Top 10 Places to Take Photos in Bangkok

Photo Spots Bangkok 

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is one of the most bustling places on earth, and it’s filled with photo opportunities: Buddhist temples with golden spires and stupas sit right beside hyper-modern skyscrapers with fancy rooftop bars from where you can take the best photos of the cityscape. Considered one of the must-see places in Asia, the city also offers superb street food, a variety of night markets, and iconic sites like the Reclining Buddha and the always lively Khao San Road, aka “Backpackers Paradise.” In Bangkok, you’ll understand why they say Thailand is “the land of smiles.”

Here at ​​Flytographer, we connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over three million memories worldwide. We asked Bangkok’s local photographers to recommend the best spots for pictures. Let’s see what they said. Here are the top five places to take photos in Bangkok, Thailand. 🇹🇭

Are you ready to say Sawasdee? 🙏

Photo: Tom in Bangkok for Flytographer. Donald captures memories of their trip at Grand Palaca and Plan B: Wat Pho in Bangkok on a solo adventure photoshoot.

1. The Grand Palace

At the heart of Phra Nakhon, Bangkok’s historic district, the Grand Palace is an opulent complex of over one hundred buildings, courtyards, and gardens. Built in 1782 by King Rama I, the palace served as the royal residence for over a century. Among the architectural wonders are golden spires and stupas, richly adorned temples, and the impressive dvarapala, the highly Instagrammable guardian statues. It will be easy for you to find the Grand Palace Hall, the largest building in the complex. It has an unusual style: a mix of Italian Renaissance and traditional Thai architecture. Locals think of it as a Westerner wearing a classical Thai dancing hat.

Another highlight in the complex is Wat Phra Kaew, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This building is covered in gold and has incredible mosaics and a beautiful, tiled roof. Two giant golden spires frame the temple, enhancing its splendour. Its front stairway is considered the best photo spot to capture all these exterior elements. Wherever you go, there are many other great photo spots. Believe us: Every corner of the Grand Palace offers unbelievable backgrounds. 📸

Photo: Tom in Bangkok for Flytographer. Paul captures memories of their trip at Grand Palace in Bangkok on a solo adventure photoshoot.

2. Wat Pho

A stone’s throw away from the Grand Palace is Wat Pho, more famously known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, a gigantic religious complex dating back to the 17th century. The temple is the celebrated home of a massive 46-meter-long and 15-meter-tall reclining Buddha, entirely covered in gold leaves. 😮 The sight is nothing short of spellbinding. A good photo spot is standing right by its feet, from where you can capture the entire length of the Buddha’s body. The feet alone are also a fantastic backdrop, decorated with mother-of-pearl and depicting auspicious symbols. It’s not all about the statue, though. Every wall is covered in gorgeous murals, and the roof and columns are decorated with traditional patterns. All this makes the spot one of the most beautiful places to take photos in Bangkok.

Wander around the compound and find more beautiful temples and gardens. The super tall chedis reaching the sky, all adorned by thousands of colourful tiles, will instantly catch your eyes. You’ll also love the sight of the hundreds of Buddha statues lining the open corridors that surround the courtyards. Here’s a curiosity: Wat Pho was Bangkok’s first public university. Many of the murals and sculptures you’ll see functioned as learning tools for history, literature, and, of course, religion. 🎓

Quick reminder: The dress code from the Grand Palace also applies to Wat Pho. Early photo sessions are highly recommended because of the number of people visiting the landmark.

Photo: Natasha in Bangkok for Flytographer. Eileen and partner capture memories of their anniversary trip at Wat Pho in Bangkok on a couples photoshoot.

3. Wat Arun

Rising from the banks of the Chao Phraya river, Wat Arun boasts a unique and timeless beauty. This temple should definitely be on your bucket list. Its centrepiece is an 86-meter-tall prang, a spire with a corn cob shape. This impressive main structure is surrounded by four smaller prangs, all decorated with pieces of broken Chinese porcelain which form mesmerizing murals. These tile pieces were discarded in Bangkok over hundreds of years by the Chinese ships that docked in the city. As you explore the temple grounds, climb its steep steps for some great photo opportunities. You’ll get stunning views of the Chao Phraya river, the entire temple complex, and its gardens. You’ll also get to see the lovely details of the porcelains up close. 👀

A lovely way to reach the temple is to take a boat from the other side of the river. Seeing it rising right ahead of you is an indescribable sensation. You can also admire Wat Arun from its opposite margin, and a great time to do so is during sunsets. The sun sets right behind it, highlighting its striking silhouette. Later in the night, Wat Arun glows with a light effect, and it’s truly a sight to behold. 😍

Photo: Natasha in Bangkok for Flytographer. Brian and friends capture memories of their bachelor party at Wat Arun in Bangkok on a friends photoshoot.

