18 Best Photo Spots in Bangkok + Photo Tips and Map

Best Photo Spots in Bangkok

Below you will find only the best photo spots in Bangkok, photo inspiration, location on the map, and some additional photography tips.

We will focus a lot on the temples as temples are one of the most beautiful places to see in Bangkok, but we will also cover other epic sightseeing. So keep on reading and discover the most beautiful places in Bangkok with me.

The Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha

The Grand Palace is hands down one of the best photo spots in Bangkok as there are many temples and endless photo opportunities. If you have a limited amount of time in Bangkok, make sure you visit Grand Palace and see the essentials of Thai culture.

The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782. The king, his court, and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925. Nowadays, it is a museum and the place’s details are insane.

Inside you will find the Temple of the Emerald Buddha which is one of the best photo spots in Bangkok together with other beautiful attractions. So get creative and play around with the details. Make sure you visit temples inside even though photography is not allowed there.

Keep in mind that this is a popular tourist attraction, so it gets crowded. Unless you are visiting during the low season, I suggest you are here at the arrival time. The visit will take you around 2 hours.

Also, make sure you follow the dress code. Men must wear long pants; women must cover their legs to just above the knee. Avoid wearing tight-fitting stretch pants or “revealing” clothing. Don’t wear sleeveless shirts or show shoulders.

Other things to know before visiting Grand Palace

Location: The Grand Palace
Entrance Fee: 500 THB (13.50 EUR), cards are accepted.
Opening Hours: every day from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm.

Extra Tip: avoid tuk-tuk drivers who claim that the palace is closed. This is a well-known scam, so they could sell other tours around Bangkok and you might encounter it around other popular places around Bangkok.

Mahanakhon Skywalk

If you are looking for epic views over Bangkok, you cannot miss Mahanakhon Skywalk. It is hands down one of the most impressive places to visit in Bangkok and the glass floor makes it even more exciting to visit. The observation deck is 314 meters high, that is pretty impressive, right?

I suggest you wear a maxi dress because you will have to wear ugly shoe covers to walk on the Skywalk. With a long dress, you will able to hide those covers in the photos.

And another note – phones are not allowed on the skywalk. You can only take photos from the marked area, but I don’t see it as a problem as it gives you enough space to capture these epic views over Bangkok.

Even though this is a perfect place to see the sunset in Bangkok, I suggest you visit it at the opening time. The place was very packed during the sunset and I had to be very patient to get some good photos.

Don’t forget to buy your tickets in advance and don’t bring any food or drinks with you as you will not be allowed to bring them with you.

Other things to know before visiting Mahanakhon Skywalk

Location: Mahanakhon Skywalk
Entrance Fee: 836 THB (22.45 EUR) if you purchase your ticket in advance. Click here to get yours.
Opening Hours: every day from 10 am to 7 pm (last entrance 6.30 pm).

Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram

This was one of the temples that I was impatient to visit and it didn’t disappoint. Also known as the marble temple, it is one of Bangkok’s best-known temples and a major tourist attraction.

After a couple of busy and noisy hours in Bangkok, this will be your peaceful place. Remove your shoes, enjoy the beautiful details and simply enjoy this quiet corner of a big city.

The best photo spot is located inside the main temple, right in front of the Buddha altar. You can play with the arch to frame your photo and get some cool angles. I used a 14 mm lens to take my photo, so if you want something similar, a wide-angle lens is a must.

Don’t forget to walk around the temple as there are other cool photo spots as well. And visit the indoor area of the temple – it is impressive.

Somehow, there are not many people around. This means you can take beautiful photos any time of the day. Few tours here and there, but nothing that patience can’t fix. Don’t forget to dress accordingly!

Other things to know before visiting Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram

Location: Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram
Entrance Fee: 50 THB (1.35 EUR), cash-only payments.
Opening Hours: every day from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm.

Erawan Museum

Erawan Museum is one of the hidden gems of Bangkok and one of the wonders of Thailand. It is a truly unique and impressive place starting with the massive three-headed elephant on the top and ending with a colorful glass roof. Not to mention all the art that you will find inside the museum.

I suggest you capture the beauty of the stairs, sides and arrive all the way to the top where you can see a collection of Buddha sculptures. Then take some time to explore the gardens and find the best angle to capture the massive elephant. A wide-angle lens is a must for all these locations.

