10 Best Photo Spots in Phuket, Thailand You Can’t Miss

Wondering where are the best photo spots in Phuket? You are in the right place! I will help you discover the most beautiful places in Phuket and make sure you get some wonderful postcards from your trip.

Phuket is one of the most photogenic places in Thailand with its stunning beaches, cultural attractions, and vibrant towns. This is why you want to bring your camera and take some epic photos during your trip.

My guide to the best photo spots in Phuket is going to ensure that you don’t miss a single photo opportunity! I will share additional photography tips, the best time to see these places without crowds, and help you pick out the right lens. Let’s get started!

*Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The overview of the most Instagrammable places in Phuket

• Phuket Old Town
• Ma Doo Bua
• The Big Buddha, Phuket
• Nui beach
• Laem Sing View Point
• Cape Phrom Thep
• Naithon Beach Wooden Bridge
• Wat Chalong
• James Bond Island
• Samet Nangshe Viewpoint

10 best photo spots in Phuket and photography tips

Phuket Old Town

No matter where you decide to stay in Phuket, a visit to Phuket Old Town is an absolute must. And as you can imagine, it holds some of the best photo spots in Phuket.

On Thalang Road, you will find some of the popular Instagram spots in Phuket Old Town. Colorful buildings, an interesting mix of architecture, and a lively atmosphere are everything that you need to get beautiful photos from Phuket.

Next, head to Phangnga Rd. Phuket Baba Museum is one of the most Instagrammable places in Phuket Old Town, but don’t be afraid to explore the street beyond it. You will find many cute coffee shops and art galleries around.

Dibuk Rd boasts Ancient buildings in Sino-European style and some other cute houses. And just around the corner, you will find Krabi Rd – another famous attraction that you should see during your visit to Phuket Old Town.

I highly recommend waking up early to explore Phuket Old Town. First of all, it gets crowded pretty quickly. Second, you will see less traffic on the streets. And third, you will avoid all the weird shadows that can ruin a picture whenever the sun is shining from the wrong angle.

You will want to bring your wide-angle lens together with a zoom lens, so you can capture some of the architectural details up close.

Ma Doo Bua

If the name is not familiar, I am sure you have seen pictures from this cafe all over social media. Ma Doo Bua is one of the famous Phuket Instagram spots and you will want to add it to your Phuket itinerary.

Ma Doo Bua is a resort, however, it is famous for its cafe which is located in front of an artificial lotus pond with massive Lilly pads. Together with traditional Thai houses in the back, it creates picture picture-perfect setting. There is even a long-tail boat with drone services available.

However, I have to warn you that this place is an absolute mess during busy hours, and booking photography services or drones can take a lot of time. So I highly recommend that you skip that part. I know it looks cool, but you will end up wasting a lot of your time.

Instead, arrive at the cafe at the opening time, order your meal, and take a couple of photos from the cafe. This is exactly what we did and we had a great experience with you few people around. Already an hour later, the place was an absolute mess, and the queues were insane.

Also, don’t wait at the entrance, because that stand is there to sell you photography packages.

When it comes to the menu, it offers modern Thai cuisine. Prices are above average, but considering its popularity, that makes perfect sense. I remember reading a lot of bad reviews about their food, but honestly, I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed their breakfast menu.

The cafe is open from 9 am to 9 pm. Want to have early access to the lotus pond? Book a stay at the Ma Doo Bua. This will give you access to the photogenic activities before other tourists arrive.

The Big Buddha, Phuket

The Big Buddha in Phuket is a giant statue that sits atop Nakkerd Hill. It’s a popular tourist attraction. The statue is 45 meters tall and can be seen from many parts of the island. People visit to admire the size and take in the panoramic views.

The Big Buddha is made of reinforced concrete and covered in Burmese white marble. It’s a religious symbol for Buddhists and a place for meditation. Many tourists climb the stairs to reach the top and enjoy the view of the surrounding landscape.

The construction of the Big Buddha started in 2004 and relied on donations from locals and tourists. It took several years to complete. The site also features a smaller golden Buddha statue and a prayer area.

