The jewel in the crown of the Wat Thung Si Muang monastery, this temple stands in the middle of a lotus pond, where its superb layered roof is reflected in the water. Built in the 19C and very well restored, the building owes its elegance to the harmonious marriage between Siamese tradition and Lao art. Young monks, most of whom are the sons of peasants from the surrounding area who have come to study at the monastery, will no doubt approach you to try out their basic English.