Bangkok Photography Spots: My Personal Guide After Weeks in the City
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- By: Peter Orsel
Thailand was one of my first destinations as a full-time travel photographer. I spent several weeks in Bangkok specifically to find the best locations to shoot, and I couldn’t get enough of it.
The spots in this article are the ones I actually returned to and spent time figuring out. I have also added a number of well-searched locations I have not personally visited, but can share solid information about based on research and local knowledge.
In This Post
Where to stay to Find the Best Bangkok Photography Spots?
If you are visiting Bangkok for the first time, the area you stay in makes a real difference for photography. The city is enormous and traffic is unpredictable, so being well-positioned saves you hours.
Asok and Phrom Phong is my personal favourite area. Good hotels, excellent public transport links, parks and malls within walking distance. This is where I base myself when I am in the city for photography work.
Silom is a good choice if you want to be close to the temple district and the river. It won’t take you too long to places like Wat Arun, Wat Pho and the Grand Palace.
Khao San Road area is for the party crowd. Not ideal for photography mornings, but central enough.
Riverside is worth considering if the Chao Phraya is a priority. Search for hotels near ICONSIAM for some of the best riverside locations.
Personal Recommendations where I stayed myself
Conrad Bangkok ($$) – is part of the Hilton brand and one of their top properties. Spacious rooms, pool, smart room technology throughout. Around $160 per night, which makes it one of the most affordable Conrad hotels anywhere.
Millennium Bangkok ($$) has riverside views and is located next to ICONSIAM. I was here over Christmas and the breakfast buffet was one of the most impressive I have seen in any hotel. Similar price range to the Conrad.
Ariston Hotel ($) is a solid budget option. Good area, free breakfast, pool, close to a BTS station. From around $40 per night.
Getting around in Bangkok
Getting around Bangkok is cheap and straightforward once you understand the system. The BTS Skytrain and MRT Metro cover most of the areas you need. For longer distances or late nights, taxis are affordable. Always use the meter or book via Grab to avoid getting overcharged.
For a local experience, tuk-tuks are available in tourist areas. Expect to pay slightly more than a metered taxi, but the ride is worth doing at least once.
Tours in Bangkok
If you want to go deeper into Bangkok’s culture, a guided tour is worth considering. I book through GetYourGuide and have found their options reliable. Take a look at some options below:
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Best Season for Photography in Bangkok
November to February is the best time to visit Bangkok for photography. Temperatures drop to around 25 to 30 degrees, skies are clear and blue, and the air quality is at its best. This is when the temples photograph cleanest and the light during golden hour is warm without the haze that builds up later in the year. Expect higher hotel prices during this period, especially around December and January.
March to May is the hot season and the most challenging for outdoor photography. Temperatures regularly hit 38 to 40 degrees and the air quality gets worse as farmers burn fields across northern Thailand. The smog can give Bangkok skies a washed-out look that is difficult to fix in editing. Shooting is still possible early in the morning before the heat builds, but plan for shorter sessions outdoors.
June to October is the rainy season. Early in this period, June to August, rain typically comes in short afternoon bursts and mornings are often clear. From September onward the rain becomes heavier and less predictable. The upside: fewer tourists, greener surroundings, more dramatic skies, and significantly cheaper hotels. For a photographer who plans around the weather and shoots in short windows, this season has its rewards.
Best Time to Shoot in Bangkok
Getting the timing right in Bangkok makes the difference between good photos and great ones.
Sunrise (05:30 to 08:00) is the best window for temples and the river. The light is soft, the crowds are thin, and Wat Arun looks exceptional in the early morning. The Grand Palace opens at 08:30, so arriving at that time gives you good light without the midday heat.
Midday (11:00 to 14:00) is the most difficult time to shoot outdoors. The light is harsh, the heat is brutal and the temples are at their most crowded. Use this time for indoor locations like Wat Pho or covered markets.
Golden hour (17:30 to 18:30) is prime time for the skyline, riverside spots and rooftop views. Bangkok’s high-rises catch the warm light and the river turns gold.
Blue hour (18:30 to 19:30) is when the city really comes alive for photographers. The sky goes deep blue, the city lights switch on, and Chinatown starts buzzing. This is the best window for Yaowarat Road.
China Town
Bangkok’s Chinatown is widely considered the largest in the world. Day and night it offers completely different photo opportunities, and I have spent more time here than anywhere else in the city.
During the day, explore the side streets off Yaowarat Road. You will find temples, Chinese signage, jewellery shops, and a density of daily life that is hard to find elsewhere. The late afternoon light catches the gold on the shopfronts and creates long shadows through the narrow streets.
