Creative spaces, graffitied laneways, lantern-lit festivals – this month we take a cultured trip around the globe. Explore the barrios of Madrid for a burst of creative energy. Stroll the backstreets of Melbourne, home to some of the best street art in the world. Touch down in laidback Luang Prabang, where a major Buddhist festival lights up the town for an entire week.

Bangkok’s artsy enclaves

Thailand’s capital conjures images of golden Buddhas and glittering temples, but if you know where to go, you can dip into more contemporary culture. The historic riverside neighbourhood of Talad Noi is just one of several communities that has transformed into an artsy enclave in the last decade. In this former Chinese settlement, you’ll find copious street art, independent galleries, craft boutiques and hip, hole-in-the-wall cafés.

You can also find great art in the centre of Siam shopping district, starting at the BACC (Bangkok Arts and Culture Centre) and extending to Ratchathewi’s Graffiti Park, one stop away along the sky train. Staying around Khao San Road? Aside from being a stone’s throw from the Grand Palace and Wat Po, you’re a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride from Ong Ang Walking Street. This vibrant canal-side pathway is strung with lights and painted with graffiti. Head there around sunset to browse market stalls, eat street food and take pics.

Where to stay: The riverside is one of the nicest areas to stay in Bangkok. Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel is perfectly positioned on the Chao Phraya River, a scenic shuttle boat ride from central Taksin Pier. Stay in a suite with panoramic views across Bangkok and enjoy easy access to water shuttles that can take you all the way to Talad Noi and the Grand Palace without stopping at a single traffic light.

The melting pot of Melbourne

Speak to anyone who’s been to Melbourne and they’ll say something about a) the unpredictable weather, b) the coffee and c) arts and culture. As the southern hemisphere brings warmer temperatures to Melbourne come October, the arts and the outdoors collide, with events that make the most of the temperate days (think: vineyard art installations and the summer festival scene).

Aside from a non-stop calendar of paid events, Melbourne offers free immersion in local counter-culture by way of its ubiquitous street art. The CBD (central business district) is a good place to start, with DIY walking routes available online. Fitzroy and South Melbourne are also full of ever-changing street art. You can easily get around to the above suburbs on foot or via public transport courtesy of the world’s largest tram network.

Where to stay: The best place to stay in Melbourne is in the CBD. Avani Melbourne Central Residences gives you a four-star base a few blocks north of the city’s main pedestrian mall, surrounded by shops and restaurants and within the free tram zone. The main graffiti lanes in the city are near Flinders Station, a short (and free) tram ride away. You’re also a five-minute walk from Queen Victoria Markets – a must-visit for gourmet delicatessen, food trucks and all manner of market browsing.

Lit in Luang Prabang

Lai Heua Fai – or the Festival of Lights – illuminates Lao’s glorious old capital at the end of October every year. This big cultural event commemorates the last day of Buddhist Lent, and aside from being a huge celebration, it’s a time for reflection, gratitude, and the passing down of centuries-old traditions. It entails a week-long schedule of events: a children’s marathon, colourful processions, cultural performances and more. The entire UNESCO town comes to life with music, dance and foodie festivities.

True to name, the festival sees the city aglow with tens of thousands of lanterns, candles and garlands. Temples construct elaborate paper-lantern boats, which are paraded through town and floated on the Mekong River alongside banana-leaf floats carrying candles, flowers and coins. You can even take an active part in celebrations by making your own woven banana-leaf float.

Where to stay: Lai Heua Fai sees Luang Prabang at its busiest, so you’ll want to stay in the middle of the action where you can make the most of the celebratory vibes. Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel in the centre of the Old Town is a boutique hideaway with a history of its own (it used to be French officers’ quarters). Here you can immerse in Lao history, its colonial architectural heritage and, of course, Avani’s trademark contemporary style.

Dubai’s street-art scenes

Dubai may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of street art, but this city embraces the art form. While graffiti is illegal, street art is not. In fact, developers even commission independent artists to beautify commercial and residential areas.

The first place to look for street art is City Walk, an open-air shopping and dining district where fancy boutiques are interspersed with art installations and colourful murals. Your next stop might take you seaward, to Jumeirah Beach Road, where you’ll find buildings transformed by huge murals. Nearby, The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residences is also a good place to spot street art, soak up ocean views, get a bite to eat and ogle supercars.

Where to stay: Avani+ Palm View Dubai is the perfect family stay near the beach, at the gateway to the famous Palm Jumeirah. From here, you can hit the sand, cruise across the waves and be at City Walk and Burj Khalifa within 20 minutes. Alternatively, a stay at Avani Ibn Battuta puts you within steps of the shopping and entertainment of Ibn Battuta Mall, with a metro stop at the front door to take you anywhere.

Khon Kaen gets creative

You might not have heard of Khon Kaen, but this regional Thai city is well worth a peek for culture reasons. Thailand’s third largest metropolis, it’s the capital of the north-eastern Isaan region – a long-standing cultural hotspot famed for its silk production and piquant cuisine (in particular som tam and larb). It also hosts the cleverly named KAEN International Film Festival every August.

On any arts-centric visit to Khon Kaen, you’ll want to check out The Wall at Khon Kaen. A creative enclave in the middle of the city, this cluster of shops, restaurants and artsy spaces provides a snapshot of local life – past and present. Don’t miss it if you love ambient, fairy-lit locales with street art, great food and old-timey shophouse vestiges.

Where to stay: One of the few five-star hotels in Khon Kaen is Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre, which embraces you lovingly in Thai-Isaan architecture. It’s less than a 10-minute ride by tuk-tuk to The Wall, within walking distance of cafés and restaurants, and conveniently located on one of the city’s main roads. With a pool, karaoke room, multiple dining options and a spa with Thai massage, it’s got all your bases covered.

Multi-layered Madrid

You don’t need a guide to find art in Madrid; just to be there is to be surrounded by centuries of art. This major cultural capital has multiple must-see museums, galleries, parks and streets, with historic statues, paintings and sculptures galore. These days, you’ll also find plenty of contemporary arts pockets if you head to the right places.

Once you’ve done the Paseo del Arte (Art Walk) between the city’s major galleries, head to the barrio of Embajadores, a trendy neighbourhood with buzzing nightlife, tapas bars and year-round arts events. Neighbouring barrio Lavapiés is similarly artsy. There’s even an annual event where local artists are invited to decorate shop façades with their murals. While you’re in the area, hit up El Rastro Sunday flea market for antiques, souvenirs and your own artwork to take home.

Where to stay: The stylish Avani Alonso Martinez Madrid Hotel weaves art into every space, with contemporary paintings, neon signs and quirky pops throughout. You’re right at a metro stop and a short walk from the major thoroughfare of La Castellana. In the surrounding streets you’ll find cafés, restaurants and bars, and it’s just a 20-minute walk from the famous Retiro Park – the green hangout space for Madrileños.