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Boat 813 as a memorial to the 2004 Tsunami victims in Thailand
Boat 813 as a memorial to the 2004 Tsunami victims in Thailand

IN THE PICTURE #28

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 time super friendly Nicky Cambridge who has lost her heart since her visit to Khao Lak in Thailand. We are glad you want to share some beautiful photos with us Nicky!

Hello, please introduce yourself.

Hello.  My name is Nicky Cambridge and I live in England, UK. I love to travel and Thailand is one of my favorite places. I love photography, I’ve been doing it as a hobby for several years now, it’s my passion and relaxation, so I was very happy to be asked to do In The Picture.  I have been to Thailand 3 times,  and would love to go back again.

The very best from the UK,

Nicky

#1

Elephants at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

The elephant is the national animal of Thailand and they are ingrained into Thai culture. 

The treatment the elephants receive when they are forced to work, either for tourism, or logging, is very cruel. Before we saw the elephants we watched a video about how they were trained,  and it was hard to watch. Thankfully this is more widely recognized now and elephants are more protected, and there are many sanctuaries for retired elephants. 

We visited the beautiful Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, which is one of the few truly ethical elephant sanctuaries around. No riding, bathing with, or touching them. You have the chance to feed them, walk with them and observe them, and it was a privilege to see them living  free, happy, safe and cared for, especially in such beautiful surroundings. Ethical tourism is so important.

#2

Sunset on Nang Thong Beach, Khao Lak

A beautiful sunset sky on Nang Thong Beach on Khao Lak. I will never tire of this view, and the different colors the sky can turn.

What is your favorite destination in Thailand?

My favorite destination in Thailand is currently Khao Lak. I’ve been there twice, and it’s a beautiful part of Thailand with enough to see and do, but has kept it’s authenticity and is not too busy or built up. I love the laid back and friendly atmosphere, and beautiful scenery.

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

I would love to visit Koh Samui and also Bangkok. I went to Bangkok in 1999 which was a great  experience. At this time they were building the BTS Sky Train. I’d like to go back as I’m sure a lot has changed.

#3

Sail Rock on Koh Similan - island number 8 of the Similan Islands of Thailand

We loved visiting some of the islands, including the Similan Islands. Swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the beaches and nature, it really was like paradise. This is Sail Rock, on Koh Similan, island 8. A great day out enjoying the beautiful Andaman Sea.

#4

Longtail boats on the coast of one of Thailand's Surinn Islands

The beautiful tranquility of the Surin Islands. Lush greenery with white sand beaches. I loved the colorful rows  of fishing boats on the shore. The Islands do get busy in peak season. It was nice to see the Surin Islands before it got busy to appreciate how peaceful they can be.

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

If you’re looking for a family holiday, or a quietish holiday as a couple I definitely recommend Khao Lak. It has bars and restaurants, lots of places to see and visit, lots of excursions but isn’t too busy. It’s not full of nightlife if you want a party holiday, the neighboring Phuket is better for that. Khao Lak has beautiful beaches, rainforests and waterfalls (like the Ton Cha Fa Waterfall).

TAKE A LOOT AT
Picture This #26 and Picture This #27. A selection of some amazing images of Khao Lak.

Where do you like to eat?

There are so many great restaurants in Khao Lak, it’s hard to choose, but I loved the food in Noms Family Restaurant and Mojo Restaurant. We enjoyed the food in the stalls at the Bang Niang Night Market too, although I must admit I wasn’t brave enough to try the insects, worms or frogs!

#5

Royal Thai Navy Third Fleet Turtle Nursery in Khao Lak

We visited the Royal Thai Navy Third Fleet Turtle Nursery in Khao Lak. It’s a conservation center who care for baby turtles and then release them into the wild. It’s a great few hours spent learning about them, how they’re cared for and released, and the opportunity to feed them.

#6

Boat 813 as a memorial to the 2004 Tsunami victims in Thailand

Khao Lak was one of the areas worst affected by the Tsunami on Boxing Day, 2004. Police Boat no. 813 was at anchor about 1 nautical mile off the coast of Khao Lak. When the tsunami struck, the boat was swept inland almost 2 kilometers, to where it sits today. This is where the International Tsunami Museum is. It’s a small, informative and interesting place to visit, and it amazed and humbled me to see how the community has slowly rebuilt Khao Lak to still be a beautiful, exciting and authentic place to visit.