Considering that Klook sells the entrance ticket to this museum together with Ancient city, a lot of people come here in the afternoon. And if you have limited time, it is a great idea to combine these two places as they are far from the city center.

But you might have to consider coming here at the opening time. Especially if you are visiting during peak season.

Other things to know before visiting Erawan Museum

Location: Erawan Museum
Entrance Fee: 239 THB (6.40 EUR) if you purchase your ticket in advance. Click here to get yours. If you want to buy your ticket at the museum, it is 400 THB (10.75 EUR).
Opening Hours: every day from 9 am to 6 pm.

Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram Ratchaworawihan

This temple is often left behind and therefore, not as crowded as other places. Also, the best photo spot is hidden in the middle of the temple and often is not accessible, but here are my tips for getting some epic photos.

Technically, you are allowed to enter during the time of prayers. This happens every day from 9 am to 9.30 am and from 6 pm to 6.30 pm.

We visited around 9 am, however, at first we found it closed and we were told not to enter. Then when we walked around, we met another person who was working there and he invited us in and told us a bit more about the local traditions and prayers. He also suggested we take some photos.

So if you want the same photo, spend some time here and try to speak with the workers to see if you are allowed to go in. If not, you can still take some amazing photos of the temple itself as it is covered in gold and has some very impressive details.

Also, the side ornaments are amazing for some portraits and you can certainly get creative here.

Other things to know before visiting Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram Ratchaworawihan

Location: Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram Ratchaworawihan
Entrance Fee: free
Opening Hours: every day from 6 am to 6 pm.

The Golden Mount

The Golden Mount is an ancient temple dating back to the Ayutthaya Period. It is 77 meters tall and at the top reside many Buddhist relics found at Kapilavastu ancient city. There are many Buddha images, the temple hall, the pagoda, the scripture hall, and the Sri Maha Bodhi tree.

After 344 steps, you will find one of the best photo spots in Bangkok and some amazing views over the city. I think it gets even better on a clear and sunny day, but unfortunately, I wasn’t so lucky.

On your climb up, make sure you enjoy the unique sculptures and bells that you shouldn’t resist ringing. And don’t get scared, the climb is very easy as the steps are tiny.

To capture the golden stupa you will need a wide-angle lens, but you should bring a zoom lens as well to capture the city views and some unique details of the place.

Other things to know before visiting The Golden Mount

Location: The Golden Mount
Entrance Fee: 50 THB (1.35 EUR), cash-only payments.
Opening Hours: every day from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm.

Wat Suthat Thepwararam

As you can tell, I was fascinated to visit the temples of Bangkok and I visited a lot of them. Wat Suthat Thepwararam is very similar to other popular temples in Bangkok, however, I found it practically empty at midday and could really enjoy the place all to myself. It was a magical experience.

It has an elegant prayer hall with sweeping roofs, magnificent murals, and exquisite hand-carved teakwood door panels. It’s widely known for the towering red Giant Swing standing at its entrance.

Also, it is very well maintained. It is filled with plants and you can almost see the reflection of the temple in the pavement around it. If you are looking for an easy photo spot, don’t miss Wat Suthat Thepwararam.

And you can easily combine it with other temples around like Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan (Loha Prasat), Golden Mount Temple, and Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram Ratchaworawihan.

Other things to know before visiting Wat Suthat Thepwararam

Location: Wat Suthat Thepwararam
Entrance Fee: 100 THB (2.70 EUR)
Opening Hours: every day from 9 am to 5 pm.

Assumption Cathedral

The Assumption Cathedral is the principal Roman Catholic church of Thailand and certainly, an unusual place to visit in Bangkok. The details and the facade will take you to Europe.

This is not a popular attraction, considering that everyone is busy with temples, so you will find it almost empty any time of the day. I suggest you bring a wide-angle lens and create some unique postcards from Bangkok.

It certainly deserves a visit and it is free of charge, however, opening times are not accurate and it could be closed even during operating hours. If you are lucky and see it open, go take a walk inside and appreciate the golden details and wonderful paintings inside.

Other things to know before visiting Assumption Cathedral

Location: Assumption Cathedral
Entrance Fee: free
Opening Hours: every day from 8.30 am to 5 pm.

Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan

Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan is a relatively big complex of temples where you can easily get lost and spend a couple of hours. It offers a wonderful view over the Golden Mount as both of these attractions are nearby.

