25 Best Photo Spots in Bangkok + Photo Tips

1. 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 limited time in Bangkok, make sure to visit the Grand Palace to see the essentials of Thai culture.

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 the 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.

💵 Entrance Fee: 650 THB (20 USD), 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 at other popular places around Bangkok as well.

2. Mahanakhon Skywalk

If you’re looking for epic views over Bangkok, the Mahanakhon Skywalk is a must-visit. It’s easily one of the most impressive spots in the city, and the glass floor adds an extra thrill. The observation deck sits 314 meters above the ground. Pretty impressive, right?

I recommend wearing a maxi dress since you’ll need to wear the provided shoe covers on the Skywalk. A long dress helps hide them in your photos.

One thing to note: phones aren’t allowed on the Skywalk itself. You can only take photos from the designated areas, but that’s not a problem. There’s plenty of space to capture Bangkok’s epic skyline.

Although it’s a great spot for sunset, I suggest visiting right at opening time. The Skywalk gets very crowded later, and patience is required to get clear photos.

💵 Entrance Fee: 1200 THB (37 USD) if you purchase your ticket in advance.
⏰ Opening Hours: every day from 10 am to 7 pm (last entrance 6.30 pm).
💡 Extra tip! Don’t bring any food or drinks (even water) as it is not allowed!

3. 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 most beautiful temples.

After a few busy and noisy hours in the city, this feels like a peaceful escape. Take off your shoes, admire the unique details, and enjoy this quiet corner of Bangkok.

One of the best photo spots is inside the main temple, right in front of the Buddha altar. You can use the arch to frame your shot and experiment with different angles. I used a 14mm lens for my photo, so if you’re aiming for a similar look, a wide-angle lens is a great choice.

Make sure to walk around the temple grounds, as there are plenty of other great photo spots to discover. Don’t miss the indoor areas, they’re especially impressive.

Surprisingly, it’s not too crowded, which means you can take beautiful photos at almost any time of day. You might encounter a few tour groups, but nothing that a bit of patience can’t handle. And as always, don’t forget to dress appropriately.

💵 Entrance Fee: 100 THB (3 USD), cash-only payments.
⏰ Opening Hours: every day from 6 am to 6 pm.

4. Akara Sky Hanuman

Akara Sky Hanuman is one of the most unusual rooftop experiences in Bangkok and definitely not your typical viewpoint. Instead of just one terrace, it’s a multi-level space with different rooms and concepts to explore.

On the top level, you’ll find the Sky Observation Deck and a Sky Night Market. The rooftop offers wide city views, and after sunset, there are also shows. Their food and cocktails deserve a special mention as well.

Lower levels are more focused on themed spaces. These include areas like Virtual Loy Krathong, Lantern room, a massive mirror room with Bangkok views, a cinema, and other interactive rooms. You can also rent a traditional Thai costume.

Some of the most interesting spots are the Siam Societies, Bangkok Reflection, Virtual Sky Lantern, Baan Hanuman, and, of course, Sky Observation Deck. Each one feels different, so it’s worth taking your time and exploring all of them.

You need to buy an entrance ticket, and all tickets include a welcome drink. Depending on the type, you get access to multiple levels. 

I have to say that it is quite pricey, especially if you stay for sunset with drinks and dinner. But it is great if you have limited time in Bangkok and want to experience several different concepts in one place.

—> Get the basic entrance ticket here
—> Or check out different packages here

5. Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram Ratchaworawihan

This temple is often overlooked and, as a result, is much less crowded than other spots. The best photo location is hidden in the center of the temple and isn’t always accessible, but here are a few tips to help you capture some epic shots.

Technically, you’re allowed to enter during prayer times, which take place daily from 9 am to 9.30 am and from 6 pm to 6.30 pm.

We visited around 9 am. At first, it seemed closed and we were told not to enter. However, after walking around, we met another staff member who invited us inside, explained some local traditions and prayers, and even suggested we take photos.

If you’re hoping to get a similar shot, spend some time here and try speaking with the staff to see if entry is possible. If not, you can still capture beautiful photos from the outside. The temple is covered in gold and features incredibly detailed architecture.

The side ornaments are also perfect for portraits, so don’t hesitate to get creative with your angles.

💡 If you’re visiting this temple, don’t miss PAULETTE BKK, a nearby café that has quickly become a favorite photo spot. It has a balcony with a direct view of the temple, so you can capture a unique perspective while enjoying a coffee.

6. Song Wat Road

Song Wat Road wasn’t really on the radar back in 2022 when I first visited Bangkok, but now it’s everywhere on social media, so I was impatient to check it out.

It feels like it sits somewhere between two versions of Bangkok. You still have old shophouses, faded signs, and small local businesses that have clearly been there for years, but now they’re mixed with cafés, small brands, and new spots opening in between.

There’s a bit of everything here. Some genuinely interesting spots, some very aesthetic and slightly overpriced cafés, and a lot of picturesque corners. If that’s your kind of place, you’ll probably enjoy it.

