Welcome to Thailand! On this trip, we take the Phuket Ferry to the Phi Phi Islands, a magical group of islands about two hours off the coast. The beaches include Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Leh islands, which have turquoise waters, sheer green cliffs, and some of the best snorkeling in the world. It looks like paradise. Here's how to photograph these beautiful islands.
Behind the scenes vlog:
First, we board the ferry around 9am which takes us on a scenic ride to the Phi Phi Islands. We dock off coast of Monkey Beach off of Ko Phi Phi Don to go snorkeling. Our boat provided the snorkel gear and I brought my GoPro. We dive into the underwater adventure and see the best coral reefs and sea life, like parrot fish.
Here's what to bring to get those amazing underwater and aerial shots:
View of the longtail boats from monkey beach:
Time to dive in! View from the waters of Phi Phi Islands:
Next, we go to Monkey Beach where we see mischievous monkeys grabbing tourist's items, like sunglasses, beer, and more! Here is the view from the water looking towards Monkey Beach (shot with GoPro).
We get back on the boat to visit Krabi beach, where we go swimming in the warm waters. Then it's time to head back to Phuket! Phuket Ferry Schedule: ► ►https://www.phuketferry.com/ Phi Phi Island Boat Tour: ► ►https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/full-day-phi-phi-islands-tour-with-lunch.a377684.activity-details What are your favorite places in Thailand to go snorkeling? Comment below!
Welcome to Siem Reap! Wondering what to do in this region beyond Angkor Wat? We ventured 1.5 hours outside of the city to a remote jungle area where we find a sacred mountain and hidden waterfall with significant history to the ancient Khmer Empire. Let's go check it out!
Behind the Scenes video:
First we visit Phnom Kulen, which is a National Park area located about 48 km to the north of the provincial town of Siem Reap. Phnom Kulen is considered a holy mountain in Cambodia, of special religious significance to Hindus and Buddhists who come to the mountain in pilgrimage. It is where the Khmer empire was established in the 9th Century and also served as the quarry for Angkor Wat.
When we arrived at Phnom Kulen, the entire area was filled with Cambodian music, satay and grilled meat street food, and the smell of intense lingering from the temple. The site has two waterfalls and a magnificent Buddhist temple that sits a few floors above ground. Inside the temple is a reclining Buddha with epic views of the jungle.
The waterfall is where locals gather for picnics and festivities. We followed a dirt path that winded beside a stream, and we new the waterfall was near. Once we saw the waterfall, there were crowds of locals and tourists taking photos and enjoying the view. The water was very shallow, which was refreshing after experiencing the 90 degree humidity.
Phnom Kulen was also one of the last strongholds for the Khmer Rouge in 1979 and even still has landmines. The country is making great progress to remove the landmines and rebuild its economy from the civil war. Despite the tough recent past, the country is extraordinary and Cambodian people are some of the sweetest and most inspiring people I have met on my travels.
What are your favorite places in Cambodia? Comment below!
Welcome to Angkor Wat! In this travel vlog, we take a guided weekend trip to the ancient temple of Angkor Wat in Cambodia and photograph the temple. Like most magnificent sights, we were not the only ones there. In fact, crowds can reach the thousands. So be sure to come prepared. Here is how to photograph the temple like a pro during a weekend trip.
Behind the scenes video: When to go: September or March, which are the vernal and autumnal equinoxes. At this time, the sun lines up directly above the central pinnacle of Angkor Wat, a estimate to the genius architecture. Getting there: First, we get up at 4:45 am to buy our ticket to the temple, which is $36 for a one day pass and $62 for a three day pass. At 5 am, we reach the temple. You can get to the temple via tuk tuk, taxi, or bike. Here is the scene when we arrived:
Camera Set Up:
First, make sure your DSLR lens does not fog from the humidity. It took me about 15 minutes for the humidity on my lens to dissipate. I set up my tripod and filmed a time-lapse photo of the glorious sunrise. Be sure to get in the front row for optimal viewing. Where to set up your camera: Set your camera up on the west or north sides of the temple next to the outer moat (see pin drops below). You can also cross the moat and set up next to the "Libraries" where you will find an interior reflective pool. This area is much more crowded, so be sure to get there early. View from the West side of the outer moat. The temple looks more distant, but I got an unobstructed view with no people or scaffolding in the shot.
View from the interior pool near the "Libraries". The temple is closer in view and the colors change every few minutes.
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We are two adventurous young professionals who turned our passion for travel into a blog to help others travel more.
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