Luang Prabang, Laos

The history and beauty of Luang Prabang is unsurpassed. A place where orange-robed monks stroll alongside well-to-do tourists between the dozens of monasteries and French colonial buildings.

A shame then, for Phil, that it was his turn to be laid low by a tummy bug. Sam was left on her own to explore the UNESCO city and its sights.

Up early to enjoy the dawn spectacle of lines of monks snaking around the streets to collect alms from humble local believers.