Tourists. Tourists everywhere. Does it bother you? It seems nowadays that visiting a touristy place is a bad thing. I get that some people have that adventurer gene and want to feel like they’re the first person to discover something. Personally, it doesn’t bother me if I turn up and there’s a hundred other people there. OK it bothers me a little. Sure, it would be nice if they weren’t there but we’ve got to learn to share. It just comes as part of the package when you want to see the world’s most beautiful places.
Unless you’re up for getting up at 4am to beat the crowds. I’m not joking, there are people that do that. The only way I’m getting up that early is if I have a plane to catch or I’m heading to watch the sunrise somewhere special. Otherwise, count me out. If visiting somewhere crowded really bothers you that much then fair play. Getting up that early all the time would just make the trip unenjoyable for me.
Y Tho?
I can think of three generic reasons as to why people visit touristy places at the crack of dawn. One, they hate crowds. Like really, really hate crowds. It’s that important to them to experience the place peacefully or their experience will be ruined. Two, they’re mad into photography and enjoy sunrise photography. Three, they’re doing it for the gram.
In this day in age, it seems likely that the mass populous are messing with their sleep patterns all for that perfect Instagram shot. I get it. I do. Travel Instagrammers are trying to show off the best of the best. But aren’t they providing a false impression of what it’s really like? Would you be disappointed if you arrived at your dream location and it was swarming with people, after seeing photos with no other soul in view?
I like sleeping. So, here’s 5 times we were too lazy to beat the crowds. Let’s get those expectations lowered, shall we?
#1 Maya Bay – Thailand
Maya Bay in Thailand. Everyone knows this is where Leonardo’s ‘The Beach’ was filmed. It is an absolutely, drop dead gorgeous spot of the world. With that level of fame, of course, it’s going to be teaming with people. It’s relatively easy to get a shot in the water but the beach is rammed. There are so many boats in the water. No, not pretty longboats, I’m talking day trip booze cruisers. For safety reasons, you can only get into the water in certain areas and people are queuing for that perfect shot.
Angkor Wat – Cambodia
Angkor Wat will be on any traveller’s bucket list and it’s unlikely anyone visiting Cambodia will miss it out. Queue, a lot of people in one place. If you want undisturbed pictures of Angkor Wat, visit at sunset when everyone is gallivanting off in the other direction to get the perfect sunset photo from afar.
#3 Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
We recently visited Borneo. Whilst we were there we had the pleasure of taking a trip to the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Unbeknownst to us, there were official feeding times. We turned up dead on time and were wowed at the amount of people already blocking the view. It was fine because everyone was nice and we were all there for the same reason. So, people were respectful and as un-annoying as people can be.
Every Town or City – Everywhere
Beautiful cities like Hoi An are SO photogenic. Thousands of people flock into the centre every day to pose on the bridge and to take photos of the lanterns and beautiful shops. If you wait until a normal time of day to take your photos, they will be littered with people. I think it adds to the charm, some people will disagree.
Sea Swings – Indonesia
You know what I mean by sea swing right? Typically found in the Bali region. Genius money grabbing bars set up beautiful, rustic swings in the shallow water to allow for the perfect Instagram photo. Paying customers only of course. Who doesn’t want a perfect photo on a swing, in the sea with a glorious sun setting behind you in an exotic location like Bali? These swings are largely unattended during the day. Arrive for that perfect sunset photo and you’ll be queuing a while.
Final Word
If you’re serious about photography or just straight up hate people, you better be a morning person. Or be good at photoshop. If, like me, you like to take your time. Fear not! Sometimes a crowd can add something to a shot and if it doesn’t? At the very least, you’re showing people the real place and what to expect.
