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The Best Photo Opportunities in Bangkok

Image sourced from creativecommons.org

What constitutes a good photo is usually dependent on a variety of factors.

Personal taste is the obvious influence in what exactly qualifies as a good snap shot – or is it maybe a sense of the unique? There are other necessary and intricate features such as lighting, backdrop, hue, character and culture – but either way, Bangkok certainly isn’t a city short on interesting and vital photographic opportunities.

So where to get the best Instagram shots in Bangkok?

This depends on a few specifics like whether you’re into high-rise, Gotham-like, urban scene-scapes; or perhaps the contrasting greenery and office blocks of a city-centre park? Maybe you just like people-watching, and consider that most of the best photo opportunities come from one-off moments involving interesting-looking characters.

It is true that many aspects of Bangkok may indeed seem exciting and exotic through the eyes of a non-native.

Image by Mr Sayampoo sourced from wikimedia commons

Either way, Bangkok is a SE Asian city with all of the aspects that attract the visual artistry just waiting to be captured by both aspiring amateur photographers and professionals alike.

From temples shimmering with the rising humidity and heat, to tuk-tuks, traffic, street sellers, and evening high-rise scenarios overlooking the city – Bangkok has a plethora of exciting photo opportunities for anyone visiting or otherwise.

The bottom line is that Bangkok leaves many distinct, and characteristic imprints on the mind of many a visitor with its array of historic temples and 40-meter-high Buddhas, to contemporary bars, coffee shops, and shopping malls etc., etc., — all with unbelievable views in terms of veritable photo opportunities or Instagram moments..

A trip to Bangkok could well be the photography experience of a lifetime — another box checked on your to-do list, and a vacation that is forever memorable — so here we present you with a selection of what we feel may be some of the best photographic opportunities that the SE Asian capital of Bangkok currently has to offer.

1. Yaowarat Road, Chinatown

Image by Marcin Konsek sourced from wikimedia commons

Any budding photographer won’t want to miss the chance to capture the night drawing in on Yaowarat Road in Bangkok’s Chinatown district.

An absolutely ideal spot for a bit of street photography along noisy and chaotic roads resplendent with hundreds of red and yellow neon signs, the area also shimmers with the typically Chinese red lanterns.

There are also views of some historic temples that have survived from the early years of Bangkok, and this district is absolutely not-to-be-missed during Chinese New Year.

Image by Marcin Konsek sourced from wikimedia commons

Interesting city-scape photo opportunities can be found by simply walking around the streets in the area, and are particularly prominent and likely when in the vicinity of any of the reasonable number of Chinese temples, including the easily accessible Li Thi Miew Temple.

It is actually possible to get a decent  of the street from a car park that is in front of the Gate of Yaowarat (Odeon Parking). It provides a fantastic view from the top floor, although somewhat unsurprisingly it can be crowded with photographers (particularly at sunset).

Bangkok’s Chinatown will provide many chances for decent shots, whether at sunset or during the neon-lit night.

Address: Yaowarat Road, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, Bangkok
Hours: Open 24 hours

Temples

Although it is quite possible for anyone interested in photographing SE Asian imagery to spend their whole time snapping temples while in Bangkok, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) is probably among one of the most marvellous and mysterious that the city has to offer.

2. Wat Arun

Image by Diego Delso from wikimedia commons

Across the other side of the Chao Phraya River (assuming you are staying on the city ‘centre’ side), this ancient Bangkok temple is accessible by a 5-10 minute ferry ride from any of the central stations.

This is indeed the temple which in many ways has become a world-famous symbol of Bangkok, as it has featured in so many shots of the city. Wat Arun is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, and actually has the highest spire in the world, at 86 meters.

This magnificent and much-photographed spire is surrounded by four smaller prangs, and the central one is meant to be a symbol of Mount Meru from Hindu cosmology.

Image by BerryJ sourced from wikimedia commons

A living chunk of 16^th century, SE Asian temple architecture – deep in the heart of Thailand’s capital, providing one of the best photographic opportunities in Bangkok for masses of tourists and budding photographers every year.

One way to capture Wat Arun is from the other side of the river, as well as taking some awesome photos in and around the temple. The details of this temple are quite intricate and extensive, and it’s a must to experience and photograph while you’re in the city if you really want to soak up some of that Bangkok vibe.

Address: Arun Amarin Road, next to the Chao Phraya River, (opposite Wat Pho), Bangkok
Hours: 08:30–17:30

3. Wat Pho

Staying with the temple theme for a moment longer, Wat Pho is one of the largest, grandest, and most ancient temples in Bangkok, and in fact in Thailand.

The 16^th century complex comprises a chapel housing one of the largest single statues of Buddha in Thailand, ‘The Reclining Buddha’, an impressive 46-meter statue made of gold and stone. It has finer details such as the delicate mother-of-pearl mosaics on its feet.

Image sourced from wikimedia commons

There are lots of places and items at Wat Pho to play around with in terms of photo composition, whether it be a simple selfie with a 40-metre golden Buddha, or a different angle altogether.

This may include the deep ochre of a Bangkok sunset when the temple’s spires seem lit by the bright orange glare against a dimming backdrop and sky. The details of the buildings will be boosted by Sharpening and Microstructure features on some cameras.

Address: Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Hours: 8:00 am–5:00 pm

Rooftop and ‘Sky’ Bars

 Again no shortage of anything deluxe, ‘hi-so’ and stunning in Thailand’s capital, and the many rooftop bars with amazing views that the city has undoubtedly allow some of the best chances for photographs that there are.

 4. Lebua Hotel Sky Bar

Is it possible to get a more intense view of Bangkok than from a precipice suspended more than 800 feet over the city?

