-45 minute tour, ask questions, and explore at your own pace.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Comrade Kaysone's Residence
Main building
A perfectly preserved snapshot of a leader's life, showcasing mid-century design and Soviet memorabilia.
Soviet Memorabilia Collection
Exhibition rooms
Discover fascinating Soviet-era artifacts that offer a unique historical perspective.
Spacious Grounds
Exterior
Explore the surprisingly large complex, once the USAID headquarters, offering a shady and pleasant atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Low Entry Fee, High Value
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Incredible Value
Only 5,000 Kip for admission and a private guided tour. A must-visit for history buffs!
🚶♀️ Private Guided Tour
Enjoy a 30-45 minute tour, ask questions, and explore at your own pace.
🕰️ Take Your Time
Don't rush the tour; linger in rooms to appreciate the details and curiosities.
🌳 Shady Atmosphere
The grounds are surprisingly spacious and offer a pleasant, shady environment to explore.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Incredible Value
Only 5,000 Kip for admission and a private guided tour. A must-visit for history buffs!
🚶♀️ Private Guided Tour
Enjoy a 30-45 minute tour, ask questions, and explore at your own pace.
🕰️ Take Your Time
Don't rush the tour; linger in rooms to appreciate the details and curiosities.
🌳 Shady Atmosphere
The grounds are surprisingly spacious and offer a pleasant, shady environment to explore.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Kaysone Phomvihane Memorial Museum for its incredible value, with a very low entry fee that includes a private guided tour. The preserved snapshot of mid-century design and Soviet memorabilia is a highlight for history enthusiasts. Some note the residence is less luxurious than expected for a leader, but appreciate the authentic glimpse into the past.
"The price was right. 5,000 Kip. They provide a guided tour for about 30 minutes. The residence is far less luxurious than I would expect for the leader of a country. Pleasant experience."
Jason Jones
"What an incredible experience. A perfectly preserved snapshot of Comrade Kaysone’s life. Would highly rec this for political history nerds and lovers of mid century design and architecture!! All the Soviet memorabilia were sooo cool
- Tour guide included
- The tour is around 45 mins - 1 hour, looking at around 3 rooms. Feel free to slow down, look at the curiosities in each room (the best part IMO), and ask questions :)
- The complex is surprisingly large"
T B
"Guided tour of the former President's personal residence, almost untouched for over 3 decades. It was previously the USAID headquarters in Laos. The staff were pleased to see us as this place has hardly any visitors and near zero online presence. I only found out about it thanks to Lonely Planet's guidebook."
Bernard Fischer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Vientiane. While specific public transport details are scarce, it's recommended to take a tuk-tuk or taxi from the city center. The journey is relatively short, and drivers will be familiar with the location.
Yes, the museum has grounds that can accommodate cars. Parking is generally not an issue due to the low visitor numbers.
A short tuk-tuk or taxi ride is the most convenient way to reach the museum from downtown Vientiane. It's a straightforward journey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is incredibly affordable at 5,000 Kip per person. This fee includes a guided tour.
No advance booking is necessary. Tickets can be purchased upon arrival at the museum.
Information on specific discounts is limited, but the standard entry fee is already very low, making it accessible for most travelers.
Specific opening hours are not widely published, but it's generally advisable to visit during daylight hours, ideally in the morning to avoid the heat.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The guided tour typically lasts 30-45 minutes and covers about three rooms of the former president's residence. Guides are knowledgeable and happy to answer questions.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to ask your guide before taking photos inside the residence to ensure you respect any restrictions.
Absolutely! It's described as a 'perfectly preserved snapshot' for political history enthusiasts, with a focus on mid-century design and Soviet memorabilia.
A visit, including the guided tour and a brief exploration of the grounds, can be completed in about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Restroom facilities are typically available at such sites, though specific details are not widely advertised.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no food or dining facilities directly within the museum complex. It's recommended to eat before or after your visit.
You'll need to travel back towards the city center of Vientiane to find a variety of restaurants offering local and international cuisine.
📸 📸 Photography
The preserved interiors with mid-century design and Soviet memorabilia offer unique photographic subjects. The exterior grounds also provide pleasant shots.
It's best to confirm with your guide regarding photography rules inside the residence to avoid any issues.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the focus is on political history and mid-century design, which might not hold the attention of very young children for the full duration. However, the low entry fee makes it a low-risk option for a short cultural excursion.
💰 Budget Travelers
It's a perfect addition to an itinerary for those looking to experience local history and culture without significant expense. The experience is intimate due to low visitor numbers, making it feel like a personal discovery.
🏛️ History & Political Science Enthusiasts
The guided tour offers context and insights that are invaluable for understanding the historical period. The modest nature of the residence itself also offers a unique perspective on leadership and lifestyle during that era.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Mid-Century Laos
The guided tour, included with the minimal entrance fee, is a key part of the experience. Guides are noted for being pleased to see visitors and are happy to share insights, making the 30-45 minute tour engaging. The complex itself is larger than one might expect, with shady grounds that were once the USAID headquarters, adding another layer of historical context to the visit.
Given the museum's low visitor numbers and minimal online presence, it offers a tranquil and personal experience. It's a place where you can truly appreciate the details without feeling rushed, making it a rewarding visit for history buffs and those curious about a less-explored aspect of Laos' past.
The Value Proposition: 5,000 Kip Well Spent
Reviewers consistently highlight the affordability and the quality of the included tour. The guides are often described as attentive and informative, enhancing the understanding of the exhibits and the historical context. This low cost, combined with a unique offering, makes the museum a highly recommended stop for budget travelers and anyone looking for an authentic cultural experience without a hefty price tag.
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