4. Chinatown (Yaowarat)

 It’s difficult to pick the most visually striking spot in Bangkok, but Yaowarat Road in Chinatown is up there on the list. Delightfully hectic and full of colour, this bustling stretch of road is one of the most photographed backgrounds in town, thanks mainly to its cluster of layered vintage neon signs in Chinese and Thai. Adding to the already mesmerizing scenery, pink taxis, old-school buses, neon-coloured tuk-tuks, and vintage Vespas race by. 🛵

A great tip is to start your walk at the China Gate, the monument that marks the entrance of Chinatown. From there, immerse yourself in this fascinating parallel universe of temples, lanterns, and shophouses. Explore the many alleys and streets that stem from Yaowarat for a veritable feast of the senses: sound, sight, smell, and taste. If you’re a foodie, the challenge is to pick a restaurant or one of the many food stalls under colourful umbrellas. Believe it or not, some are even Michelin-listed. For a glimpse of Bangkok’s trendier nightlife, head to nearby Soi Nana, a street lined with quaint shophouses with stylish restaurants and cafes—the Wallflowers Cafe is a total Insta hit! 🌺

Photo: Natasha in Bangkok for Flytographer. Cassandra and partner celebrate their honeymoon at Bangkok’s Chinatown by capturing memories on a couples photoshoot.

5. Chao Phraya River

Very few rivers worldwide are as lively and busy as the Chao Phraya River that cuts through Bangkok. The River of Kings, as it is known, was the city’s beating heart, serving as a major transportation artery for centuries. To this day, there’s still heavy boat traffic crossing its waters as locals use the river for their daily commute. You, too, should jump on a boat if you have the chance. There are several options from public ferries and traditional long-tail boats to quirky dinner cruises. 🛥

Many of Bangkok’s sightseeing spots sit on the margins or close to the river. You’ll also spot traditional wooden houses, more temples, pagodas, and shrines. You’ll even catch a glimpse of some modern wonders, like the Lego-like Mahanakhon tower, the tallest structure in Thailand and one of the best places to take photos in Bangkok. Navigating through the river’s adjacent khlongs, or canals, is also a fabulous way to see local life at its actual pace. 😉

Photo: Natasha in Bangkok for Flytographer. Kari and family capture memories of their trip at Chao Praya River in Bangkok on a family trip photoshoot.

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6. Marble Temple

Even if not as grand as Bangkok’s royal palace, Wat Benchamabophit, also known as the Marble Temple or simply Wat Ben, is something to see. King Rama V, a staunch admirer of classical Thai architecture and symmetry, built the entire complex. The name comes from the copious amounts of white marble pieces imported from Italy to become its walls, columns, and floors. The design is so iconic that it even made it to the back of the five-baht coin.

Note how the building is decorated with intricate carvings of animals and flowers, besides Buddhist themes. One of the best places to take photos in Bangkok is the central courtyard with its 52 Buddha statues, all unique, representing the different mudras, or Buddhist hand gestures and poses. Behind the main hall, you can find a tree brought from Bodhgaya in India, where Buddha is believed to have reached enlightenment. ✨

Photo: Natasha in Bangkok for Flytographer. David and partner celebrate their engagement at Marble Temple in Bangkok on a surprise proposal photoshoot.

7. Benjakitti Park

For a change of scenery, you can visit the beautiful Benjakitti Park, a giant urban oasis in central Bangkok built around Lake Ratchada with fountains, sculptures, playgrounds, and skate parks, everything connected by bicycle and walking paths. There are pristine lawns and flower gardens, decks by the lake, and amazing views of the modern Bangkok skyline.

Want a pic that will really pop up on your social media feed? Jump on one of the funky swan boats and go around the lake to see everything from the water. Another great way to enjoy the park is picnicking: You can grab many delicious snacks from a nearby 7-Eleven—another icon in Bangkok—and have them at the half-circle courtyard shaped like an amphitheatre. Avoid visiting during the hottest hours of the day; temperatures in Bangkok can get incredibly hot. Instead, aim for early mornings or sunset. That’s when you have the most beautiful light for taking pictures. 🌇

If you’re in the mood for a bit of park hopping, also check Lumphini Park, a local favourite with a similar atmosphere, very close to Benjakitti Park. 🌳

Photo: Erin in Bangkok for Flytographer. John and partner capture memories of their trip at Benjakitti Park in Bangkok on a couples photoshoot.

