Lan Ha Bay from above, through the lens of a Belgian photographer.

Belgian photographer Johan Vandenhecke currently has over 20,000 followers on Instagram. His photos showcase the beauty of nature and have received high praise from international awards. After teaching himself how to take photos with a drone through YouTube, Johan Vandenhecke decided to capture the beauty of many world landmarks through his cross-continental travels.

Two years ago, a Belgian photographer and his girlfriend put their work aside for a memorable long trip. They traveled through Southeast Asia, Australia, and South America, capturing stunning images of the natural beauty they encountered. Johan's photos immediately gained attention on social media, and he submitted them to a photography contest organized by Agoda, where they were among the top entries.

Johan views his journey as a life-changing experience: “The long trip two years ago changed my life. I initially only intended to take that trip to refresh myself, clear my mind, and experience the world with a relaxed, carefree spirit, with a truly free and unrestrained soul, as if nothing could hold me back,” photographer Johan Vandenhecke recalls.

Here are some other landmarks captured from above by Johan Vandenhecke during the trip:

Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park is located in the Nusa Tenggara archipelago of Indonesia, on the border between the provinces of Nusa Tenggara Timur and Nusa Tenggara Barat. The national park comprises three large islands: Komodo, Rinca, and Pudar, along with several smaller islands. The total area of ​​the national park is 1,817 km2.

Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park and Batok Volcano, East Java, Indonesia

Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is the only conservation area in Indonesia with a 10-kilometer-long sandbar called Tengger, featuring four conical volcanoes. These conical volcanoes are Mount Batok (2,470 m), Mount Kursi (2,581 m), Mount Watangan (2,661 m), and Mount Widodaren (2,650 m). To the south of the park lies a highland plateau dissected by valleys and dotted with numerous stunning lakes at the foot of Mount Semeru.

The ancient city of Bagan, Myanmar

Bagan was the capital of Myanmar for 230 years. Despite its small size, Bagan is home to a vast number of ancient temples and pagodas. Many experts estimate that around 10,000 temples were built there, with approximately 2,000 still standing today. The unspoiled beauty of the ancient city of Bagan has given it many mysterious legends, making it an attractive destination for tourists.

El Peñon de Guatape rock formation, Colombia

The El Peñon de Guatape rock formation is located near the town of Guatape, in the Antioquia province of Colombia. Dating back approximately 70 million years, the rock rises more than 200 meters above the surrounding ground. The indigenous Tahamies people revere this rock formation.

Kuang Si Waterfall, a three-tiered waterfall in Laos.

Kuang Si is a complex of three waterfalls, the main one being about 60 meters high, with water cascading down from above, creating a spectacular scene of white foam and mist.

Kampung Jodipan - The Rainbow Village, Malang, Indonesia

Previously, Kampung Jodipan village was a poor, backward slum located along a small river, and the local government had planned to relocate and demolish it. However, a $22,000 project was initiated, bringing together artists and art students to create giant artworks, transforming Kampung Jodipan from a village of dreary houses into a vibrant and colorful place.

Padar Island is part of the Komodo archipelago, Indonesia.

Padar Island is part of the Komodo archipelago. It's special because its pink sand beaches, blending with the blue sea, create a breathtakingly beautiful scene.

Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery, Myanmar

The Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery is built almost entirely of wood, combined with cement stairs in the style of a stilt house, giving it a rustic and weathered look.

Lake McKenzie and the city of Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

One of 40 lakes on Fraser Island, McKenzie Lake boasts crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush green forests. Originally filled only with rainwater, the sand beneath acts as a natural filter, removing impurities and making the water even clearer over time.

Also located in the state of Queensland on the eastern coast of Australia, Gold Coast is renowned as a tourist city, boasting many beautiful beaches and being a surfing paradise. With a population of only about half a million, Gold Coast is one of the fastest-growing cities in Australia.

Jervis Bay and Anna Bay, New South Wales, Australia

Jervis Bay Territory is the smallest administrative unit under the Australian federal government, comprising 65.7 km2 of land and an 8.9 km2 marine protected area. Visitors to Australia shouldn't miss the stunning Jervis Bay in New South Wales. In addition, Anna Bay also boasts irresistible beauty with its turquoise waters embracing a long stretch of golden sand.

Loch Ard Gorge

Loch Ard Gorge is part of Port Campbell National Park in Victoria. The gorge is named after the ship Loch Ard, which ran aground nearby on June 1, 1878, with the two sole survivors struggling to reach the beach within the gorge.

Château de La Hulpe, Belgium

The Château de La Hulpe castle in Belgium is notable for its 36-meter-high tower, which acts as a sun-shielding support, creating a stunning backdrop.

Bled Island and the town of Piran, Slovenia

The church on the island of Bled, with its 55-meter-high bell tower, is an iconic image of the town, originally built in the Baroque style. The main church, however, was built in the Pre-Romanesque style in the 9th century and rebuilt in the Gothic style in the 15th century, the most popular architectural style of the time.

Also in Slovenia, Johan captured images of the town of Piran. Surrounded by the blue of the Mediterranean Sea, it boasts ancient buildings, famous churches, streets, and a cultural history preserved since the Middle Ages.

Minh Chi