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IN THE PICTURE #42
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!
Finally another fantastic female photographer in our In the Picture section. Rachael’s photos are diverse and unique, which is why we asked her to join our feature that has been around for almost a year now. Nice to have a professional photographer like you join us Rachael!
Hello, please introduce yourself.
Hello Thailand Magazine,
My name is Rachael Delaney, and I was born in Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland. I spent 15 years living and working in Australia before moving to Thailand with my family in 2015.
I have always loved taking photographs and in 2019 I graduated from the Photography Institute – Australia. I share my images on social media from my worldwide adventures, but most recently here in Thailand.
I hope that my pictures reach people far and wide and encourage others to explore the world when it is safe to do so, once again.
From Thailand with love,
Rachael
#1
Iron Castle (2021)
This photograph was taken at Wat Ratchanatdaram or Loha Prasat which means iron castle. There was a sense of calm and serenity as I walked around the grounds, ensuring I was respectful and kept my distance from the Monk pictured here. The 37 spires of this building signify the 37 enlightenment virtues of Buddhism. It is the only one of its kind that exists today. Buddhism is the most practised religion in Thailand and Buddhist Monks are a common sight, easily identified by their bright saffron robes.
#2
Kata Beach (2021)
During the months of April and May, my family and I made Phuket our home. Weekdays were taken up by my children completing their online learning, but at the weekends we were free to explore this incredible island. Many a day was spent body surfing on huge turquoise waves at one of the beaches along this beautiful coastline. There are too many beaches to mention, but a favourite of ours was Kata Beach due to its big waves, crystal clear water and soft white sand.
What is your favorite destination in Thailand?
I have visited this incredible country many times while travelling between Australia and the UK. Now I live in Bangkok, I have seen a lot of what Thailand has to offer. A place I always return to is the beautiful island of Phuket. Aside from its picture-perfect beaches, this island has much to offer: amazing nightlife (pre-covid), great shopping, with history and culture in abundance in colouful Phuket Old Town. Other popular islands e.g. Phi Phi Islands, James Bond Island located in the Phang Nga bay and the Similan Islands are easily accessible from Phuket with many boat companies offering island-hopping trips. If you are lucky, you may even see some dolphins on the way. Snorkelling through crystal clear water, you are guaranteed to see plenty of colourful fish. The sunsets in Phuket must be seen, to be believed. Take time to watch the sun slowly sink below the horizon on a rich canvas to nourish the soul.
Which place / destination in Thailand is still on your wish list to visit?
I have not managed to visit Chiang Mai, so for me, this is top of my wish list. Whenever I see images from Chiang Mai on Instagram, they stop me scrolling. I am always drawn to atmospheric landscapes and authentic portraits of hilltribe people going about their normal life. I cannot wait to visit this amazing place.
#3
Night Market (2019)
Rod Fai Market is a bustling night market located in Ratchada in Bangkok. This colourful open-air market provides a convenient way to shop after dark. This image has a special place in my heart, as it was taken during my Mum’s last visit to Bangkok in 2019. We made our way to the top of a multi-storey car park and waited for the sun to set. Together, we watched the rich amber sky darken as the day disappeared into the night – such a pretty view and a wonderful memory.
#4
Longtail Boats (2021)
Longtail boats are a traditional cheap, easy and efficient way to island hop in Thailand. These can be especially handy if you need to get from a larger boat, to one of the popular islands e.g. Phi Phi Islands. I have spent many an afternoon bouncing along the waves in one of these authentic, wooden boats captained by a true local, keen to practise English. This image was taken during the annual Songkran Festival 2021, when no boats were being used due to covid restrictions.
Which place / destination do you recommend our readers to visit and why?
Phuket is home to some of the most incredible beaches; many that can be appreciated from several cliff-top look out points. Windmill Viewpoint (Ya Nui Beach) and Karon Beach Viewpoint are two of my favourite spots to soak up the famous views of Phuket and also take some postcard worthy snaps.
Where do you like to eat?
For a special occasion, my favourite restaurant is Zuma in The St. Regis Hotel in Bangkok, where you can enjoy Asian fusion delights washed down with Japanese Sake. For a fun dining experience, Vaso Spanish Tapas Bar ticks all the boxes. This contemporary Spanish restaurant has an electric atmosphere with great music, serving delicious small plates with fruity sangria shots.
#5
King Power MahaNakhon (2020)
This building appears frequently on Instagram, and rightly so. This is one of my favourite views of it, especially from this angle framed by the Flame Tree in bloom. The King Power MahaNakhon is one of the tallest buildings in Bangkok, reaching dizzy heights as the 77 storey tower soars into the sky. The view from the top is breath taking and certainly worth a visit. I LOVE taking pictures of this tall, triumphant piece of architecture!
