4 minute read
The Far Side Of the Mekong
Chomphet District is located just across the Mekong River from the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang. It has many attractions, as well as unique and authentic experiences often missed by visitors to the area. If you are in Luang Prabang, Chomphet District is a lovely area to explore for the day away from the usual tourist spots in town.
Nothing is more sedate than the gentle hum of the ferry from one side of the Mekong to the other. Even though the river is probably 500 meters wide here, it’s still more than 2000 kilometers away from emptying into the sea. The short journey from the Royal Palace to Xieng Mene is well worth the price firstly for the wonderful views and just to get an experience of traveling with locals and seeing both sides of the banks from a new perspective. On the hill to the right as you are crossing stands the white-washed temple of Wat Chomphet with its old stone twin stupas, said to contain the bones of queens. Looking back at Luang Prabang crowned by Phousi Hill you can view Luang Prabang as the first explorers viewed it in the past.
The area is home to several traditional villages where visitors can experience the rich culture and way of life preserved for centuries. The most renowned of these is Ban Chan, the pottery village. Dig in and try your hand at
creating some pots using the local fine red clay so abundant in this area. On the way back on the road you can find the cremation spot of kings and a graveyard containing a tomb of a beloved Queen from the nineteenth century.
To the right of the landing, a small road goes through the village and past a number of historically significant temples, following the banks of the Mekong. Wat Long Khoun is where the king traditionally stayed for seven days before his coronation ceremony, and in the past, members of the royal family studied Buddhism in this temple. Decorated with frescos of Chinese figures beside the temple doors, these paintings are part of a story. Legend says that raiders from China were scared off by ghosts in their dreams so they painted the images to keep the ghosts away. Wat Hat Sieo is further along the shady path dates from the eighteenth century and used to be a place where meditation was practiced, It was later abandoned until 1995, and has now been restored.
Local life in Xieng Mene village
Wat Chomphet sits on top of a hill
For those looking for a bit of adventure, Chomphet District also offers a number of outdoor activities. Visitors can go trekking or bicycling in the hills along numerous tracks and dirt roads. About 15 kilometers from Xieng Mene is Green Jungle Park which is a nice place to stop for lunch and also to enjoy their extensive flower gardens popular with locals for photos amongst the blooms. Hoi Khoua waterfall is also worth seeing in the park with zip lining and other activities available, you can even stay the night. Lovely views of the Mekong River can be seen on the way and you can enjoy the surrounding countryside with rice paddies and small villages rarely visited by tourists.
Chomphet District is a hidden gem in Laos. Whether you're interested in history and culture, or simply relaxing in a peaceful setting, it is definitely worth a visit. Make sure to take the short boat ride across the Mekong and explore this charming area for yourself.
MORE INFO
Hobo Maps produces a map of the area, which is highly recommended and regularly updated at hobomaps.com.
GETTING THERE
Lao Skyway offers daily flights to Pakse.