The Sky Bar is one of the highest rooftop bars in the world and, along with many other similar bars that have opened (including the Distil bar just one flight up) has reinvented Bangkok’s cocktail culture in recent times.

Image by Steve Jurgetson sourced from wikimedia commons

Situated in the Lebua Hotel, on the 63^rd floor, sits the Sky Bar. Yes, this is the same bar in which some scenes of the movie ‘The Hangover’ were shot and it really does have some amazing, once-in-a-lifetime views and snapshot opportunities.

This is a bar not short of good aerial photo opportunities without using a drone. The best time to visit Sky Bar is just before it starts to get dark, as most locals and tourists alike come for urban sunset-themed photographic opportunities. 

Image by Na sourced from wikimedia commons

Address: 63rd Floor, Lebua State Tower, Silom Road, Bangkok 10500 hours: 4.00 pm -01.00 am                                                                                                      

Parks

There are probably quite a few more green and expansive parks in the city of Bangkok than people may realise, and Lumpini Park is as good an example as any.

5. Lumpini Park

Image by Adestro sourced from wikimedia commons

A tranquil green haven amidst the chaos of urban Bangkok, Lumpini Park provides endless wonderful chances to get decent photos at any time of the day.

Well-kept, green, lush and tropical, there is an amazing, all-encompassing view to be had of the park from Park Society, a 29th-floor rooftop cocktail bar on the top of the Sofitel in the region. Bring your tripod and go ahead.

Afternoons or evenings are both great for photos, depending on what kind of shots you are aiming for, but between 5 and 6 pm you can (just) still capture Bangkok by day as well as taking in the sunset before the streetlights in and around the park are turned on. Both contrast and vibrancy can be captured in photos taken around this time, which can make them really attention-grabbing.

Address: Thanon Rama IV, Khwaeng Lumphini, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, Bangkok
Hours: 4:30–21:00

Photographing the water in Bangkok

Image by Dero Avi sourced from wikimedia commons

6. Canals

The water canal (khlong) system in Bangkok is an extensive network that spans the city, and formerly provided the main means of transportation back in the historic times when Bangkok was still known as ‘The Venice of the East’

Opportunities for taking photos of the water in Bangkok, as well as its traffic, come and go all day long.

Image by David Broad sourced from wikimediacommons.org

If you head outside of the ‘main’ side of the city and head across to more serene and traditional areas like Thonburi or Nonthaburi, you will be glad to know that you won’t find too many tourists around there, only locals and a snapshot of the real Thai lifestyle.

A great opportunity for a sunset shot can be had if you wander down to Witthayu station and have a look across the other side of the bridge where all the boats are starting to queue before starting service.

This is a not-to-be-missed buzzing, commuting time of the day providing plenty of Instagram moments and otherwise.

is the last boat station near the democracy monument area of Bangkok, and is also a place rife with interesting photo opportunities, especially at night when the public service is almost closing.

The lights reflecting off the canal have a mesmerising effect and look delightful if captured properly. You might get the feeling that you are in more of a village in some of these areas, rather than the chaotic traffic that is inner-city Bangkok.

7. Rivers

Just witnessing, let alone navigating the big, long, wide Chao Phraya River running through the city is an experience by itself.

Image by Supanut sourced from wikimedia commons

If you are not staying close to the river in Bangkok, you can get there easily by taking the metro to the Central Pier station.

Then it’s a case of jumping on one of the many public ferry services, or wandering around until something in the way of a unique or inspiring photo opportunity catches your attention.

Image by calfflier sourced from wikimedia commons

There are two main possibilities – sunset and sunrise. At sunrise, it is advisable to stay on the east side of the river, whereas the opposite is true for sunset time.

If you can, you may wish to include a longboat in your shot, the means of transportation so characteristic of Bangkok, just like the river itself.

Instagram-Worthy Markets in Bangkok

Thailand, and particularly Bangkok, is renowned for some of its incredible markets, with their top-notch, wide range of food and snacks and all-round great vibes. And of course they have been known to be responsible for some pretty impressive Instagram shots!

8. Railway Market

Image sourced from creativecommons.org

Something completely different from any of the night markets likely to be encountered around the city-centre shopping haunts like Siam, comes Bangkok’s Maeklong Railway Market.

This place is certainly unique in that it is set on either side of an active train track. The trains actually pass right through the middle of it many times a day, and the vendors can be seen scurrying to pull in their awnings as the trains head their way.

Image sourced from creativecommons.org

It seems as if the trains barely scrape past the stalls as they pass through — which could make for an impressive and unexpected Instagram shot or such like. You may even pick up some local delicacies from some of the stalls.

 Hotels

Image sourced from pexels.com

9. The Amara Bangkok

Last but not least – hotels. Who doesn’t want that impressive snapshot taken while sipping on a cocktail, pool-side, with city skyline views as the backdrop? The Amara Hotel is known for having one of the , a dream for many professional Instagrammers!

With wall-to-ceiling windows and a luxurious interior, the Amara rooftop pool offers a variety of awesome photo opportunities and mind-blowing views, and has undoubtedly already featured on the many Instagram posts of those visiting the city of Bangkok.

Image sourced from creativecommons.org

10. The ) 

This particular establishment is located in hat has been considered as one of the most striking buildings in the Bangkok skyline. The multi-tiered outdoor decks provide birds-eye views in the open-air high above the chaos of the city streets.

Whether snapping away from the rooftop at the various views or heading to the rooftop pool for a swim with yet more staggering views, the Novotel won’t disappoint anyone with an eye for a good snapshot.

The bar on the rooftop is the place to sit and have drinks while taking in the scenery as the sun goes down over the skyline of Bangkok and perhaps take advantage of one of the best photographic opportunities in Bangkok.