Laos sways to the gentle rhythms of rural and city life. You'd expect musical memories to include the early morning chants of monks or kids whistling on the banks of the Mekong, but for Express reader Carolyn Poljski it was the songs of a Hawaiian-born musician that became the soundtrack of her South East Asia adventure...

"I didn't know too much about Jack Johnson's music until I arrived in Luang Prabang in Laos as part of Intrepid's Hanoi to Bangkok tour. On the night of our arrival, we headed out to the Thongbay Guest House for dinner. What I remember most about this night was the good food, the unexpected chill in the air and Jack Johnson's 'On and On' CD playing in the background.

This was the first time I took notice of his music and now I'm a huge fan. Every time I listen to this CD, particularly the track 'Taylor', I am taken back to Luang Prabang, my favourite location in South East Asia.

Jack's music is a great soundtrack for Luang Prabang and how apt it was to discover Jack's cool and laidback music in a town that can be described in the same way. So if you ever get the opportunity to travel to Luang Prabang, head out to one of the many cafes on Thanon Sisavangvong, drink a coffee or eat a croissant whilst listening to a Jack Johnson tune on your iPod or CD diskman and absorb the magic that is Luang Prabang."

Slow down and sway to local rhythms on Intrepid's small group adventures through Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. You will be seduced by the charms of each country as you experience idyllic villages, relaxing river cruises and picturesque scenes.
Thanks to www.intrepidtravel.com