TK: I woke before dawn and headed out with Jules, Lindsey and Julie to watch the giving of alms to the novice monks. It was a fascinating spectacle where devotees line the road with offerings of sticky rice, dried food or money, the monks process past with the lid off their alms bowls in silence receiving the offerings. They cannot touch women. Sometimes their bowl is full before they get to the end, so they give some back to young boys who wait in line. The monks then return to their monasteries and have to consume the food before midday or offer it to the poor.

We then had a long but stunning coach journey from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, through lush mountainous scenery. It was all worthwhile when we arrived at an amazing hotel overlooking the river and the mountains, with a terrace and pool. We all went straight in the pool, then watched a gorgeous sunset.