Lao People's Army Historical Museum

The Lao People's Army History Museum (Lao: ຫໍພິພັດພິລະອັດຂອງກອງທັບປະຊາຊົນລາວ) is a military museum located in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. It focuses on the history of the Lao People's Army and its involvement in revolutionary struggles and national defense.

History

The museum was established on 20 January 1976 as the Lao People's Liberation Army Exhibition Hall. It was renamed the Lao People's Army Museum in 1984 and later received its current name, Lao People's Army History Museum, on 30 November 2005.

In 2022–2023, the museum underwent a major renovation, supported by the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence. The project was completed in December 2023 ahead of the 75th anniversary of the Lao People's Army. It included building repairs, updated facilities, and new visitor amenities.

Exhibits

The museum spans approximately 17,000 square meters and includes both indoor and outdoor displays. Exhibits are arranged chronologically and thematically, covering:

• Laotian military traditions and resistance to colonial powers
• The anti-colonial struggle (1893–1954)
• The U.S. involvement and the Laotian Civil War (1955–1975)
• Post-1975 national defense under the Lao People's Army
• Armored vehicles and artillery
• Dioramas and archival displays

Among the outdoor exhibits are captured American military aircraft including a Bell UH-1 helicopter, F-4 Phantom, and F-105 Thunderchief.

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  Side View of a Mural at the main entrance to the compound of the Lao People's Army Historical Museum at Vientiane, Laos
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  Front View of a Mural at the main entrance to the compound of the Lao People's Army Historical Museum at Vientiane, Laos
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  Mortar Weapon at the Lao People's Army Historical Museum at Vientiane, Laos
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  Soldiers in battle depicted at the Lao People's Army Historical Museum at Vientiane, Laos
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  Artillery Weapon at the Lao People's Army Historical Museum at Vientiane, Laos
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  Display of soldiers at the Lao People's Army Historical Museum at Vientiane, Laos
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  Tank at the Lao People's Army Historical Museum at Vientiane, Laos
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  Biplane display at the Lao People's Army Historical Museum at Vientiane, Laos
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  Helicopter display at the Lao People's Army Historical Museum at Vientiane, Laos
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  MiG Bison fighter jet at the Lao People's Army Historical Museum at Vientiane, Laos
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  Artillery Weapon at the Lao People's Army Historical Museum at Vientiane, Laos
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  Monument at the Lao People's Army Historical Museum at Vientiane, Laos
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  Bust at the Lao People's Army Historical Museum at Vientiane, Laos
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  Display at the Lao People's Army Historical Museum at Vientiane, Laos
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  Ammunition display at the Lao People's Army Historical Museum at Vientiane, Laos

Visitor information

The museum is located on Phomvihane Road inside the Ministry of National Defence compound. It is open to domestic and international visitors. Facilities include public restrooms, a courtyard, a souvenir shop, and exhibition halls. Access is typically by private taxi or tour operator.