Heuan Chan Heritage House – Traditional and colonial style in Laos

Located in the heart of town, Huan Chan is a rare surviving example in Luang Prabang; a pre-colonial Lao style, aristocratic, mansion dating back from the days before the colonial influences. It was built in 1900 by Thong Sayasith, Phanya Muong Sene, and was presented by the king to Thong Sayasith when he married.

The house was designed and built with Leu (ethnic) architecture, originating from the Nam Ou valley. The designs were for suitable events and ceremonies and also for relaxing, with an open-air wood terrace and lined by benches used for welcomed guests and relatives who came to meet Phaya Muong Sene, and at night then terrace was the scene of courting games as downstairs, boys came to sing and woo the girls of the house who were sitting upstairs.

The large ceremony room is used for religious ceremonies, where there are bed rooms and a kitchen. The most impressive of the house is its wall which is made of Buffalo skins. There is a veranda and its floor is covered by mattresses and used for welcomed distinguished visitors, and also used for giving early orders to the staff and palace guards under his command.

Its location is well appointed, in a calm and cool place, with lush, beautiful gardens and surrounded by trees, which offer a great atmospheres for relaxing, with a little more privacy.

Nowadays, the house is protected by the UNESCO program, responsible for the preservation of the traditional architecture of Luang Prabang. And it is open daily for visitors to join the events; like a tradition Luang Prabang Baci ceremony, various options of cooking classes and to rent traditional or tribal suites for a photograph which offers you a real authentic and cultural feeling of Luang Prabang, or you can just visit its museum where you could learn about its history. It is worthy to visit this heritage house when you travel to Luang Prabang.