Laos Archives and Libraries


 * Archives collect and preserve original documents of organizations such as churches or governments. Libraries generally collect published sources such as books, maps, and microfilm.
 * If you plan to visit a repository, contact them and ask for information about their collection, hours, services, and fees. Ask if they require you to have a reader’s ticket (a paper indicating you are a responsible researcher) to view the records, and ask how to obtain one.
 * Although the records you need may be in an archive or library, the FamilySearch Library may have microfilmed and/or digitized copies of them.

Archives
The Japanese Army destroyed the French colonial records during World War II. In 1975, the Pathet Lao gained power and destroyed the records of the former government.

Libraries
National Library of Laos Corner Thanon Setthathirat/Thanon Pangkham Ban Xiengyeun Thong Muang Chanthaburi Vientiane, Laos P.O. Box 704, Vientiane, Laos Telephone: 856 (0) 21 212452 Fax: 856 (0) 21 213029 Website
 * There are five other provinces with National Library of Laos Branches: Khammouane, Champassak, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, and Xieng Khouang Provinces.

Museums
Lao National Museum Samsenthai Road Ventiane, Laos Wikipedia: Lao National Museum

Record Offices
Laos has no central registry for vital records. The Household Registry Book and National Identification Card are the only standard civil records.