Laos
The morning’s first sun rays pierce the mist hanging over the Mekong River, the smell of smoke from wood fires permeates the air, a rooster croons while - in silence - hundreds of Buddhist monks in saffron robes walk in single file past womenfolk placing offerings in their alms bowls – this is a scene that occurs every morning in Luang Prabang.
Cambodia
Siem Reap is surrounded by rice fields, seemingly endless and dotted with palm trees and grazing buffaloes. Yet, it is here, hidden deep in the jungle, that you suddenly enter upon the awe inspiring temples of Angkor and realize that over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, “the lord who looks in every direction” look down upon you from the towers of Bayon Temple.
Myanmar
The delicate ring of a temple bell swinging in the gentle breeze, the scent of cardamom and incense spicing the air, the soft padding of thousands of feet clad in leather thongs, the dark red robes of Buddhist monks, colonial style buildings everywhere; this is the fabric that Myanmar is made of.