Sala Prabang boasts a rich history. The Villa and the Cottage were first built around 1891 as the residence of Thid Phan, a prominent merchant who was appointed by the King as an official adviser to the Palace and later became Phaya Muang Kong (Lord). His son, Phaya Khammao VILAY was elected as the first Prime minister of Laos in 1945 and succeeding generations have upheld the family's prominence in the country. Although the Villa and the Cottage were a World Heritage Site in 1995, they remained a family residence until its renovation began in 1999.