We're gonna need a bigger boat: Chomphet district, across the river from Luang Prabang

Across the Mekong from the centre of Luang Prabang is Chomphet district, a three minute ferry trip and about 100 years back in time. 

Here, there are no boutique hotels and high end restaurants. Instead, you have quiet villages, small atmospheric temples, and very few other tourists. First climb up the hill to visit Wat Chomphet for the views back over Luang Prabang, then follow the riverside path upriver for several more temples.

It's a lovely way to spend a half day away from the tourists.

Looking back over Luang Prabang from outside Wat Chomphet

A couple of chedi at Wat Chomphet

One of the amazing murals at Wat Long Khoun

Inside the cave temples at Wat Tham Sackkalin