The Most Photogenic Areas in Bangkok

Bangkok has been one of the most photographed cities in the world for many years. This vast, exotic destination is one of colour, vibrancy and diversity. 

Pictures of where you went on your holiday are status symbols. They serve as proof to everyone that you were there. The rise of the 'selfie' is a testament to this fact. But rather than take an endless bunch of selfies, pictures of the destination are proof themselves. Getting that rare shot of Bangkok that not many people have is a feather in the cap of any photographer, amateur or professional.

 

Of course, Wat Pho and the Grand Palace are at the top of everyone’s list of photos to get once they visit Bangkok. But you shouldn't limit yourself to taking just the shots everyone has seen before. Get out and find the ‘real’ Bangkok to get some shots that none of your friends have ever seen.

We'll tell you about places in the city that will give you a chance to record something special. It will tell people that you saw the city from your unique perspective.

 

A Birds-eye View of Bangkok

Bangkok is full of tall buildings, and quite a few of them offer an excellent vantage point for photography. The new King Power Mahanakan Building is photogenic on its own, with its striking architectural style that could best be described as 'deconstructed'. 

But this iconic building is located right between the Chao Phrya River and Lumpini Park, two favourite subjects of photographers. The building also offers a Skywalk platform on the upper floors from which you can take photographs. Those who dare can venture out onto its 'Glass Tray' and take pictures straight down between your feet. 

Baiyoke Tower II is another tall building that offers views of the Sukhumvit and Victory Monument areas of the city. Photographers with long lenses can zoom in on a particular area and capture unique birds-eye views of the city. Visitors with smartphones can get a sweeping vista of the entire city on video. 

The restaurant Vertigo on top of the Banyan Tree restaurant offers a stunning view, and all it takes to see it is a reservation to dine. Likewise, the Lebua Hotel at State Tower offers spectacular riverside views from their bars and restaurants on the top floor of the tower. 

There are plenty of other rooftop bars and restaurants around the city. Find one in an area you're interested in photographing from above. 

 

Diverse and Photogenic Neighbourhoods of Bangkok

But for all the sweeping views and spectacular sunsets, life in Bangkok happens at street level. To photograph the heart of Bangkok. Get out and explore some of the most scenic areas and neighbourhoods the city has to offer. 

Of course, when taking pictures of the people and businesses of the city, you should always ask permission first. Most vendors working on the streets have gotten used to being photographed, but still, it shows respect for them and is simply good manners. 

The Chinatown neighbourhood down near the river is one of the oldest areas of the city and certainly one of the most colourful. The hustle and bustle of trade and the markets selling practically everything under the sun provide rich subjects for photographers strolling the streets of Chinatown. The Chinese accents on the buildings and the ancient shop-houses also add to the charm of the neighbourhood. 

To truly capture the movement of Bangkok citizens as they go to and from work in the city, the best place to head is Victory Monument. This iconic obelisk monument to commemorate Thailand, winning the Franco-Thai war of 1940-1941 is the transportation hub of the city and one of the busiest areas of Bangkok. 

It also has a popular night market that is just as bustling and colourful. The night market stalls pop up every day except Monday from 3-10 PM, so make sure your camera is charged up. You'll be doing a lot of flash photography.

 

Take a Boat Ride Through the Canals

The canals on the opposite side of the river from the Grand Palace offer a lot of scenic spots. You can hire a long-tail boat from Tha Chang Pier near the Grand Palace for a tour of a side of Bangkok you won’t see from any of the roads in the city. 

Your boat driver will whisk up the canal to the Bang Khun Non area of the city where the canals still serve as streets to the local residents and many of their front doors open up right on the canal. You’ll find many old, traditional wooden houses in this section of the city and plenty of life along the waterways as residents go about their business by boat instead of by car or bus.  

Rentals for the Holidays has convenient and contemporary accommodations all over Bangkok, with most of them close to public transportation. If you're planning a photo safari to Bangkok, check out the different accommodations we offer in different neighbourhoods of the city.