Being one of the most famous landmarks in Phuket, it offers multiple photo opportunities. You can capture the massive Buddha, photograph the views from the top, or snap some details of the site.

And let’s not forget that this is a religious sight, so ladies, please cover your shoulders and wear a long dress or pants. If not, you will have to purchase a sarong at the entrance for 150 THB.

It is open every day from 6 am to 6.30 pm and admission is free. This is one of the top places in Phuket to take pictures at sunrise, so get ready for an early wake-up call. I highly recommend arriving at the Buddha at sunrise time to get the best lights and skip the crowds.

You can reach the Big Buddha in Phuket in various ways. Rent a car or motorbike, take a tuk-tuk and request them to wait, or join a half-day tour. There’s also a hiking trail from Karon Beach, but it’s a challenging trek.

Nui Beach

This beach has changed a lot in the past years and it transformed from a hidden Phuket gem to most Instagrammable places in Phuket. And it is more like a beach club and less of a secluded beach.

Once you arrive at Nui Beach, you will be welcomed with a spectacular beach view. But there is more – you will see swings, nests, and even a bath perfectly framing the turquoise blue water. And multiple cute restaurants & bars.

Basically, you can spend an entire day at Nui Beach. Starting from taking photos to chilling on the beach and snorkeling. Also, if you arrive early, you will be able to enjoy a private beach and amazing golden light for your photos.

Keep in mind that there is a 100 THB entrance fee and an additional fee if you want to rent chairs. Also, you won’t be able to get to the beach by scooter, so you will have to pay an additional 200 THB for the transfer to the beach and back. All cash payments of course, so be prepared.

As an alternative, you can enjoy 2 2-kilometer-long hike, which can be a fun thing to do early in the morning, but certainly not under the Thailand sun.

Overall, this is not the best place if you are looking for a hidden beach in Phuket. However, if you are on a hunt for picturesque corners, you will love Nui Beach. 

Laem Sing View Point

If you are looking for some of the best views in Phuket, head to Laem Sing View Point. This Phuket photo spot is located on the side of the road and doesn’t require any hiking, so it can be easily added to your Phuket itinerary.

People often stop by Laem Singh Viewpoint on the coastal road between Kamala Beach and Surin Beach. It’s a nice spot to take a break, offering seating and a roof to shield you from the sun.

You can soak in fantastic views looking over the beach. And take some amazing Phuket photos. Plus, it’s a favorite spot for catching the impressive sunsets in Phuket, however, it can get a bit crowded during the sunset depending on the season.

When it comes to equipment, any lens will work. You can take a portrait and use a 50 mm lens, take a full body shot with a 35 mm lens, or use a good zoom to capture a close-up of the beach itself. Up to you!

Also, there is no entrance fee and the viewpoint is accessible at any time of the day. There is a little parking spot right in front of the viewpoint where you can leave your vehicle without disturbing traffic.

Extra tip! If you are coming from Patong, the viewpoint will be easily accessible. If you are coming from North, make sure you don’t disturb the traffic when crossing the lane.

Cape Phrom Thep

Cape Promthep, located in Phuket, Thailand, is known for its breathtaking sunsets and scenic beauty. Perched on the southern tip of the island, this cape has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists and it is one of the Insta-worthy places in Phuket.

The main attraction at Cape Promthep is undoubtedly the magical sunset views with palm trees located on the edge of the clip. As the sun goes into the Sea, you get a perfect opportunity to snap your postcard from Phuket.

Public transport is very limited (just like the rest of Phuket), so you will need a scooter or a car. As soon as you arrive at the parking, you will be welcomed with a beautiful view that makes you understand why this is one of the top places in Phuket to take pictures at sunset.

In order to take the best photos, you don’t even need to arrive at the edge of Cape Phrom Thep. But if you want to explore the area, make sure you wear comfortable shoes. The dirt road that leads you to the edge is steep and not easy to navigate. Takes around 30 minutes.

