Bangkok and Phuket

[yehaaa]

Hi all,
Am going to Bangkok and Phuket for the first few weeks of August. Never been before. Wondering if any of you have any tips on great photo locations or areas, beaches, islands, villages etc where some great shots can be taken.

Any input at all will help my research. I want to be fully armed with info before I leave, so thought I would get help from some of you who may have been before.

Thanks heaps

[cazzaritch]

The Palace (can't remember if its called Gold or Grand) is a great place for some photos. As is the Bridge on the River Kwai and the cemeteries - depending on what you are looking for. I haven't been to Phuket so can't comment, but if you get over to Koh Samui, Maenam Beach is stunning.

[mrs xa coupe]

I have been to Thailand several times and can assure you that you will love it. Places to go Bangkok include the Grand Palace (allow a full day for this one, it is huge!), the Floating Markets, the Rose Garden (a cultural centre with arts demonstrations), and a day trip to the ruins of the old capital city Ayutthaya. I havent been to Phuket, but there will be plenty of beach landscapes to cover.

Enjoy your trip :-)

[Dragonfly..shotz]

My advice for photographing in Phuket is to take a serious polaroid lens with you. The only time we saw blue sky was when I downloaded photos when we got home! The islands are beautiful and most are only a short trip. More advice don’t take the long tail boats, if you can help it or unless you want the authentic experience, take speedboats anywhere you go.
The beaches are not looking their best and as you fly in you will see why. Tsunami destroyed vast stretches of coast and they still look ravaged. Although the locals say the water colour around the islands has never been the same since tsunami it is still spectacular and this is where you will get great photos. By the way, they love aussies, oi oi oi, everywhere you go!!
The good thing is, plan nothing before you go. Everything you do is subject to weather and conditions and you can bargain your tours on the streets. Every shop is a tour outlet in one way or another and will get you a good deal on a tour. We managed twice the amount of tours because we got most at half price. The fishing is unreal too if you are into it.
There are many islands to visit and it is best organized once you get there, they never book out and there is always a boat available.
Hope this helps.

http://www.ssb5.net/users/53446/thailand.jpg

http://www.ssb5.net/users/53446/thailand__1_.jpg

[bergie_318is]

ohh yes !!

thanks for that info chris. im going to phuket and bangkok in late september and i cant wait to get some fantastic shots. i only have the d40 twin lens kit with a UV filter, do u think ill need a polorizing filter or something?

thanks
adam.

[pixeljunkie]

I think Sept is Monsoon season. (rain and lots of it) Last time I went was in Sept is there was one clear day. Other then that it was overcast and grey.

Just a little info for when I went. Can't help you with what to take as I'm still new...sorry.

[Dragonfly..shotz]

ohh yes !!

thanks for that info chris. im going to phuket and bangkok in late september and i cant wait to get some fantastic shots. i only have the d40 twin lens kit with a UV filter, do u think ill need a polorizing filter or something?

thanks
adam.

Yes Adam, a polarizing filter is a must and will make a big difference to your photos.

[robertdownie]

If you are at Phuket make sure you make a side trip to the Phi Phi islands. It is not far by fast boat and much more photogenic than Phuket.

And yes take Circular Polarizers for all of your lenses. The tropical sky is a light blue (the sky gets darker the closer you get to the poles or the higher your altitude due to the properties of the atmosphere and the incidence of the sun). So you need all the help you can get in keeping a nice blue sky. It also helps with saturation as it removes some of the reflection from the water and allows for longer exposure times.

Monsoons can be dramatic as long as you dont mind some rain.

I have some pics up from Phi Phi (and some other Thailand ones) on my website. Few thumbnail teasers below.

http://www.intrepidphotos.com/Webpage/Thailand/Ko%20Phi%20Phi/Page%201/thumbs/PhiPhi61.jpg

http://www.intrepidphotos.com/Webpage/Thailand/Ko%20Phi%20Phi/Page%202/thumbs/PhiPhi26.jpg

http://www.intrepidphotos.com/Webpage/Thailand/Ko%20Phi%20Phi/Page%202/thumbs/PhiPhi31.jpg

Rob

[Helen]

Superb imagery on your website Rob. I've added it to my favourites so I can go back and drool some more. ;) I'm fascinated with the photos of Petra in Jordan... amazing place and one I'd like to see along with Machu Pichu.