At night, Chinatown transforms entirely. The neon signs, food stalls, and crowds create an electric atmosphere that photographs beautifully. Come just before sunset to catch the transition as the neon takes over.
At the beginning of Yaowarat Road you will find the Gateway Arch, also known as the Odeon Circle. It is a popular subject for light trail photography, with cars circling the roundabout and the arch as the main subject. The classic angle is from a parking garage nearby. I will be honest: I tried and the security guards refused entry. Multiple photographers have had the same experience. I went for a lower angle instead and was happy with the result. If you want to get the higher up view, navigate to this parking garage with your own car, and you shouldn’t have any problems.
Lens recommendations for China Town
Bring a wide-angle lens (16-35mm) for the street scenes and neon-lit overview shots, and a telephoto for compressing the signage and picking out details in the crowds. For night photography, make sure your lens can shoot at a wide aperture like f/1.8 or f/2.8. A 50mm or 85mm would work great. The lower the aperture number, the better your lens performs in low light.
How to get to China Town in Bangkok?
Take the MRT to Hua Lamphong, walk to the main gate and explore from there. You can leave via Sam Yot or Sanam Chai. This link leads you to the Odeon Circle, a good starting point for your trip.
The Trains Tracks Of Bangkok
The train tracks were my favourite location in Bangkok. I had seen photos before my trip and was excited to go, and it did not disappoint. The train tracks running through the residential areas south of the city gave me access to a Bangkok that most tourists never see.
The areas along the tracks are green, surprisingly quiet and full of daily life. People live, cook, and go about their day right next to the rails. It is an opportunity for street photography in a context that feels completely unscripted.
A practical tip: open Google Maps on your phone, tap on the nearest station and you will find a timetable with estimated train arrival times. This is accurate and saves you a lot of waiting in the heat.
Lens Recommendation for the Train Tracks
A telephoto lens like a 70-200mm is the right choice here. You do not want to get too close to the trains, and a 70-200 gives you enough distance while still letting you compress the background and get close-up shots of the train itself.
How to get to These Train Tracks in Bangkok
Take the BTS to Wutthakat and walk southward along the tracks toward Chom Thong station. That is a popular and photogenic station, but keep walking southbound for the more interesting areas. Alternatively, take a taxi to Wat Sai station and walk the tracks from there. My favourite spot along the tracks is here.
Wat Arun Temple
Wat Arun is one of the most photographed temples in Southeast Asia for a reason. The temple lights up at sunset when the sun drops behind it, creating a backlit silhouette over the Chao Phraya River. Arrive around 17:00 for the best light.
The shots you have seen online, the wide reflection across the river with Wat Arun rising behind, are taken from the opposite bank rather than from the temple itself. Walk to the other side of the river and look for a spot along the waterfront. Several riverside restaurants along here give you an unobstructed view and a place to wait for the light.
After sunset, take a walk through the surrounding alleys. There are street scenes with Wat Arun visible in the background that most people miss because they leave after the golden hour is over.
If you visit the temple itself, morning is better than afternoon. The sun is behind you and the intricate porcelain mosaic on the spires catches the light well.
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
The Grand Palace is Bangkok’s most visited site, and the crowds reflect that. The complex is enormous and the detail in the architecture is extraordinary. Every surface seems to have something worth photographing.
Arrive at opening time at 08:30 for the best light and the smallest crowds. Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered. Wraps are available at the entrance if needed. A wide-angle lens is useful for the scale of the buildings, but bring a longer focal length for the detail work on the mosaic tiles, mythical figures and rooftop decorations.
One of the best shots around the Grand Palace is actually outside the complex. The row of golden chedis along the outer wall of Wat Phra Kaew lines up beautifully with Buddhist monks walking past in their orange robes.
It is one of the most striking compositions in Bangkok and easy to miss if you head straight inside. I do not have this shot myself, but if you arrive early enough and position yourself exactly here, I’m sure you head home with that amazing shot.
How to get there?
Take the MRT to Sanam Chai or the river ferry to Tha Chang pier.
What are the costs?
Entrance is 500 THB and includes access to the palace grounds and Wat Phra Kaew.
Big Buddha Bangkok: Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen
One of the most underrated photography locations in Bangkok is the Big Buddha, officially known as Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen. The 69-metre tall statue was completed in 2021 and can be seen from multiple points across the city, which makes it unusual as a subject. Taking photos of the Big Buddha works from both up close and from a distance.
The best viewpoint in my opinion is from Tha Phra MRT station, which has multiple levels. From the upper levels you get the statue in context with the condo towers behind it, which makes for a composition that is unlike anything else in the city. Bring at least a 200mm lens for this shot.
Going closer gives you completely different options. The temple grounds are interesting and the base of the statue is accessible.