Loha Prasat is the main attraction of the complex. It is 36 meters high and has 37 surrounding spires. You won’t find anything like it anywhere else in Bangkok or the rest of the world. You can visit it inside and go all the way up to the last floor. And don’t forget to visit other temples around.

If you want to capture the beauty of Loha Prasat, find a corner and use a wide-angle lens. This way, you will be able to see a lot of spires and take a unique photo.

However, I personally loved the view of the Golden Mount, so decided to play with the zoom lens. On the left side of the entrance, you can capture the side of the Loha Prasat, some spires, and the Golden Mount.

Other things to know before visiting Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan

Location: Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan
Entrance Fee: free
Opening Hours: every day from 8 am to 5 pm.

Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar

Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar is one of the best rooftop bars in Bangkok. It is a great alternative if you don’t want to pay for the entrance at the Mahanakhon Skywalk, however, the price of the cocktails at the Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar is above average.

First, you arrive at the restaurant and then you can take another lift that takes you to the rooftop bar. Be prepared because the views will take your breath away.

You have 360 scenic city views, so you can choose your favorite angle and create some of the best photos from Bangkok. A zoom lens is a must! But a wide-angle lens can be useful as well if you want a full-body shot. That is what I used for my photo.

The best time to visit is certainly sunset time and making a reservation is highly recommended. They claim to have a dress code, but I saw some girls with crop tops and flip-flops. Maybe they are more strict once the bar is overbooked.

Other things to know before visiting Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar

Location: Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar
Entrance Fee: free, cocktail price range $$$$
Opening Hours: every day from 5 pm to 2 am.

Wat Arun

Wat Arun is one of the most iconic temples in Thailand and a must-do in Bangkok. Also known as the Temple of Dawn has a lot to offer, so be prepared to spend around an hour here. And of course, it is one of the best photo spots in Bangkok.

The main temple is the main attraction and it has endless photo opportunities. Due to the beautiful details, you can play with portraits or bring a wide-angle lens and try to fit the entire Wat Arun in the frame. But don’t forget to take a walk around the temple as well.

There are a lot of Thai costume rentals nearby. It can be a cool idea if you want to take some unique photos. If not, I suggest you wear something colorful to pop out and don’t get lost in the background.

Other things to know before visiting Wat Arun

Location: Wat Arun
Entrance Fee: 200 THB (5.40 EUR)
Opening Hours: every day from 8 am to 6.30 pm

Bonus tip: visit bar View Arun for the best view over the temple. Another great sunset spot in Bangkok.

Lumphini Park

Lumphini Park is a huge open-air park in the heart of Bangkok. It is a perfect getaway once you get tired of traffic and crowds. And another great photo spot in Bangkok.

This inner-city park spans over 500,000 sq m and is home to various flora and fauna. However, the main attraction of Lumphini Park is the unique skyline you can see from the pond. Head to Sepak Takraw Court and you will find one of the best photo spots in the park.

I suggest you enjoy the walk around the park and come here for a relaxing afternoon. Especially if you have some extra time in Bangkok. And pay attention to huge lizards all over the park!

Other things to know before visiting Lumphini Park

Location: Lumphini Park
Entrance Fee: free
Opening Hours: every day from 4.30 am to 10 pm.

Chinatown and Wat Mangkon Kamalawat 

If you are looking for some unique street photos and want to capture the lively vibes of Bangkok, head to Chinatown. Yaowarat Road in Samphanthawong District is the main artery of Bangkok’s Chinatown.

It is filled with colorful alleys, unique market stands, and even more temples. I suggest you head to Wat Mangkon Kamalawat as this is slightly different from other temples around Bangkok. If you ask me, this is another great photo spot in Bangkok.

After visiting Chinatown, you can also tick it off from the best things to do in Bangkok considering how iconic this place is.

Other things to know before visiting Wat Mangkon Kamalawat 

Location: Wat Mangkon Kamalawat 
Entrance Fee: free
Opening Hours: every day from 8 am to 4 pm

Wat Pho

Just a short walk distance from the Grand Palace is Wat Pho and it is one of the best places to visit in Bangkok for first-timers.

Inside you will find the 46-meter Reclining Golden Buddha which is a must during your time in Bangkok. Wat Pho is a complex of six temples, each with some amazing details to discover and photograph.

When it comes to Golden Buddha, it can be challenging to capture it. If you want to take a photo of this massive attraction, you certainly will need a wide-angle lens. And you can find a good spot right next to the feet of Buddha.