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

The Monkey Bar and The Forest Bar in Khao Lak, nice places  to relax for drinks, live music, and great atmosphere.

What is your favorite Thai dish?

My favorite Thai dish? That’s a difficult one! Too many delicious choices. I loved the Thai fried rice, I had one dish which was served in a pineapple in Noms Family Restaurant, and it was amazing! So many great Thai dishes to choose from. I also love their Thai style prawns, squid and pad thai.

#7

Canoe trip on the Sang Nee River, better known as the little amazon

We did an excursion which included a canoe trip along the Sang-Nea River, also known as the “Little Amazon.” If  you’re  lucky you’ll see some of the local wildlife including monkeys, snakes and birds. We saw a couple of snakes high in the trees, and a couple of birds.  We didn’t see any monkeys, but we could certainly hear them, they were very loud!!  I loved the jungle sounds! The canoe trip was fun, very tranquil and the Banyan trees of the rainforest were beautiful, I loved how they twisted and made a cover over the river. The trip included browsing the local market of Takua Pa, visiting the Tam Nang waterfall in the serene rainforest of Sri Phang Nga National Park, and a visit to the Old Town. 

What is your favorite accommodation in Thailand?

In Khao Lak we stayed  in the beachfront SeaView Resort. This is a large complex with a variety of accommodation, including family suites. It has 3 pools, restaurants, pool/snack bar, coffee shop, kids clubs, spa and gym, tennis courts. In a good location, definitely recommended.

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

I have a view tips:

  • Always use ethical tourism if visiting elephants, it’s so important for their welfare after what they have been through, and money spent in these  sanctuaries help fund their care and not fund cruelty.
  • Be aware of when the rainy season is where you plan to go if you want  to avoid lots of rain!
  • Try the Thai Street and Market food, its authentic and delicious!
  • Try to visit as many places/do as many excursions as you can as there are so many amazing things to do and beautiful places to see.

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

I can’t get any further than Sawasdee ka / krub haha. That’s hello in Thai.

#8

Sunset on Nang Thong Beach, Khao Lak

Another beautiful sunset on Nang Thong Beach. It had been raining most of the afternoon, and as we were heading back to our room the sun came out and lit the sky a glorious colour.

#9

Tam Nang waterfall in Khao Lak

We had a trek through the rainforest of Sri Phang Nga National Park to the Tam Nang waterfall which which cascades down a 60 meter cliff face, and was surrounded  by lush greenery. It was beautiful and so peaceful.  You were able to join the Mahseer Barb Fish in the pool if you wanted too!  

#10

old dead tree on White Sand Beach of Khao Lak

There is beauty everywhere in Khao Lak, from the stunning beaches, amazing rainforest, and gorgeous sunsets. I saw this bare tree on White Sand Beach which I thought was a beautiful contrast to the lush green trees in the rainforest.

What type / brand of camera do you use?

A Nikon 5300.

Where can our readers find your work / photos?

Last question, who should we also ask our ‘In the Picture’ feature?

I think you should ask Paul and Carole from Like to Travel to take part as they do love to travel and Thailand is one of their favorite destinations.

#11 (bonus)

The lighthouse of Khao Lak at Nang Thong Beach at sunset

One of my favorite things about Thailand was the amazing sunsets.  Photography cliche maybe! The Lighthouse on Nang Thong beach makes  for beautiful sunset pictures, I literally took hundreds! 

#12 (bonus)

Stormy clouds  above Khao Lak in Thailand

We went to Khao Lak at the end if the rainy season. The mornings were sunny, and as the morning moved into afternoon you’d see the clouds coming over from the rainforest. It rained most days, but would rarely stop you doing anything. We still liked to go for a walk along the beach. These storm clouds were awesome, it absolutely poured down a few minutes after taking this, with thunder and lightning, we had to run for cover! Luckily we found it in a lovely little beach cafe, and watched the rest of the storm over a tasty lunch.

CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS

Click here for all our Picture This artikelen
Check all our Bangkok articles
Check our Thailand islands page for white sand beaches en clear blue seas
Click here for all the best accommodations in Bangkok
Check all our In the Picture entries
Klik hier voor alle informatie over het natuurpark Khao Sok National Park in Thailand
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