8. Hua Hin Train Station

A four-hour train journey will take you from Bangkok to Hua Hin, Thailand’s first beach resort town. The history of this place is intimately associated with the Thai royal family. Hua Hin is where they used to head for a quiet time away from the busy agenda that comes with being a royal. As a result, the city developed, and it now has many hotels, impressive viewpoints, Buddhist temples, and a great night market. 🌝

You’ll see one of its major tourist attractions as soon as you step off the train. The Hua Hin Train Station is a historical building dating back to 1926. Still showing its original state and decor, the building is considered one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. Painted in red and yellow, the station follows a Victorian style. A few steps from the main building sits the Royal Waiting Room, another picturesque structure with its quintessentially Thai gabled roofs is one of the best places to take photos in Bangkok.

Photo: Natasha in Bangkok for Flytographer. Sophie and family capture memories of their trip at Hilton Hua Hin Beach in Bangkok on a family photoshoot.

9. Chulalongkorn University

Chulalongkorn University, or just Chula as it is affectionately called, is Thailand’s number one educational institution, and its vast campus features beautiful places with many photo ops. The Faculty of Arts, for instance, is housed in two exquisite buildings, both unofficially considered “ancient” monuments since they display the old-Bangkok style with stunning courtyards and manicured lawns, bushes, and ponds. ⛲

For a more modern vibe, the Chulalongkorn University Centenary Park is an environmentally friendly urban park with elevated gardens, wetlands, and lots of trees helping the city battle climate change and flood risks. The park’s highlight is its green rooftop, the biggest in Thailand, from where you get panoramic vistas of Bangkok’s cityscape. Join the locals in their pursuit to reconnect with nature and take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 😌

Photo: Natasha in Bangkok for Flytographer. Katie and family capture memories of their trip at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok on a family photoshoot.

10. Historic City of Ayutthaya

A day trip from Bangkok, Ayutthaya, the old capital of Siam, is one of Asia’s most impressive archaeological sites. You can easily spend one entire afternoon wandering the monumental ruins of Buddhist temples, monasteries, and ancient statues, some dating as far back as the 1300s. Today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruined city will give you a full sense of how old and turbulent Thai history is: Ayutthaya was brutally sacked by the Burmese and almost destroyed in 1767. 😢

Marvel at the still-impressive Wat Chaiwatthanaram, one of the most beautiful places to take photos in Bangkok because of its perfectly symmetrical layout, and the striking ruins of Wat Phra Si Sanphet, with three large chedis. Also, don’t miss the famous banyan tree, where you can see a stone Buddha head trapped in the roots. Even though much smaller than everything else, this site exudes an inexplicable mystery—perhaps that’s why it’s one of the most Instagrammable places in Thailand.

If you have time, head to the eastern outskirts of Ayutthaya to visit Wat Yai Chai Mongkol. This fantastic temple has another reclining Buddha at its base and an impressive chedi; climbing it gives you splendid views of the other ruins, gardens and statues. Ayutthaya becomes even more magical as the sun sets, painting everything in gold. If you stick around long enough, it’s hard to resist the temptation of indulging in wonderful street food at the Ayutthaya Night Market. 😋

Photo: Tom in Bangkok for Flytographer. Lakeysha and family capture memories of their trip at Wat Pho in Bangkok on a family photoshoot.

Capturing memories in Bangkok

We can’t get enough of Bangkok, and you’ll feel the same way. With so much to see, feel, taste, and photograph, this iconic destination has something for every type of traveller. 

Want more one-of-a-kind markets? Try Damnoen Saduak floating market, Bangkok’s flower market, and the Maeklong Railway Market. More Instagram hits? Head to the airplane graveyard (yes, you read it right) and the whimsical Erawan Museum. Finally, seeing Bangkok from above is an unbeatable experience. Consider visiting the skywalk at the top of the Mahanakhon building for sunset, the Sirocco sky bar at the Lebua building, or the Belga rooftop at Sofitel Sukhumvit and admire the skyline with a cocktail in your hands.🍸

For more on what to do in Bangkok, check out these tips from our community of travellers. While in the city, book one of our local Flytographers and let them capture your time in extraordinary Bangkok.