Presidential Palace Vientiane - a large white and red building sitting on top of a lush green field
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Presidential Palace Vientiane

4
·133 reviews·Vientiane, Laos

A grand symbol of Laos' governance, the Presidential Palace captivates with its French colonial and Lao architectural blend. Admire its facade and ill...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour light for photos

CrowdLow
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Presidential Palace Vientiane - a large white and red building sitting on top of a lush green field

Presidential Palace Vientiane

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour light for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A grand symbol of Laos' governance, the Presidential Palace captivates with its French colonial and Lao architectural blend. Admire its facade and illuminated beauty.

4
(133 reviews)

"The Presidential Palace is an impressive landmark, worth seeing for its architecture and evening glow."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Exterior Photos Only

You can't go inside, but the outside is spectacular! Great for photos.

📍 Prime Location

Located on Lane Xang Avenue, easy to combine with other sights.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Exterior Architecture

Exterior Architecture

Lane Xang Avenue

Marvel at the blend of French colonial and Lao styles. A true Vientiane landmark.

Evening Illumination

Evening Illumination

Exterior view

See the palace beautifully lit up after dark. A magical sight.

Iconic Flagpoles

Iconic Flagpoles

Front of the palace

Admire the tall flagpoles and the impressive scale of the building.

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Planning Your Visit

Admire from the Outside

While you can't enter the Presidential Palace, its stunning French colonial and Lao architecture is a must-see. The grounds are well-maintained, and the imposing structure offers a glimpse into Laos' governance. It's a popular photo spot, especially when illuminated at night.

Strategic Photo Opportunities

The palace is off-limits to visitors, so focus on capturing its grandeur from the exterior. The large flags and tidy grounds, along with the blue-uniformed guards, make for interesting photo opportunities. It's conveniently located near other Vientiane attractions.

Best Times

When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Evening
Why
Beautiful illumination
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Were in the capital of Laos - Vientiane! We had a great day exploring the city and all it had to offer. Definitrly worth checking out 🇱🇦🙌 #laos #asia #travel #vientiane
@2passports1dream
40.7K likes • 555.9K views

📸 Exterior Photos Only

You can't go inside, but the outside is spectacular! Great for photos. Reddit

📍 Prime Location

Located on Lane Xang Avenue, easy to combine with other sights. TikTok

reddit.com

What to do in Vientiane for 3 days?

reddit.com

Few days in Vientiane

✨ Evening Glow

The palace is stunning when lit up at night. Worth a visit after sunset. Reddit

💂‍♂️ Friendly Guards

The blue-uniformed guards are reportedly cool with tourists taking photos. Reddit

reddit.com

Help me with 2-3 weeks trip plan to Laos.

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Exterior Photos Only

You can't go inside, but the outside is spectacular! Great for photos. Reddit

📍 Prime Location

Located on Lane Xang Avenue, easy to combine with other sights. TikTok

✨ Evening Glow

The palace is stunning when lit up at night. Worth a visit after sunset. Reddit

💂‍♂️ Friendly Guards

The blue-uniformed guards are reportedly cool with tourists taking photos. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4
(133 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the Presidential Palace's impressive French colonial and Lao architecture, noting it's a significant landmark in Vientiane. While entry is prohibited, the exterior is considered worth seeing, especially when lit up at night, and it serves as a great photo opportunity. The tidy grounds and imposing presence make it a notable stop on any city tour.

"The Presidential Palace is an impressive landmark in Vientiane, showcasing beautiful French colonial and Lao architectural influences. While visitors cannot enter, the exterior is worth seeing, especially in the evening when it’s lit up. It’s located near other key attractions, making it an easy stop while exploring the city. A great spot for photos and to admire one of Vientiane’s most important buildings."