#6
Lotus Flower (2020)
There are many varieties of flowers here in Thailand. They come in all shapes and sizes, some bright and bold, others light and delicate. One that always catches my eye is the pink lotus. It stands proudly in murky water, with just a pop of colour emerging above the surface, but there is more to the lotus flower than just its beauty. This flower in full bloom is a symbol of enlightenment, and although I have taken many photos of this stunning flower over the years, I feel this particular image encapsulates the meaning perfectly.
Tip us a nice coffee shop or bar where our readers can drop by.
For an unforgettable sunset cocktail where you feel like you are on top of the world, Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar at the Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit is a great choice. With so many sky bars in Bangkok, it can be tricky choosing just one, but for affordability, accessibility (just off the BTS) and atmosphere with breath-taking 360-degree views, this stylish bar on level 45 has the wow factor.
What is your favorite Thai dish?
My favourite Thai food without doubt is Som Tam (Thai Green Papaya Salad). This dish is full of flavour and packs a punch. It is fresh, fragrant, and full of nutrients and minerals. I always request mild when ordering, otherwise this salad can be too hot for me to handle.
#7
Phuket Sunset – Bang Tao Beach (2021)
The sunsets in Thailand take my breath away. I had a job selecting only one image, as there are so many I would have liked to share. I have always been drawn to a pinky/blue sky, but this year we were spoiled with golden, pink, peach, blue and even purple tones almost every single night. This sunset was one of the most intense I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing. This image is shot from Bang Tao Beach located in the middle of Phuket.
#8
Ocean (2021)
I love to create silky smooth images using my camera to slow down time. The possibilities are endless with the ocean, as you never get the same picture twice. Turquoise water, creamy sand and colourful sunsets are almost guaranteed here in Thailand. This is a selection of some of my favourite ocean images from 2021.
What is your favorite accommodation in Thailand?
We always stay at the Anantara Vacation Club in Mai Khao, Phuket and it feels like a home, away from home. With only a short drive from the airport, a quiet golden beach, delicious food, and a huge pool with water slides for the kids to enjoy, this hotel in my opinion is hard to beat. We choose to stay in a two-bedroom pool villa which suits our family of four perfectly.
Do you have a (travel) tip that might come in handy in Thailand?
Prior to your arrival, spend time on research. If you are visiting Thailand for the first time, make sure to plan your visit. There is so much to see and combined with the intense heat – it is not always possible to fit it all in. Prioritise what is most important to you and then map it all out before you go.
Is there a Thai phrase or word our readers need to learn?
Nit noy – this phrase means ‘a little bit’. I have found this particularly helpful when ordering food, especially when referring to chilli, as the Thai interpretation of mild differs greatly to mine.
#9
Tuk Tuk & The Grand Palace (2021)
An essential guide to Bangkok would suggest that you travel in a Tuk Tuk and that you visit the Grand Palace – I would not disagree. Located in the heart of Bangkok, this regal landmark is a spectacular complex of buildings, and its grandeur has always left me in awe. This picture is special to me, as it was a vision that I had for the lead image in my first photography exhibition here in Thailand. The searing heat reached 40 degrees as I took this shot, can you tell?
#10
Wat Arun – Temple of Dawn (2021)
Glistening in all its glory, as the sun sets on this dynamic city, the sight of this magnificent temple stops you in your tracks. Surrounded by beauty, reflected by water, and illuminated by the golden sky, Wat Arun really is an architectural masterpiece. This is one of my favourite temples in Bangkok, no even Thailand and its design and layout are understated, yet elegant. Stunning by day and magical by night, this temple is one not to be missed.
What type / brand of camera do you use?
My camera is a Canon 6D II and I shoot with a variety of lenses. I love the sharpness I can create with the 70-200mm, the dreamy bokeh (soft background) with the 50mm and the versatility of the 24-105mm zoom lens.
Where can our readers find your work / photos?
On Instagram via @Rdstylephotography.
Last question, who should we also ask our ‘In the Picture’ feature?
#11
Ya Nui Beach (2021)
This picture of Ya Nui Beach was taken from Windmill Viewpoint on Phuket. It was a bright, sunny day when we made our way along the winding road to this lookout point. The view in all directions was stunning. Something rather serendipitous occurred on this day. I thought I was simply taking pictures of beautiful scenery with my 70-200mm zoom lens, but when I opened my images on my computer the following day and zoomed in, I spotted some friends of mine swimming in the ocean – what a small world we live in!
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