How to get there?
The best way to enter the area of Wat Paknam, is by taking the MRT to Tha Phra station. This station has multiple levels and will give you amazing views with the condo’s behind the statue. Make sure you bring your tele lens (at least 200mm) for this!
Of course you should head closer as well and you’ll find many other options to shoot this magnificent statue. Click here for Google Maps directions.
The Bangkok Skyline
The best skyline views in Bangkok come from height, and the city has several options depending on your budget and preference.
ICONSIAM Mall on the 7th floor has a Starbucks with access to a rooftop terrace. It is free, gives you an excellent view of the river and the skyline including Lebua at State Tower and King Power Mahanakhon, and the sun is at your back when shooting eastward. Lebua at State Tower is one of the most iconic buildings to photograph from here, featured in The Hangover Part II and recognisable from most skyline shots of Bangkok.
How to get there?
Take the BTS to Krung Thon Buri or the river boat from Saphan Taksin pier. On weekends there is sometimes a free shuttle boat from the pier. Navigate to ICONSIAM here.
King Power Mahanakhon
King Power Mahanakhon is one of Bangkok’s tallest buildings and the skywalk at the top gives you the best view over the city. The glass floor lets you look down hundreds of metres, which is not for everyone. The views are really worth it. You want to be up there for sunset, and those tickets sell out easily. Check availability below and make sure you select the sunset option, as there are different time slots.
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For street level shots, I tried to enter the parking garage for a great view of the tower alongside the BTS tracks, but was turned away again. If you are on the ground level, make sure you use a wide angle lens to capture the tower.
How to get there?
The best way to enter the area of Wat Paknam, is by taking the BTW to Chong Nonsi. This station lies right underneath the King Power Mahanakhon tower, so you’ll be at the right spot. If you have a car and want to try to get into the parking garage, head here.
Bangkok Street Photography
Bangkok’s street photography does not require a specific location. The city is constantly in motion and if you keep your eyes open, compositions appear constantly. Rush hour traffic lights, open garage workshops, street food preparation at dusk. All of it is there.
One important note: if you want to photograph someone and their face is recognisable, make sure they agree. Show them the photo after you take it, or offer to send it. If they are running a food stall, buy something. This approach has worked well for me and has led to some of my favourite portraits from Bangkok.
Ancient City (Mueang Boran)
Ancient City is a large park about 45 minutes from central Bangkok that recreates cultural highlights from across Thailand. Temples styled after Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai and Bangkok are spread across the grounds. The scale of some of the structures is impressive and the details are perfect for photography.
The park is enormous and you will need a bicycle (included in the ticket price) or golf cart to cover the ground properly. Go without a specific shot list and explore. The variety of what you find will surprise you. If you are planning to bring a drone, check the regulations before you go.
What are the costs?
Tickets cost $16 per adult when booked in advance via this link. While booking, you can optionally add your transportation too.
How to get there?
The easiest way to get to Ancient City is by taxi or Grab.
If you are on a budget, take the BTS to Kheha and from there hop on a Songtaew. These are covered pickup trucks that run a fixed route but without fixed stops. You flag them down and tell the driver where you are going. A local experience you will not find in most travel guides. The ride to Ancient City costs around 10 THB. Make sure you have cash on you. On the way back, cross the road and flag a Songtaew heading back toward Kheha station.
What Sam Phran: The Dragon Temple
Wat Sam Phran is not in Bangkok itself, but about 40 kilometres to the west in Nakhon Pathom province. The pink 17-storey tower with a dragon coiling around the outside has become one of the most photographed temples in Thailand. I have not been there myself, but the exterior alone makes it worth the trip. The dragon wrapping around the tower is unlike anything else you will find in Southeast Asia and photographs well from the surrounding grounds.
How to get there?
Take a Grab to Wat Sam Phran, or hire a private driver. The ride takes around 30 to 45 minutes from central Bangkok and costs between 300 and 500 THB one way. Ask your driver to wait, as getting a ride back from this location can be more difficult than getting there.
Bhumibol Bridge
This one requires a bit of honesty. The classic photography spot for the Bhumibol Bridge involves private transportation and is not safe to access. I have been there and I would not recommend it. The spot is a shared secret among local photographers and involves risks that are not worth taking.
What I can recommend: photograph the bridge from the residential neighbourhoods around it. The area has character and the bridge as a background element works well. A drone would be ideal here and is on my list for a future visit.
The photos I have of the bridge were taken from a moving car as a passenger, camera out of the window. Not the planned method, but the results worked.
Bonus: Salt Flats of Phetchaburi
If you have extra time in Bangkok or you are heading south toward the islands, consider a train detour to Phetchaburi. The salt flats are photogenic by drone and the surrounding area has caves and temples that add variety to a half-day or full-day trip.
