Pak Ou Caves, Laos

These magnificent ancient caves, high above the Mekong River some 25 km from Luang Prabang, have been a place of Buddhist worship and solitude for more than 600 years. Over that time, some 4,000 images of Buddha have been placed inside them, creating a humbling place to ponder life's great mysteries. The opportunity to experience the tranquillity of these caves was something I will personally always cherish.