The Best Travel Photographs Of February 2018

This February, Culture Trip photographers visited rural workers in Vietnam and Mexico, colourful carnivals in São Paulo and Venice and some of Thailand’s most intriguing marketplaces. Take a look at our favourite images of the month.

The Mexican harvest farmers battling against US companies

We interviewed Samuel Bautista Loza, one of the many members of his community fighting to save agricultural traditions in Oaxaca.

Széchenyi Baths, the most famous spa in budapest

A guide to Maeklong Railway market in Bangkok

Photographer Kit Dale captured Maeklong Railway Market in Bangkok, also known as the ‘umbrella pulldown’ market. Vendors and merchants move all their belongings away from the tracks as the train passes through.

Marvel at this year’s Venice carnival costumes

Photographer Sandro Lazzari captures festivalgoers in colourful costumes and traditional Venetian masks during the Carnevale di Venezia.

Capturing Valencia’s famed Ciudad de las Artes y Las Ciencias

Golden hour at the Ciudad de las Artes y Las Ciencias, home to Europe’s largest aquarium, an outdoor nightclub and many festivals.

The devils of San Martin de Tilcajete

During Mexican carnival San Martin de Tilcajete, boys and men participate in the ritual of dressing up like devils, carousing around town looking to scare other residents.

Inside Thailand’s Chatuchak Weekend Market

The art of tea pulling (to produce teh tarik), captured by photographer Kit Dale in Bangkok.

Moscow’s winter wonders

The magical Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow covered in snow.

Home for Têt

Photographer Bhanu Prakesh celebrates Têt with friends and family at home in Vietnam.

Inside the Daruma Kuyo ritual at Nishi-Arai Daishi Temple

Japanese yamabushi set fire to daruma dolls at the Daruma Kuyo Ritual in Tokyo.

Hiking in Smith Rock State Park

Anna Bruce visits the birthplace of American climbing in central Oregon’s High Desert.

Exploring Jaipur’s Amber Fort

Cleaners stop to rest in the sun at the Amber Fort in Jaipur.

Mộc Châu’s green tea hills

Vu Pham Van meets hill tribes and tea plantation workers in rural Mộc Châu, Vietnam.

The monkey gangs of Kuala Lumpur

Pigeons aren’t the only ones on the look out for food around the Batu Caves.

The best carnival blocos in São Paulo

Family-friendly street parties during this year’s carnival celebrations in São Paulo.

Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Photographer Kit Dale explores the hundreds of ancient temples and religious structures dotted throughout the iconic Angkor Wat Archaeological Park in Cambodia.

Exploring Reserva Nacional de Paracas

Birds rest on sea stacks at Reserva Nacional de Paracas, also home to an abundance of marine life and ancient archaeological sites.

A glimpse into Mexico’s rodeos

Take a look behind the scenes at a traditional rodeo event in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.