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IN THE PICTURE #30
Nice to fi-nal-ly add a Belgian photographer to our list. A really, REALLY good one! This friendly Fleming has been living in Thailand for many years and creates some spectacular pictures! We’ve been following him on Instagram for a while now and we’re really excited that he’s also participating in In the Picture! Big hug from the Netherlands dear Jan, we hope to see you soon!
Hello, please introduce yourself.
Dear readers of Thailand Magazine,
I am Jan De Rycke, born and raised in Antwerp, Belgium. I have been living in Thailand for 8 years, and write this message from Koh Chang where I live when I’m not travelling through Thailand. During my many travels I started with photography and it became my passion. It is now a part of my daily life. Enjoy some of my personal favorite photos.
Greetings from Thailand,
Jan
#1
Here I am walking on Wai Chaek Beach. This really is one of the most beautiful beaches of Koh Chang and only reachable by boat or a jungle trekking of 4 km. On this beach you are (almost) always alone.
#2
Flat on my back in the sand is the best place to enjoy deserted beaches. This photo with my drone was taken on Wai Chaek Beach, a beach in the far south of Koh Chang. The beach is only accessible by boat or after a 4km trek through the jungle.
What is your favorite destination in Thailand?
For me, it’s Koh Chang and the surrounding islands. I love the landscapes and the people here. It almost feels like I live in Jurassic Park.
Which place / destination in Thailand is still on your wish list to visit?
Chiang Mai, after all these years in Thailand, I have never been there. So in May, that will be my first stop!
#3
Bangkok is a beautiful city! In Bangkok, there are countless temples to visit but this one is for me one of the most beautiful ones! The Wat Ratchanatdaram, also known as the Loha Prasat. This temple used to be completely black and has been repainted now.
#4
The Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn. For me personally, this is one of the most beautiful temples of Bangkok. The Wat Arun is located just next to the Chao Phraya River. If you climb all the way up, you will have a beautiful view over the old and new skyline of Bangkok. Awesome!
Which place / destination do you recommend our readers to visit and why?
When in Thailand, be sure to visit Koh Mak and Koh Kood. These islands near Koh Chang are really beautiful gems and less known than all the islands in the south-east of Thailand like Phuket, Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi. But also less known as the islands Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui.
Where do you like to eat?
Jay Fai in Bangkok, street food with a Michelin star! It doesn’t get any better than that!
#5
My car takes me everywhere! I prefer to park as far away from civilization as possible, then stand on my roof and take some drone shots. Like this photo taken in the east of Koh Chang, the island where I live.
#6
The atmosphere during the evening hours in the area of Lonely Beach on Koh Chang. For me, this image represents the typical atmosphere of Thailand. The feeling of freedom, the real Thailand.
Tip us a nice coffee shop or bar where our readers can drop by.
The Fig Cafe in Koh Chang.
What is your favorite Thai dish?
Kao Man Gai = Cooked chicken on rice. Delicious authentic flavours, not too spicy but soooo delicious 😊.
#7
This is what I love doing most! Sail around the surrounding islands of Koh Chang and enjoy a refreshing swim 😊.
#8
I took this photo with my drone on Koh Kood. This island not far from Koh Chang is one of my favorite islands in Thailand! You find here beautiful endless beaches. Here I enjoy the sunset while chilling on a palm swing, as it is called.
What is your favorite accommodation in Thailand?
I am a big fan of the resorts of the Santhiya group because of their design and use of natural elements in their accommodation. They currently have four resorts. Santhiya Resort & Spa on Koh Yai Yai, Santhiya Resort & Spa on Koh Phangan, Santhiya Tree on Koh Chang and Santhiya Natai Resort & Spa on Phuket.
Do you have a (travel) tip that might come in handy in Thailand?
Don’t plan too much, just enjoy your trip.
Is there a Thai phrase or word our readers need to learn?
Pai Nai means where are you going? Thai people tend to want to know where you are going or coming from.
#9
The Sealavie Beach Bar on Sunrise Beach of Koh Lipe. Enjoy a cold beer and a beautiful view in a castaway setting.
#10
Palm tree and sea split… My favorite combination, half palm half sea, just enjoy!
What type / brand of camera do you use?
I have a Canon EOS R5 and a Canon EOS 1DX MARK II. Also I have a DJI Mavic 2 pro drone en een aantal GoPro’s.
Where can our readers find your work / photos?
You can see my pictures on my Instagram.
Last question, who should we also ask our ‘In the Picture’ feature?
My buddy Floris Hermans, as we go shooting together a lot 😊.
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