Some of my favorite spots on the Song Wat Road 👇🏻

📸 Picturesque places: MAHAPHO RIVERVIEW, ‘I wanna Bangkok’ sign, ตึกแขก ทรงวาด
🍜 Food: Urai Braised Goose, Oh! Vacola: Crafted Cola & Hotdog
🛍 Shopping: Road Of Cinnamon, Skonx Perfumery, Tudi, Oyster and Things
☕️ Cafes: Sumrith, Wanjai Cafe House, MATCHAMARU, Ristr8to Bangkok

7. 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 the ancient city of Kapilavastu. 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.

💵 Entrance Fee: 100 THB (3 USD), cash-only payments.
⏰ Opening Hours: every day from 7 am to 7 pm.

8. Wat Suthat Thepwararam

As you can tell, I was fascinated by Bangkok’s temples and ended up visiting quite a few. Wat Suthat Thepwararam is similar to other popular temples in the city, but I found it practically empty at midday, which meant I could enjoy it almost entirely to myself.

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

The grounds are very well maintained, filled with greenery, and in some areas, you can even catch reflections of the temple in the pavement. If you’re looking for an easy Bangkok 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.

💵 Entrance Fee: 100 THB (3 USD)
⏰ Opening Hours: every day from 8.30 am to 8 pm

9. Nextopia

Located on the 5th and 5A floors of Siam Paragon, Nextopia is designed as a “prototype city of the future,” combining retail, art, and interactive spaces. The space mixes eco-focused brands, digital installations, and creative setups.

It’s a mix of clean design, lighting elements, and interactive corners. Some areas feel more like an exhibition, while others are closer to a lifestyle space. All of that topped with endless photo opportunities. Great to escape the heat of Bangkok or hide from the rain.

While visiting Nextopia, don’t miss A KEEN HOUSE coffee shop. Their Lemon Crème Brûlée is something out of this world!

10. 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 & wonderful paintings inside.

11. 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 that anywhere else in Bangkok. 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 I 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.

12. Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar

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

First, you arrive at the restaurant level, then take another lift up to the rooftop bar. Be prepared, the views are genuinely impressive. You’ll get full 360° city views, so you can pick your favorite angle and capture some of the best photos in Bangkok.

Sunset is easily the best time to visit, and reservations are highly recommended. There is technically a dress code, but I saw people in crop tops and flip-flops, so it may only be enforced when the bar is busy.

🌆 Other great rooftop bars in Bangkok:

• Sanctuary Bangkok
• Tichuca Rooftop Bar
• Vertigo TOO Hidden Sky Bar & Restaurant
• Nobu Bangkok
• Le Du Kaan

13. 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, it 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.

💵 Entrance Fee: 200 THB (6 USD)
⏰ Opening Hours: every day from 8 am to 6 pm

14. Lumphini Park

Lumphini Park is a huge open-air park in the heart of the city. 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!

15. Chinatown

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.

16. Wat Pho

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

Inside, you’ll find the 46-meter-long Reclining Golden Buddha, which is a must-see during your time in Bangkok. The complex includes multiple temple buildings, each filled with intricate details worth exploring and photographing.

Photographing the Reclining Buddha can be challenging due to its size. A wide-angle lens is almost essential, and one of the best spots is right near the feet of the statue.

Outside the main hall, there are plenty of great photo opportunities and angles. Take advantage of the moment when most visitors are inside with the Buddha, and explore the quieter, less crowded corners instead.

💵 Entrance Fee: 300 THB (9 USD)
⏰ Opening Hours: every day from 8 am to 7.30 pm

17. Train Night Market Srinagarindra

Train Night Market Srinagarindra is one of the most unique night markets in Bangkok. It’s big, busy, and a bit chaotic, just like a local market should be.

One of the most unusual parts is the vintage petrol station setup, along with classic cars and even a plane placed right in the middle of the market. You won’t really find anything like that elsewhere in Bangkok.

The market is known for its vintage section, where you’ll find old signs, retro clothes, random collectibles, and even furniture. There is also a huge food area with endless stalls, so hang around until dinner time.

18. Wat Pariwat Ratchasongkram

This temple is a real hidden gem in Bangkok, and very different from most others you’ll find in the city. Wat Pariwat Ratchasongkram is located a bit farther from the main attractions, so it’s often overlooked.

What makes it so special? The temple is covered in crafted statues inspired by cartoons, anime, and pop culture figures, everything from Pokémon to Barack Obama. It’s definitely something you don’t expect to see at a temple.

If you get tired of the more traditional temples, this is a great one to add to your list. Take your time exploring the details and step inside as well.

For photos, get creative. Since it’s usually quiet, you have the freedom to experiment and see what works best. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the whole temple, while a zoom lens works well for picking out the smaller details.

19. B2S Think Space

Located on the 5th floor of Central Chidlom, B2S Think Space is one of the hidden Bangkok photo spots. The highlight is the “book cave” tucked inside the space. It’s built with curved wooden shelves that wrap around you, while mirrors above reflect the structure. Bring a wide-angle lens!

