Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre

Traditional Arts and Ethology Centre is another Luang Prabang’s highlight that allures to foreign visitors’ interest. The famous center was erected with a view to preserving cultural displays of ethnic groups. Your Laos vacations would be unforgettable with a visit to this amazing place in order to gain an insight into the life of local people.

Entering the center is like stepping into the world of Laotian people’s lives with a huge collection of traditional textiles, clothing, artefacts handicrafts, household objects and photography. Therefore, it is an ideal place for those who desire to have a closer look at Laotian people lifestyle in the past and at present.

Despite its small size, the center is actually a great place to preserve valuable pieces of artefacts and celebrate activities of ethnic groups. There are fair-trade organized by local craftsmen. Here, you can find hand-made goods by local women. Especially, you will be amazed with a broad selection of exhibits which are up to 400 representing 30 ethnic groups. With no doubt, this center is one of the greatest places to preserve and support Laos’ valuable cultural heritage. There are permanent exhibitions where Akha people display pieces of antique Indochina silver. Especially, you should not miss special exhibitions where you can have a chance to participate in ceremonies and rituals. It is such a great opportunity to have a deeper understanding of local people’s lifestyle.

General Information
The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre is a social enterprise located in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, Lao PDR. Since 2007, it is the only independent museum and resource centre in Laos dedicated to the collection, preservation, and interpretation of the traditional arts and lifestyles of the country’s many and diverse ethnic groups.

TAEC is engaged in a broad range of museum and community engagement activities, reflecting its commitment to supporting living ethnic minority communities to preserve and promote their cultural heritage while looking towards the future.

TAEC features professional exhibitions on the ethnic cultures of Laos, a Museum Shop promoting fair trade, locally produced handicrafts from village artisans, activity centre, library, and a café serving cold refreshments. In addition, the TAEC Boutique on the main street in Ban Vat Sene, promotes locally made handicrafts including the exclusive Heirloom Collection. The Heirloom Collection features products made by master artists and certified for authenticity.

To date, TAEC has welcomed over 200,000 Lao and international visitors, and has become a regional leader in cultural heritage management and community development.

TAEC’s exhibit information is in Lao and English, with French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean translations also available in booklet form.