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IN THE PICTURE #23
In ‘In the Picture’ photographers from all over the world share their 10 most beautiful pictures of Thailand. See Thailand through the photographer’s lens, read background stories about the pictures and learn more about the beautiful Thailand! This edition features Thomas Koh, no stranger to the Thai tourism industry. In the past, Thomas was manager of several beautiful hotels and resorts and now he lives in Singapore. Nice to welcome you in our ‘In the Picture’ feature Thomas!
Hello, please introduce yourself.
Dear readers,
Greetings from the city state of Singapore. A hotelier by profession, I had the opportunity to work in various parts of Thailand for some years, and travelling these places at the same time. Photography is just a hobby of mine, a good way to document and showcasing the places that I have visited.
#1
The Clock Tower of Chiang Rai. A crowd puller, with its bright golden architectural style and unique artistry. Stay for the nightly light show, a sight to behold!
#2
The MBK Center in Bangkok is popular with both tourists and locals, and busy with shoppers every day. Some 8 floors packed with 2,000 shops that sell everything. Multiple restaurants & eateries, cinema & bowling alley.
What is your favorite destination in Thailand?
With 77 provinces, one will be spoilt for choice of where to visit, besides the recommended and popular destinations of Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Krabi (Ao Nang / Railay) and the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Lanta, Phi Phi etc. There is definitely something to suit your reasons of visit. My personal favourite will be a stay at a floating resort in Cheow Lan Lake (part of Khao Sok National Park). Contained within the vastness of the Ratchaprapha Dam (Surat Thani Province), with beautiful sandstone and mudstone rocks that rise about 300–600 m above sea level. Here is where you really escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Peace and quiet is all you get here …. and no access to internet!
Which place / destination in Thailand is still on your wish list to visit?
Besides the mentioned Cheow Lan Lake, Hua Hin is to be considered. It is a family friendly and relaxed beachside town. Plenty of tourist attractions, shopping malls, pubs and restaurants; but lacking in the seedier aspects of other beach destinations like Pattaya & Phuket.
#3
The Cheow Lan Lake in the Khao Sok National Park (Ratchaprapha Dam, Surat Thani Province) A perfect place to get away from the hustle & bustle of city life. Beautiful scenery, with its emerald green waters and the sandstone and mudstone rocks rising above the waters. Peace & quiet is guaranteed, with no internet access!
#4
Hua Hin is a family friendly and relaxed beachside town. Plenty of tourist attractions, shopping malls, pubs and restaurants; but lacking in the seedier aspects of other beach destinations like Pattaya and Phuket.
Which place / destination do you recommend our readers to visit and why?
The Ayutthaya Historical Park, this tourist attraction contains ruins of the second capital of Siam. In 1767 the city was destroyed by the Burmese army, and renovations began in the late 1960s to restore the once-vibrant city to much of its former glory. Visitors can now experience the eclectic array of architectural styles that can be found amid its grid-like patterns of moats, roads and canals.
Where do you like to eat?
No particular restaurant or stall to recommend, but street food in Thailand is a must-try. It brings together various offerings of ready-to-eat meals, snacks, fruits and drinks sold by hawkers or vendors at food stalls or food carts on the street side in Thailand.
#5
The Ayutthaya Historical Park. The city of Ayutthaya was founded in 1351. It was the ancient capital of Thailand until its destruction by the Burmese Army in 1767. Renovations of the ruins began in 1969 and it was declared a historical park in 1976. A part of the park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
#6
The BTS Skytrain in Bangkok. Avoid the famous traffic jams and travels in cool comfort of these trains. The best way to travel around Bangkok as it runs through all important downtown districts and major transport hubs in Bangkok, with connecting points to the MRT Underground.
Tip us a nice coffee shop or bar where our readers can drop by.
It has to be the Saxophone Pub & Restaurant in Bangkok. This nice locations near the Victory Monument and the nearby BTS Station. Established in 1987, it is the oldest blues and jazz bar in the city. It features a cocktail barand a restaurant adorned in jazz and blues paraphernalia as well as live music.
What is your favorite Thai dish?
Hands down for “Pad Thai”, the country’s famous stir-fried noodle dish with shrimp, tofu and a hint of tamarind.
#7
The Cat Café (CAT ‘n’ A Cup) in Chiang Rai. Food and drinks are fine but that is not what this place is about. Recommended, if you like cats or needs some fur therapy. The cats seemed unperturbed mingling with humans and there are plenty of climbing frames and snoozing hide-aways for them.
#8
The Dhara Dhevi Hotel in Chiang Mai. Opened in 2002 as a 5-star hotel with ancient Lanna style architecture, landscaped gardens & rice paddy fields. One of the more expensive accommodations in the city, spread over an area of approximately 25 hectares, it has 123 villas and colonial-styled rooms. Worth a visit, almost like a theme park.
What is your favorite accommodation in Thailand?
The Dhara Dhevi Hotel in Chiang Mai. Opened in 2002 as a 5-star hotel with ancient Lanna style architecture, landscaped gardens & rice paddy fields. One of the more expensive accommodations in the city, spread over an area of approximately 25 hectares, it has 123 villas and colonial-styled rooms. Worth a visit, almost like a theme park.
Do you have a (travel) tip that might come in handy in Thailand?
When in Thailand, do as the Thais do. Certain things are definitely frowned upon. 2 things came to my mind
1) Pointing your toes or the bottom of your feet at people, places and things is considered extremely impolite.
2) The head is considered the cleanest and most holy part of the body, so touching someone’s head is seen as disrespectful and will make others uncomfortable.
Is there a Thai phrase or word our readers need to learn?
One of the local expressions heard in Thailand daily is “Mai Pen Rai”. Not just an expression; it is part of the Thai lifestyle. Literally, it is translated as “no, it’s okay” or “no problem”.
#9
Karon Beach on Phuket is one of the better beaches in Thailand. A vast stretch of white sand, a decent choice of dining and nightlife. A good thing is it is less popular than Patong Beach, and never seems to draw crowds of tourists. Good for those who desire relaxation. I particularly enjoyed the gorgeous sunsets here.
What type / brand of camera do you use?
Currently shooting with an Olympus EM5 MK2, and my go-to lens is their 12–40mm F2.8 PRO.
Where can our readers find your work / photos?
On my Instagram page and on my Facebook page.
Last question, who should we also ask our ‘In the Picture’ feature?
Are you following the Instagram page of Thailand Magazine?
#10
Koh Samui. Once a fishing community, Thailand’s second largest island has retained its charming sensibility, and presents a broad appeal for everyone. Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach, Maenam Beach and Bophut’ Fisherman’s Village are just some of the more popular hangouts to soak up local culture; the beachy village restaurants and pubs.
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