IN THE PICTURE #07

In ‘In the Picture’ photographers from all over the world share their 10 most favorite pictures of Thailand. See Thailand through the lens and read the story behind those pictures.

Hello, please introduce yourself.

Dear readers, my name is Mariko, a Japanese woman who has lived in Bangkok since 2007. I was born in Okinawa, south of Japan. My hometown, Okinawa, resembles the climate of Southeast Asia and has a lot in common with Thailand, so Thailand is very familiar to me.

I am not a professional photographer, but I like to take pictures. My style of photography is more a matter of looking. I like to impress people with my photos. I have another hobby, you will see this when you read / look at this article.

Chiang Mai, December 2014
The Yee Peng Festival also known as the lantern festival. This is my most favorite festival in Thailand! Thousands of paper lanterns released into the air, so super beautiful.

Loei, June 2010
The Phi Ta Khon Festival is one of the many festivals in Thailand. These people are representing Phi (ghosts). Spirits that have returned from the dead. A highlight of the festival is the masked dance parade.

What is your favorite destination in Thailand?

Koh Lipe. There are many beautiful seas in my hometown, Okinawa, but the sea on Koh Lipe is number one in my life.

Which place / destination in Thailand is still on your wish list to visit?

Mae Hong Song. I would like to see the long-neck people (Kayan tribe).

Sangkhla Buri, March 2009
Jumping from the Mon Bridge

Which place / destination do you recommend our readers to visit and why?

Udon Thani, Lake Red Lotus. This is a beautiful lake full of lotus flowers.

Where do you like to eat?

Banana Leaf in Bangkok. I advise you to order the following, the fried chicken with mayonnaise and lemon (ไก่มะนาว)”. The mayonnaise and lemon sauce go so well with the crispy chicken. Oh and don’t forget to order a watermelon shake.

Bangkok, September 2020
A scene in the rainy season of Thailand. The road turns into a river after heavy rainfall in Bangkok.

Sakon Nakhon, August 2020
The chedi of the Wat Phra That Choeng Chum under the blue sky with clouds.

Name a nice coffee shop or bar where our readers can drop by.

The area around Chiang Rai is a famous coffee producing area in Thailand and there are many nice cafes in town. My recommendation is “The Wanderer“.

What is your favorite Thai dish?

I find this a difficult question because I have many favourite Thai dishes. If I have to choose one, my best choice is the grilled pork neck (Ko Mu Yang คอหมูย่าง)!

Surat Thani, July 2020
A bridge illuminated in the colours of the Thai flag.

Udon Thani, January 2017
Only in winter! The red lotus blooms only in the lake from December to February.

What is your favorite accommodation in Thailand?

The Phu Chaisai Mountain Resort in Chiang Rai! This is a very unique Mountain Eco resort. The cottage is made of red clay and bamboo, covered with thatched Teask leaves. All furniture in the room is made of bamboo. If you are lucky, you can see the sea of clouds.

Do you have a (travel) tip that might come in handy in Thailand?

Try everything and respect Thai culture.

Is there a Thai phrase or word our readers need to learn?

Mai Sai Phakchii na khrap / ka meaning No coriander, please. If you don’t like coriander, this sentence is very important to know.

Phuket, August 2020
A night scene of Sino-Portuguese architecture in Phuket Old Town.

Phuket, November 2018
Thrilling beach! It’s very closest to airplane. If you are a thrill seeker, you must go to Nai Yang Beach (part of Mai Khao Beach).

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