20. Wat Che Chin Koh

Wat Che Chin Koh is another hidden gem in Bangkok, and I absolutely loved spending my afternoon here. It is a peaceful little getaway and a 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.

21. Wat Arun Views

If you’re searching for the best views of Wat Arun, you are in for a treat. Visiting Wat Arun is a must when you’re in Bangkok, but for me, the best views are from the other side of the river.

One of the most underrated viewpoints is Wat Arun Pier, a small public spot right by the river near Double Goose Shop. The view is exactly what you want, with a clear, unobstructed perspective of the temple rising across the Chao Phraya River. 

Nearby, TYME Restaurant offers a fantastic view with large windows that frame Wat Arun almost perfectly. If you’re planning to come for sunset, they also have a rooftop bar, which gives you a slightly elevated perspective of the temple.

We visited Wat Arun Pier at sunrise, and then had breakfast at the TYME restaurant as they open at 7 am. Initially, we just wanted to grab a coffee, but ended up having breakfast, and it was delicious!

And just around the corner, View ARUN Restaurant & Bar is one of the most popular places for this exact view. The terrace sits right along the river and gives you a front-facing angle of the temple. We visited for sunset in 2022 and had a great time.

Alternatively, you can also hop on a cruise and enjoy some fantastic Wat Arun views from the boat.

22. Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall

Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall is one of the most unique architectural landmarks in Bangkok, and it feels very different from the rest of the city.

Built after a royal trip to Europe, the architecture reflects strong European influence, especially with its Italian Renaissance style, white marble exterior, and grand domes. However, inside you will find a lot of Thai elements.

The palace is currently closed, but the exterior alone is worth the visit. The symmetry, open space, and clean lines make it a great spot for photography, especially if you’re looking for something different from the usual temple scenes.

23. Erawan Museum

When I first visited Bangkok, the Erawan Museum was one of the city’s hidden gems, but it’s not so hidden anymore.

It remains one of Thailand’s wonders, a truly unique and impressive place, from the massive three-headed elephant on top to the colorful glass roof, not to mention all the incredible art inside.

I suggest capturing the beauty of the stairs and sides, then making your way to the top to see the collection of Buddha sculptures. Take some time to explore the gardens and find the best angles to photograph the massive elephant. A wide-angle lens is essential for all these locations.

Considering the location, many people combine the Erawan Museum with the Ancient City, so it gets super busy in the afternoon. If your time is limited, combining the two attractions is a smart idea, but opening time is the best time to avoid the crowds.

💵 Entrance Fee: 320 THB (10 USD) if you purchase your ticket in advance. If you want to buy your ticket at the museum, it is 500 THB (15 USD).
⏰ Opening Hours: every day from 9 am to 6 pm (ticket counter closes at 5 pm).

24. Ancient City

If you’re looking for photo spots near Bangkok where you can capture dozens of completely different scenes in a single day, Ancient City (also known as Muang Boran) is easily one of the best options.

It’s a massive open-air museum shaped like Thailand, filled with scaled replicas of the country’s most iconic temples, palaces, and historical landmarks. You can basically visit temples from all over Thailand in just one day.

You’ll find everything from grand golden pavilions and unique temple details to quiet wooden houses over water, bridges, gardens, and even floating market scenes. 

It’s also surprisingly peaceful compared to Bangkok. Because the area is so large, crowds spread out, which means you can often find quiet corners to shoot without people. 

You will still want to visit at the opening time for the best light and cooler temperatures, because the heat at the Ancient City is no joke!

And while everyone mentions how big Ancient City is, it’s something you only really understand once you’re there. It’s easy to spend half a day exploring, if not more. 

Renting a golf cart makes a big difference! It saves time, energy, and lets you cover more ground comfortably. Bikes are available too, but in this heat, it’s definitely the more demanding option.

—> Get Ancient City ticket here
—> Get Ancient City + Erawan Museum ticket here
—> Book a guided tour (group or private) here

25. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Mae Klong Railway Market

If you are looking for unique shots, make sure you plan a day trip from Bangkok to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and the Mae Klong Railway Market.

Mae Klong is a fully functioning market that sits directly on active train tracks. When the train approaches, vendors quickly pull back their stalls and umbrellas, making space within seconds. Once the train passes, everything goes back to normal just as fast.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is all about the canals. The best way to explore is by boat, passing vendors selling fruit, food, and souvenirs right from the water. It’s busy, colorful, and unique, which makes it great for photos.

While I usually prefer to plan my own trips, booking a guided tour (group or private) is way better. Transport can be tricky, and there are multiple tourist scams around these markets, so having a local guide helps avoid the hassle.

It’s definitely a very touristy experience, so expect it to be a bit overpriced, crowded, and at times a little overwhelming. 

Still, I really wanted to see Mae Klong Railway Market with my own eyes, and I’m very glad I did. And Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is honestly perfect for photos, but there are other floating markets closer to central Bangkok.