It’s impossible to talk about Luang Prabang without mentioning the monks – all 1,500 of them. Each morning, saffron-robed Buddhist devotees, some as young as eight, process silently along its streets collecting alms (donations of sticky rice) from locals and tourists to provide their sole meal of the day. It’s a special moment; do power through the 5am wake-up call to experience it.

Due to its French heritage, the city is as known for its coffee and croissants as it is its khao soi (a traditional noodle soup with bolognese-style pork topping). Popping into Le Bannetton bakery for an almond-croissant-pain-auchocolat- hybrid is compulsory. Spend the morning exploring the ornate pagodas and gilded Buddhas of the many temples (16th-century Wat Xieng Thong is a highlight), as well as the former Royal Palace. For hand-woven souvenirs, women’s cooperative Ock Pop Tok is the place. Take a tuk-tuk to the craft centre slightly further out for a chance to see the master weavers at work.

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