Naithon Beach Wooden Bridge

Naithon Beach Wooden Bridge leads to Nai Thon Beach and it is one of the hidden photo spots in Phuket. The beach itself is not a popular destination, and the bridge is often missed by photographers, so this is your chance to discover something different.

The palm trees surrounding the bridge create a nice light and shadow is perfect to escape the heat while you snap your photos. The mid part of the bridge offers a fantastic perspective, while the lower part of the stairs welcomes you to a beautiful beach with turquoise blue water.

Nai Thon Beach offers some unique photo opportunities as well, especially from the left side where you can climb on the rocks. And once you are done with your photos, this is a perfect place to relax and enjoy a swim.

I have to say that this is a public beach and there are no services available. This means no cafes and no sun beds. If you are planning to spend a day at Nai Thon Beach, bring your own towel, water, and some food.

Also, I didn’t notice parking for cars anywhere near the bridge, but there is enough space to leave the scooter.

Wat Chalong

Wat Chalong, nestled in the heart of Phuket, is a Buddhist temple, and it holds a significant place in the island’s cultural landscape. It is also one of the best photo spots in Phuket and you can’t miss it when visiting Phuket.

The temple complex is a vibrant mix of colors, with intricate details gracing its structures. As you approach, the scent of burning incense fills the air and the roofs of the temple buildings showcase masterful Thai craftsmanship.

At the center of Wat Chalong is the Grand Pagoda, a towering structure that commands attention with its golden embellishments. This is one of the most beautiful places in Phuket and you will want a picture of it.

And just like any other religious site in Thailand, it requires a modest dress code. No shorts, no tank tops. Make sure you cover your legs and shoulders. There are a few shops around in case you need to purchase something to cover up yourself, but it is better to come prepared.

There is no entrance fee and it is open from 8 am to 5 pm. I highly recommend you visit it at the opening time because during the day it gets flooded with guided tours.

James Bond Island

James Bond Island, situated in the Phang Nga Bay of Thailand, is a unique and iconic destination that everyone should see during their trip to Phuket. Technically, the island is not considered Phuket, but it is easily accessible via bridge and an absolute must. 

This limestone marvel, officially known as Ko Tapu, rises dramatically from the emerald-green waters, creating a distinctive silhouette against the sky. James Bond Island gained international recognition after featuring in the 1974 James Bond film, “The Man with the Golden Gun.”

The only way to visit James Bond Island is a boat tour. There are multiple options available, but I recommend you pick between a group tour or a private tour.

Not only it offer a lot of photo opportunities, this is one of the best day trips from Phuket. So bring your camera, and swimming gear and get ready for a fun day in Thailand visiting one of the most iconic places in the world.

Samet Nangshe Viewpoint

Just like the previous location, Samet Nangshe Viewpoint is located outside of Phuket, but it is an absolute must and easily combined with your trip to Phuket. This is probably one of the most beautiful viewpoints that I have ever seen.

Samet Nangshe Viewpoint in Phang Nga, Thailand, offers a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. Positioned on hills overlooking Phang Nga Bay, it provides a clear sight of limestone cliffs and islands as the sun sets.

Depending on your location in Phuket, it can take up to 2 hours to reach the Samet Nangshe Viewpoint. You can use your scooter, or car or book a taxi service through your hotel.

However, if you want to elevate your experience, I highly recommend staying at the Sametnangshe Boutique to enjoy the best views from sunrise to sunset. This is one of the best hotels in Thailand and if your budget is not tight, it is an absolute must.

As an alternative, you can book this private day trip from Phuket. During this tour, you will visit Samet Nangshe Viewpoint, James Bond Island, and more, so you can tick off two photo spots from this list in one day.

Recommended gear for photography spots in Phuket

• 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 the best photo spots in Phuket

Heading North next?

• 10 Best Photo Spots in Chiang Rai, Thailand
• Chiang Mai Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Chiang Mai
• 13 Best Photo Spots in Chiang Mai You Don’t Want to Miss

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

In conclusion…

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

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 save the most Instagrammable places in Phuket!