Surprisingly few tourists bother to cross the Mekong and explore the sleepy village of XIANG MEN , but it makes a good half-day trip and gives you a chance to view Louang Phabang from across the river. A passenger ferry operates between Louang Phabang and Xiang Men and leaves from the landing west of the Royal Palace Museum. You could also strike a deal with one of the many boats to be found along the riverbank: the five-minute journey should cost around 5000K per person. Ask to be let off at Wat Long Khoun , once used by Louang Phabang's kings as a pre-coronation retreat, which involved ritual baths, meditation and reflection. Of note are the two Chinese door guardians painted either side of the main entrance to the sim and the murals within. An easy climb to the top of the hill behind Wat Long Khoun brings you to the sim and stupas of Wat Chom Phet , a disused monastery best visited at dusk, when the views of the sunset are spectacular.