Markéta Jenčková

"Presidential palace are off limits for tourists but you can take the picture outside no problem

huge flags, very tidy, blue guards seems cool with tourists"

LI NG

"The Hor Khan, Presidential Palace is a well known building in Vientiane situated at the beginning of Lane Xang Avenue. The building is the official residence of the President of Laos but acts solely for Government functions and ceremonies.
The impressive Beaux-Art building is closed to the public together with the gardens.
The palace has been extended and wings added in the past few years. The building was designed in 1975 but only opened in 1986."

Nigel Fowler Sutton

What People Like

Impressive architecture
Great photo spot
Evening illumination

What People Dislike

Cannot enter

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Presidential Palace is located on Lane Xang Avenue, a central street in Vientiane. You can easily reach it by tuk-tuk, taxi, or even by walking if you're staying nearby. It's a prominent landmark, so most drivers will know its location. TikTok

Parking can be a bit challenging in central Vientiane. It's often best to arrive by tuk-tuk or taxi and be dropped off directly, rather than trying to find dedicated parking. Reddit

Yes, the Presidential Palace is situated near other key sites like Patuxai and Pha That Luang, making it walkable from many central Vientiane locations. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, you do not need a ticket as visitors are not permitted inside the Presidential Palace. You can only admire and photograph the exterior. Reddit

Since you can only view the exterior, there are no official opening hours. It's accessible to see from the outside at any time, though it's particularly beautiful when illuminated at night. Reddit

Unfortunately, no. The Presidential Palace is the official residence and used for government functions, so it is closed to the public. Reddit

There is no entrance fee as the grounds are not open for public exploration beyond the immediate exterior viewing areas. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light for exterior shots. The palace is also stunning when illuminated at night, providing a different, magical perspective. Reddit

Photography of the exterior is generally permitted. However, be mindful of any security personnel and avoid photographing sensitive areas if indicated. Reddit

Try capturing the full facade from Lane Xang Avenue, or focus on the details of the architecture. The large flagpoles also make for striking photographic elements. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While kids can't go inside the Presidential Palace, they might be fascinated by the large flags and the impressive scale of the building. It's a quick stop that can be easily incorporated into a day of exploring Vientiane's other attractions. The tidy grounds offer a good spot for a brief photo opportunity. Remember to keep an eye on them as it's a government building. TikTokReddit

📸 Photographers

The Presidential Palace offers excellent opportunities for architectural photography. The blend of French colonial and Lao styles provides unique visual elements. Aim for the late afternoon for the best light, or visit after dark to capture the building's evening illumination. The grand flagpoles are also a popular subject. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Significance

The Presidential Palace in Vientiane is a striking example of Beaux-Arts architecture, a style that flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its design reflects the period when Laos was under French colonial rule, evident in the grand facades, symmetrical layouts, and ornate detailing. The palace, originally designed in 1975 and opened in 1986, has seen extensions and added wings over the years, blending historical influences with more contemporary governmental needs. While visitors cannot step inside, appreciating the exterior provides a tangible connection to Vientiane's past and its evolving urban landscape. Reddit

This architectural style often features elaborate stonework, large windows, and imposing entrances, all of which contribute to the palace's stately appearance. The building serves not only as a symbol of the nation's leadership but also as a significant piece of Vientiane's urban heritage. Its presence on Lane Xang Avenue, a major thoroughfare, makes it a focal point for understanding the city's development and its historical ties. Reddit

Understanding Its Role

The Presidential Palace, also referred to as the Hor Khan, is the official residence and primary working office of the President of Laos. It is the nerve center for the country's governance, hosting official ceremonies, state functions, and important government meetings. Due to its sensitive nature as a seat of power, the palace and its immediate gardens are strictly off-limits to the general public and tourists. Reddit

This restriction means that visitors can only experience the palace from its perimeter. The presence of blue-uniformed guards adds to the security and formality of the site. While you can't explore the interiors, observing the building from the outside offers a sense of its importance and the solemnity associated with its function as the heart of Laos' executive branch. Reddit

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