Luang Prabang

We are in Luang Prabang, in Laos. It was the old capital of Laos four hundred years ago. A gracious town on the banks of the Mekong river, with Buddhist temples, resplendent with gold leaf, intricate carvings and glittering mosaics. Elegant little hotels, bars and restaurants, and a fabulous night market. It is a textile lover's paradise, with every kind of woven silk design, applique work and embroidery in jewelbright colours. There is another, smaller river with riverside cafes and bars under the trees that look out at lush vegetation across the water, terraced vegetable plots and young monks playing in the river. It is lovely and hot with plenty of mosquitoes.

Lao women are elegant in sarongs. The few women who travel on motorbikes balance side saddle, without holding on to the driver in front. But most people in this small town walk.