Lonely Planet

Every month, the BBC Lonely Planet Magazine runs a photo competition. They ask readers to send in pictures they have taken on their travels and tell the story behind them.

1. Sangkhlaburi, Thailand: Youngsters having fun

‘We were in a long-tail boat crossing the Khao Laem reservoir in Sangkhlaburi, close to the Burmese border in western Thailand, when our driver took us to Thailand’s longest wooden bridge. As he cut the engine and we approched the bridge for a closer look, some local boys were enjoying a bombing (diving) competition. When they saw us, they showcased some of their diving. We were only there for a few minutes but this amazing performance remains one of the highlights of my time in Thailand. This shot symbolizes the spontaneity of the country, and its people’s energy.’ Alistair

2. Havana, Cuba: Seeing the light

‘The Malecon is a five-mile-long road laid out by U.S. Marines in 1901 and fronted by nineteenth-century buildings in various states. It is where most people in Havana, Cuba, hang out and have fun at weekends. When I got there, the sun was starting to set. There was a warm breeze blowing and a strong sea swell, with waves crashing against the sea wall. The sun was peeking through the clouds when I noticed an old 1950s car approaching in the distance. I waited until it drew closer before pressing the shutter. For me, this photo captures the essence of Havana: a photogenic city frozen in time.’ Anthony

3. Matera, Southern Italy: Time stands still

‘Nothing could have prepared me for my first sight of the Sassi di Matera. I wasn’t sure what to expect from a cave town where the locals live in the same houses as their ancestors did 9,000 years ago. I felt like I’d walked onto a film set. Adding to the magic of the place was the fact that I was the only person there and it felt like a ghost town. I left feeling slightly thankful—maybe it was knowing that my hotel room was once a cave for a family of ten and their livestock!’ Greg