In the very early morning light, the streets of the royal capital of Luang Prabang bear witness to a 2500 year-old tradition – a procession of monks clad in striking orange cloth accepting food gifts from the community. To participate in this selfless, peaceful act of giving provides one of those clarifying ‘this is why we travel’ moments. Exploring the Mekong River water course on an expedition and enjoying the best French cuisine in the world outside of Paris will charm you into an immediate desire to return.