Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Where to take the best photo:
Shoot from across the river at sunset for a glowing silhouette of the temple’s spires reflecting off the Chao Phraya. The view from the Tha Tien pier is iconic, but the little bench near Supatra River House gives a more peaceful shot.
How to take it:
Use a wide-angle lens, frame with the river in the foreground, and wait until the sun dips low behind the towers. It glows amber, then blue—don’t leave too early.
Pro Tip: Take the river ferry just before golden hour—it’s cheaper than a tour and gives you the best shifting light as you approach.
The Blue House at Soi Ari 3
Where to take the best photo:
Tucked in a leafy residential lane, this vintage blue wooden house with white shutters and creepers crawling up the walls is a Bangkok secret. Stand across the narrow lane for a clean, head-on shot framed by greenery.
How to take it:
Mid-morning light works best—shadows are soft and the colors pop. Use portrait mode or a shallow depth of field to make the house stand out from the foliage.
Pro Tip: Stop by early on a weekday. Locals use this street, and weekend visitors sometimes crowd the view.
Chinatown’s Neon Alley (Yaowarat Road at Night)
Where to take the best photo:
Right near the intersection by the Grand China Hotel, where the signs are stacked and glowing in layers. Step slightly off-center for dynamic depth and reflection from the wet street.
How to take it:
Go after 7pm when the signs are fully lit. Shoot low and wide to exaggerate the vertical chaos. Bonus points if you capture a food cart or scooter rushing through the frame.
Pro Tip: Bring a small handheld tripod to shoot long exposure—those blurred taillights and glowing steam bring the shot to life.
The Marble Temple (Wat Benchamabophit)
Where to take the best photo:
Stand at the front gate and frame the inner golden Buddha statue through the arched marble doorway. Symmetry is key here—it’s clean, calm, and stunning.
How to take it:
Early morning is best before the tourists arrive. Line up directly with the center and step back until the full arch fits. Use grid lines on your phone to keep it perfectly straight.
Pro Tip: Wear something muted or earth-toned if you want to be in the shot—the temple’s gold and white need room to shine.
Erawan Museum’s Pink Elephant Staircase
Where to take the best photo:
Inside the main dome under the giant three-headed elephant, there’s a spiral staircase that looks like a pastel dream. Shoot from the bottom looking up to capture the swirl of pinks, blues, and stained glass.
How to take it:
Use a wide lens and stand dead center. The stairs wrap around you like a painting—don’t rush it, breathe it in.
Pro Tip: Go on a weekday late morning for fewer crowds and that beautiful natural light filtering in through the dome.
Bangkok Tree House in Bang Krachao
Where to take the best photo:
Head to the rooftop walkway of this eco-resort and point your lens out over the trees—it’s pure green jungle with the city skyline peeking in the distance.
How to take it:
Golden hour adds warmth to the leaves. Shoot wide and low with a person walking or biking in the frame for scale.
Pro Tip: Rent a bike and arrive by 4pm—you’ll catch the golden light, and the ride itself feels like a scene from a Studio Ghibli film.
My Personal Recommendation
If you’re tired of chasing crowds for the perfect shot, wander through Talad Noi. This old riverside neighborhood is full of rusted doors, tangled alleys, and unexpected murals. It’s gritty, quiet, and full of stories. One afternoon I stumbled into a hidden garage with vintage cars, lanterns above—and not another tourist in sight. That photo? Still one of my favorites.
