Sights Outside the City
Other sights outside of town include Wat Phon Phao (Peacefulness Temple), a golden stupa on a hilltop about 5km (3 miles) away, best viewed from afar -- though the view back to town from its height is worth the trek. From here, visit nearby Ban Phanom Weaving Village, a now rather commercialized weaving collective where you can find deals on Lao Ikat patterns and hand-woven bags. Just past Ban Phanom and hidden in a jungle riverside area (signs point the way down the embankment), find the Tomb of Henri Mouhot, the 19th-century French explorer credited with the rediscovery of Cambodia's Angkor Wat. He died in Luang Prabang of malaria while hunting the source of the Mekong. Day trips across the Mekong to small temples and villages are also popular and can be arranged with boat drivers at quayside.
Taking Refuge: Making Friends at the Temple
There is little that's spectacular on the sleepy peninsula of Luang Prabang. Rather, time spent here is about soaking up the atmosphere and taking leisurely walks along dusty lanes lined with French colonial buildings. Another great local activity is to stop in at a temple -- any temple, really -- and meet up with the monks or young novices. The monks are great sources of information and insight into Laos culture, Buddhism, and the vagaries of human existence. Language is a big part of their training, and they study Pali and Sanskrit as well as English and French (and even Chinese and Japanese). Novices are keen to practice their English or even get help with their homework. Women should be careful not to touch or sit too close to monks and novices, but all are welcome in the temple. Don't give in to any pleas for sponsorship (unless you want to); monks live through the generosity of the sangha, or monastic community, and don't need sponsors.
