Traveling to Thailand? Wondering about where to go and things to do in Thailand? Having traveled here multiple times, I’ve compiled a short list of Thailand photography locations and places to visit if you’re looking for that great travel image.
Thailand Photography Locations:
1 – Chiang Mai and the Surrounding Jungle
Chiang Mai has always been known as one of the main cultural hubs of Thailand. This is definitely my favorite city out of all the cities I’ve visited in Thailand.
I like to stay in Old Town, which is a section of Chiang Mai that is surrounded by an ancient wall. Whether you like exploring temples, trekking through the jungle, or wandering the wonderful night markets, Chiang Mai has it all. It’s a photographer’s dream.
If time permits, I suggest a 3-day jungle trek. I did a 3-day/2-night trek and it was spectacular! You’ll spend one night in a jungle village, with opportunities to shoot portraits of local people (see image below). Make sure you buy some of their wares, as this is their main source of income since tourists started coming.
For ideas on what else to do in Chiang Mai, read my article Things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
2 – Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is the northernmost major city in Thailand. It is home to some spectacular temples, namely the White Temple, the Gold Temple, and the Blue Temple (pictured below). The White Temple is otherworldly, and I highly suggest viewing the temple. However, it’s very hard to find solitude here, let alone an image without crowds of people present. On the other hand, the Blue Temple is much more accessible, and quite stunning.
If you would like to see my top images from Thailand, please click on the provided link.
3 – The Doi Chaang Hills
Formerly known for opium trafficking, the Doi Chaang hills are now synonymous with coffee, mainly Doi Chaang Coffee. The Doi Chaang Hills offer up unlimited photography locations.
Read more about Chiang Rai and my day spent with a local business owner and photographer exploring and photographing the surrounding area at The Doi Chaang Hills of Chiang Rai, Thailand | Travel Photography.
4 – Ayutthaya
Founded around 1350, Ayutthaya became the second Siamese capital, and remained the Thai capital for 417 years. It was destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century.
Ayutthaya is a great place to visit if you’re into ancient history. The city is one ruin after another. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991.
5 – Night Markets
Night markets occur all over Thailand. Pictured here is Chiang Mai’s main night market.
I’ll admit I did not go to any night markets in Bangkok. So besides Bangkok, I’d say Chiang Mai has the best night markets in Thailand.
Learn more about shooting at night by reading my article 5 Reasons to Start Shooting Night Photography.
6 – Bangkok at Night
Bangkok’s nightlife is one of the main reasons some people travel to Thailand. The city has a whole different energy when the sun goes down. With over 10 million people, Bangkok is a giant city and can be overwhelming. In comparison, Chicago has around 3 million people.
My advice is get to know Bangkok’s public transit system (MRT-Bangkok Metro and BTS-Sky Train). You can even take boat taxis (highly recommend), hop on the back of a scooter (highly recommend), or rent a scooter (do not recommend).
Check out my post Tips for Taking Great Cityscape Images.
7 – The Grand Palace
Built in 1792, Bangkok’s most famous landmark, the Grand Palace, is a must-see when in Thailand. The Grand Palace is the official residence of the royal family of Thailand. There are tours offered daily or just wander around by yourself. There’s so much to see and photograph, including tuk tuks, as seen below.
No matter what it is you like to photograph, from huge cityscapes in Bangkok, to quiet temples in Ayutthaya, Thailand has it all.