Bangkok Photography Itinerary: How to Plan Your Days
Bangkok is large and the traffic is unpredictable. Planning your locations by area saves a lot of time.
Day 1: The River and the Temple District
Start at Wat Arun before 07:00 for the early morning light on the spires. Cross back to the Tha Tien side and walk to the Grand Palace, which opens at 08:30. Spend the morning there and continue to Wat Pho directly behind it. After 12:00, take a break during the midday heat. In the late afternoon head back to the river, find a spot along the embankment and shoot Wat Arun at golden hour from 17:00. After sunset, take the ferry across and walk the surrounding alleys for street scenes with Wat Arun lit up in the background.
Day 2: The Train Tracks and Chinatown
Leave early for the train tracks south of the city. Get to Wutthakat by 07:00 and walk the tracks southward. Spend the morning shooting. By late morning, make your way toward Chinatown. Eat, rest during midday, and explore the side streets in the afternoon. Stay for blue hour and shoot Yaowarat Road as the neon comes on around 18:30. This is one of the best evenings you will have in Bangkok as a photographer.
Day 3: The Big Golden Buddha, the Skyline and King Power Mahanakhon
Morning: take the MRT to Tha Phra station for the Golden Buddha views. Bring your 200mm. Spend an hour exploring the different angles. Midday: ICONSIAM for the rooftop Starbucks and skyline views. Afternoon: Go to King Power Mahanakhon for street-level shots of the tower. If you want to climb it, do this at sunset for the best views over the city. Make sure you book it in advance.
Some Final Photography Advices for Bangkok
Arrive early at the temples. The Grand Palace and Wat Arun get crowded fast. Being there at opening time gives you soft morning light and a fraction of the midday crowds.
Use Google Maps for train times. Along the train tracks, tap any station in Google Maps for a live timetable. It is surprisingly accurate and saves a lot of waiting.
Chinatown: come before sunset, stay until late. The transition from late afternoon light to neon is the best window. Arriving after dark means you miss it.
Street photography: move fast. Bangkok moves fast. A focal length between 35mm and 85mm and a shutter speed above 1/250s keeps you responsive. Zoom lenses make it easier to keep distance while staying engaged with the scene.
Drone note: Flying in Bangkok is subject to Thai aviation regulations. Register your drone before traveling and check which areas are restricted. Ancient City is one of the more accessible options, but check in advance. Most central temple areas are off-limits.
More inspiration in Asia
If you enjoyed this guide, here are more destinations in the region worth adding to your list. Each article is built the same way: real locations, exact spots, and honest advice.
- The Best Photography Spots of Taipei, Taiwan: Taipei is one of the most underrated photography cities in Asia. Night markets, temples and a skyline that comes alive after dark.
- The Best Photo Spots in Singapore: A city that photographs better than you expect, and most of the best spots are free.
- Bali Travel Guide: From Uluwatu cliffs to Ubud rice terraces, Bali has more photography spots than most people realise.
- How to Visit the Salt Flats of Phetchaburi, Thailand: A day trip from Bangkok that most tourists miss completely.
About Me
Peter Orsel is a Dutch travel photographer based in Bali, specialized in drone and landscape photography. He has visited over 40 countries and writes detailed, no-nonsense guides based on firsthand experience.
4 Responses
Hi Peter!
I am travelling to Bangkok and I would like to take a picture of Mahanakhon building from another tall building in the surrounding area. Can you give me some advice? Searching in Google Maps is difficult.
Hi Marcos, thanks for your reply! I’ve written about the parking garage, that would be your best bet. Try to find yourself a driver that’s willing to drive into the parking garage and you’ll get a perfect shot like this one. (not my shot) The Amara hotel has a rooftop bar and a great view on King Power Mahakanon as well. I guess most buildings are condominiums or offices, which make it hard to get a great view if you don’t know anyone there. My best advice would be the parking garages or finding hotels with rooftop bars in the surrounding area!
Hi Peter, I am traveling to Thailand at the end of the year and plan to get photos of the Ancient City with my drone. I know drones are frowned upon in some areas but I plan on getting it registered as well as getting insurance. Do you have any tips on getting by with the drone and getting photos without any issues?
Hi Curt, exciting times ahead!! Ancient City can be a bit tricky to fly the drone. I traveled there at the end of the pandemic with tourism not peaking again yet. I’d say go without expectations and see if you can manage to get your drone shots by flying from a quiet or abandoned spot in the park. It will always be a bit frowned upon if people see you. Sometimes I’m lucky, sometimes I’m not, sometimes I have to go twice to a location. It’s the challenge that we have as photographers!