Presidential Palace Vientiane
A grand symbol of Laos' governance, the Presidential Palace captivates with its French colonial and Lao architectural blend. Admire its facade and ill...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light for photos
Presidential Palace Vientiane
Best Time
Golden hour light for photos
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.
"The Presidential Palace is an impressive landmark, worth seeing for its architecture and evening glow."
📸 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.
Quick Facts
Rating
4 · 133 reviews
Type
Government Office
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Exterior Architecture
Lane Xang Avenue
Marvel at the blend of French colonial and Lao styles. A true Vientiane landmark.
Evening Illumination
Exterior view
See the palace beautifully lit up after dark. A magical sight.
Iconic Flagpoles
Front of the palace
Admire the tall flagpoles and the impressive scale of the building.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Admire from the Outside
Strategic Photo Opportunities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 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.
What to do in Vientiane for 3 days?
I'm currently sat in a restaurant in Nong Khai, Thailand, waiting for my girlfriend to finish some Tom Saap before we cross the border to Vientiane. We're only there for 3/4 days. We cross over today (Tuesday), I have an embassy appointment tomorrow (Wednesday) and imagine we…
Few days in Vientiane
I'll be spending a few days in Vientiane and wondering if I could get some good advice on things to do and see while there. And regarding currency, should I bring both kip and USD?
✨ Evening Glow
The palace is stunning when lit up at night. Worth a visit after sunset.
💂♂️ Friendly Guards
The blue-uniformed guards are reportedly cool with tourists taking photos.
Help me with 2-3 weeks trip plan to Laos.
I found some notable [local restaurants](https://www.asiakingtravel.com/blog/where-eat-vientiane-top-best-local-restaurant-explore.html) in Vientiane.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 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.
✨ Evening Glow
The palace is stunning when lit up at night. Worth a visit after sunset.
💂♂️ Friendly Guards
The blue-uniformed guards are reportedly cool with tourists taking photos.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
Yes, the Presidential Palace is situated near other key sites like Patuxai and Pha That Luang, making it walkable from many central Vientiane locations.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
Unfortunately, no. The Presidential Palace is the official residence and used for government functions, so it is closed to the public.
There is no entrance fee as the grounds are not open for public exploration beyond the immediate exterior viewing areas.
📸 📸 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.
Photography of the exterior is generally permitted. However, be mindful of any security personnel and avoid photographing sensitive areas if indicated.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit