Travel Photography

Koh Phi Phi, Thailand

Koh Phi Phi Travel Photos

After exploring much of Thailand and Cambodia over the past few weeks, it was time to sit still for a few days and chill out. Destination of choice was the island of Koh Phi Phi Don, must well known for its party lifestyle, however a short long tail boat around to a more secluded part of the Island insures some nice peace and quiet. Rantee Beach on the north eastern side of the Island had been a spot I had previously visited but not for a week or so I spent this time.

Hitting the main town during the morning and early afternoon means that you can escape from paradise on the other side before all the party goers rise from bed. We were able to witness some lovely sunrises and sunsets swell as get in a spot of diving whilst we were on the island – before it was finally time to head back to Bangkok and homeward to London.

Good times. :)

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Koh Phi Phi Travel Photography (23) – by Barney Walters

Cambodia

Cambodia Travel Photography

Its taken me a while since I returned from Asia to get around to posting the second half of my trip, but here are some pictures from about a week length part of my time travelling around Cambodia and some pictures from the plane on route there and back.

During my visit to Cambodia with Poppy, we spent time in Siem Reap, Sihanoukville and a rather eye opening day in Phnom Penh at the S-21 site. Siem Reap surely lives up to the western city of Cambodia and whilst Sihanoukville can be a party styled beach front, we managed to find some space away from the crowds and a more local and secluded scene that almost felt like being on an offshore island.

However most of the pictures below are taken around the World Heritage site of Ankor and Ankor Wat in particular. More to follow from Asia shortly with the last instalment being spent on a Thai island.

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– by Barney Walters

Similan Islands, Thailand

Khao Lak & North Similan Islands

After spending some time in the North of Thailand, it was time to head South toward Phuket, but we stopped a little short and ended up (well actually planned – the only planned ahead part of this trip) in Khao Lak about an hour North of Phuket Airport where we only spent 2 days either side of a 3 day trip out to the North Similian Islands.

We spent 3 nights on a live aboard boat whilst doing 10 or 11 dives off the coast of several islands including Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and the Ricielueau Rock about 35 miles off the West Andaman Coast of Thailand.

We had an excellent time at sea with a great company I could defiantly recommend – some fab people – fab crew and all in all a wonderful experience.

Here are some of the pics from those few days.

Next Stop Cambodia…

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Khao Lak Travel Photography (21) – by Barney Walters

Chiang Mai/Rai, Thailand

After spending several days in Chiang Mai last year, in the north of Thailand, I was very keen to go back and show Poppy why I loved the place and why the festival of Loi Krathong Or lantern festival is such and awe to be apart of. Unfortunately the big event of Lantern releasing at the university of Mae Jo that I witnessed last year had already come and gone, so this time we stayed around the town and river areas of the city more and wondered in and out of temples as various activities associated with the festival unveiled around us.

Whilst in the North, a couple days ago we went on an Eco tourism trip to see, feed, play with, wash and even ride (bare back) Thai Elephants. With poppy being such an animal lover I knew she would be well keen … But even I was amazed by the creatures which having only seen from afar in a zoo before, this was something else all together and must be one of the most memorable things I have done all year ! Neither of us, poppy particularly, are in agreement with captivity of animals of any kind but from what we witnessed and were assured on the most part was being done in a manor which provided stability for the animals, their surroundings and the people / local communities caring for them.

What’s more; we also managed to squeeze in half a day around the city of Chiang Rai before flying south to Bangkok from where we will be catching an overnight bus to Khao Lak. Back to the coast and hopefully some good snorkelling and diving time after 4 city’s back to back.

Unfortunately still haven’t managed to experience the town of Pie up north – one day. :)

So on the flight southbound now … Next stop Khao Lak …

– by Barney Walters

Bangkok, Thailand

Stop two of this years ‘travel trip’ was to Bangkok, the gateway to Asia, as it is well known for. Originally planning to stop for a 3 night stint, we ended up just staying for two nights, as we were keen to head North to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai for the Loi Krathong Festival which I also witnessed in great amazement last year.

Previously when I was in Bangkok last year, I failed to see the Grand Palace so that was on the ‘to do’ list along with some time drinking and chatting on Khao San Road, where we were staying. A little less organised than the few days previously in Dubai.

What always strikes me about Bangkok is the organised madness, which if you have never ventured outside of Europe is very hard to comprehend.

I personally feel leaving Bangkok like it’s almost been ticked off my list, the sky bar is yet to be seen and experienced, but will be back in Bangkok before flying home at the beginning of December.

Next stop Chiang Mai … :)

– by Barney Walters

Dubai, UAE

Dubai Travel Photography

Dubai – The New, The Newer and the not so New.

October 2014 – Dubai Travel Photography.

On route to Asia, me and Poppy decided to stop off in Dubai for a little explore of the city old and new and also to split up the flights to Bangkok from London. In the space of 72 hours we managed to squeeze in most of the highlights including several of the worlds tallest/highest/biggest; not least Ski Dubai, The Dubai Mall, and the Burj Khalifa and its At.mosphere restaurant. Perhaps a bit too much luxury living ahead of 4 weeks of ‘backpacking’ around Asia – yet it had to be done and whilst I’m not perhaps in any rush to go back soon – it was certainly worth the visit and worth seeing the massive scale of things.

Shot on a mixture of the Nikon DF with a 35mm f/2 D prime and a Canon G12 pocket camera.

Next stop Bangkok … :)

Burj Khalifa