Other than that, outside the temple, you will find a lot of great photo opportunities and great angles. Use the chance when everyone is visiting Buddha, and avoid the crowds in other least popular corners.

Other things to know before visiting Wat Pho

Location: Wat Pho
Entrance Fee: 200 THB (5.40 EUR)
Opening Hours: every day from 8 am to 6.30 pm

Wat Pariwat Ratchasongkram

This temple is a real hidden gem in Bangkok, but very unique compared to every other temple that you will find in Bangkok. It is located farther away from other attractions, so it is often left behind, but this means that you can take photos without crowds any time of the day.

What makes it so special? Well, how about a temple covered in crafted statues from famous cartoons, anime, or other famous pop culture artists? Everything from Pokemon to Barack Obama and everything that you can imagine. Pretty unique, isn’t it?

If you get tired of the usual temples, make sure you add Wat Pariwat Ratchasongkram to your bucket list. And spend some extra time appreciating the sculptures and visiting inside.

When it comes to photos, get creative. Since the temple is empty, you have the freedom to play with the photos and see what works best for you. To capture the entire temple, a wide-angle lens is recommended, but you can use the zoom lens to capture the details as well.

Other things to know before visiting Wat Pariwat Ratchasongkram

Location: Wat Pariwat Ratchasongkram
Entrance Fee: free
Opening Hours: every day from 8 am to 3 pm

Che Chin Khor Temple and Pagoda

Che Chin Khor Temple and Pagoda is another hidden gem in Bangkok and I absolutely loved spending my afternoon here. It is a peaceful little getaway and another great photo spot in Bangkok where you won’t meet many tourists.

You should visit the main temple, appreciate the altar, capture the beauty of the pagoda, and head to the riverside to take some more photos of the arch.

Unfortunately, there are cars parked inside the territory, but you can still make it work. To frame the pagoda, I used a 35 mm lens and wide aperture to create the depth of field and blur the cars.

Other things to know before visiting Che Chin Khor Temple and Pagoda

Location: Che Chin Khor Temple and Pagoda
Entrance Fee: free
Opening Hours: every day from 9 am to 3.30 pm

Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha)

Located near the entrance to Bangkok’s Chinatown district on Yaowarat Road, Wat Traimit attracts a lot of tourists because of the Golden Buddha.

But all the temples have Golden Buddha inside, right? Well, this one is actually made of gold and its worth is approximately worth about 250 million USD. That is certainly impressive and worth visiting.

However, the best photo spot is outside of the temple. Right where the stairs begin. We arrived 10 minutes before opening time and took these photos without buying the ticket. Only later the ticket controller arrived and directed us to the ticket office. I still suggest you visit inside and climb up the stairs to see the Buddha.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of cars parked right in front of the temple, so make sure you bring a wide-angle lens.

Other things to know before visiting Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha)

Location: Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha)
Entrance Fee: 40 THB (1.10 EUR)
Opening Hours: every day from 8 am to 5 pm

Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall

Dusit Palace is a compound of royal residences in Bangkok, Thailand. Comprising multiple palaces, museums, and lush green vegetation, the Dusit Palace is one of the political centers of Thailand in the modern world. And you have the chance to visit it as well.

The King built this palace right after his trip to Europe, so this explains the European architecture, however, inside you will find a lot of Thai elements.

Unfortunately, the palace was closed due to a national celebration when we visited, but you can still see the gardens and find some of the best photo spots in Bangkok.

Other things to know before visiting Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall

Location: Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall
Entrance Fee: 150 THB (4.07 EUR) or free from the gardens
Opening Hours: every day from 6.30 am to 11.30 pm, closed on Sundays.

Equipment suggested for Bangkok photography

• Nikon D850 FX-Format Digital SLR
• Nikon Nikkor AF-S 14-24 mm f/2.8G ED
• Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.4G
• Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D
• Tamron SP 70 – 200 mm f/2.8 di VC G2

Further reading for best photo spots in Bangkok

Or read more about: Bangkok | Chiang Mai | Chiang Rai | Phuket | Krabi | Thailand

In conclusion…

This is the end of the best photo spots in Bangkok and I’m sure that after reading this article you are impatient to get to Bangkok and create some unforgettable postcards. I believe these photography tips will help you take epic photos and find the exact locations of the best photo spots in Bangkok. 

I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.

Pin it for later and make sure you save the best photo spots in Bangkok!