· SOUTHEAST ASIA · THAILAND · PHOTOGRAPHY ·
25 Beautiful Photography Spots in Thailand (that don’t need a drone)
Scribbled by Claire ⬩ 09 Mar 2026
Are you visiting Thailand with your camera and want to find the most beautiful, lesser-visited spots for some quality photography opportunities? We’ve detailed our favourites (that don’t need a drone), with tips to help you plan your trip!
During my first few visits to Thailand, I honestly didn’t think the country was all that photogenic.
Don’t get me wrong, I loved the vibes, food, palm trees, and temples, but it just didn’t overly ‘wow’ me with my camera.
The scenery and sites in the most popular spots around the country are okay, but it’s easy to miss the most spectacular ones. I mean, Phuket has lovely beaches, Chiang Mai’s old town has pretty temples, and Bangkok has epic skylines – but there is so much more to Thailand than only that, photography-wise.
I’ve also seen a lot of outright illegal or borderline unethical drone photography making up much of the photography content surrounding Thailand. This depressed me a little when scouting for pretty spots – I don’t own a drone (and would never fly one illegally).
I’ve since spent a few years living in and exploring the country, well beyond the main tourist areas, finding some incredibly photogenic spots (often by accident). If you thought you’d seen amazing temples in Chiang Mai, consider the epic Wat Ban Thong in northern Krabi or the crazy floating temples of Lampang; if you thought that Phuket had photogenic beaches, check nearby Koh Yao Yai’s Maldives-like sand spit, and if you want to wander through Thailand’s most photogenic ruins without any crowds, take a trip to the epic Si Satchanalai Historical Park.
Some of these are more well-known and near the popular tourist centres; others are far into the rural depths of Thailand and only easily reached by car.
All are highly worthy of your camera, though!
So, below are my favourites, accompanied by a few photography tips.
IN THIS GUIDE //
My Favourite Thai Photo Locations
1. Ayutthaya
2. Golden Tower Of Krabi
3. Sukhothai’s Misty Lakes and Temples
4. Chiang Rai’s Crazy White Temple
5. Caves and Karst of Phra Nang Beach
6. Khao Sok’s Emerald Lake
7. Bangkok’s Grandest Temples
8. Ruins of Si Satchanalai
9. Temples on the Top of Thailand
10. Lampang’s Floating Temples
11. The Aqua-Hued Erawan Falls
12. Ascending a Pink Dragon
13. Sunrise on Koh Yao Noi
14. Phuket Town’s Architecture and Art
15. Bangkok’s Streets
16. Japan on a Mountain Top
17. The Twin Mok Fa Waterfalls
18. Chinese Hill Village of Ban Rak Thai
19. Overlooking Mae Hong Son
20. A Hilltop Disney Temple
21. Ocean Views of Samui
22. Noodles at Ban Jabo
23. Cafe with a View at Phu Lang Ka
24. Koh Yao Yai’s Epic Sand Spit
25. Sapan’s Salty Scenery
Some Other Options
– Places We Think Are Overrated
Photo Locations Google Map
Where to Next?
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1. Ancient Stupas of Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya Historical Park, the location of the twelfth century Thai capital, is a very popular day trip from Bangkok. The site is vast, with some of the country’s best preserved, intricate, and frankly enormous structures.
Truthfully, I thought it would just be some average archaeological site, but no – I was genuinely shocked by how impressive it was (it’s so impressive in fact that I’ve now returned four times). I actually didn’t want to put it on this list since it’s so well-known and heavily trafficked. However, I really couldn’t miss it from a photography standpoint.
The ruins have hints of other places I’ve visited and loved, like Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka and Angkor Wat in Cambodia; and I’d argue that Ayutthaya is just as worth visiting as either of those.
The site is split into various smaller sections. Wat Phra Si Samphet was my ultimate favourite for photography if you have to choose due to time constraints. Wat Mahathat and Wat Chaiwatthanaram are others that you shouldn’t miss if you’re on a flying visit.
Please don’t ride an elephant here. You’ll see it happening all over the place, usually by Asian tourists. It’s not cool.
We’ve written a dedicated photography post about Ayutthaya, with the best temples, light, and angles, collated after four visits, so check it out if you’re visiting.
Photography Tips
Usually, we’d recommend visiting everywhere early in the morning (and you should generally do that, if you have the opportunity). However, Ayutthaya absolutely glows around sunset when most of the day trippers are on their way back to Bangkok. So, you’ll have a lot more peace and space to take photographs if you stay overnight.
We’d highly recommend an overnight trip to make the most of the light in the morning and evening – plus it’s worth checking out the friendly night market there, too. I’ve visited twice overnight; the accommodation is excellent value and the small-ish town vibes are a lovely alternative to the big city.
Also, it probably goes without saying, but a wide-angle lens is going to be the most effective here.
2. Golden Tower of Krabi
This temple, called Wat Bang Thong, is one of only a few places in Thailand that’s really entirely photogenic, without any work or thought from me and my camera. It’s a religious complex, with various temples and statues scattered about, but the real standout is the massive golden tower (you can’t miss it when you park up). It looks almost computer generated or something, with the exterior geometric patterning and the way the light catches it. I’d guess it was from some Elder Scrolls game, or something.
I don’t really have enough space here to show how cool the entire place is, but the inside is as impressive as the outside. So, make sure you actually do go inside the main golden tower and look up at the ceilings. It’s just such a cool spot and there were literally no people when we visited in the afternoon.
Be aware that we saw a chained up elephant, which according to reviews is sometimes on site, so don’t engage with that. There was also a giant wasp nest near the entrance statue, too, so avoid that as well!
Photography Tips
The wider the angle of your lens, the better here. For these photos, we used a 16-55mm crop, so that’s about 23mm at the lower end in real numbers. I’d have loved a slightly wider one, ideally.
I don’t think it matters what time you visit, because the golden tower is kind of the same on all sides and no matter where the sun is, you can just position yourself accordingly. It’s also a rare case of a Buddhist temple with perfect symmetry. We were happy with the light in the mid-afternoon when we visited.
It’s honestly such an easy place to photograph because there are no people and the place is so ridiculously distinctive.
3. Sukhothai’s Misty Lakes and Temples
Sukhothai is another of Thailand’s ancient capitals (the oldest), however this site is a little harder to reach and is not a feasible day trip from Bangkok or Chiang Mai. It was on my list to visit forever, though, so we made the long drive from Bangkok and did not regret it for a second.
It’s (probably) my favourite of all the ruins in the country and a dream photography spot, with crisp mornings, calm reflections, misty lakes, and hardly any visitors.
We’ve written a big guide that helps you decide how long to stay, where to stay, how to get around, and where to photograph (with a billion additional photos). Check it out if Sukhothai is somewhere you might consider visiting.
Photography Tips
We’ve written more about it in our dedicated Sukhothai Historical Park post, but my favourite photography spots are along the edges of the tanks behind Wat Mahathat first thing in the morning. The lakes have this hazy mist that catch the sun perfectly.
Anywhere in the main complex is great first thing, though. Watching the sun creep over the trees and catch the temple tops is really special.
4. Chiang Rai’s Artistic White Temple
Chiang Rai, in the far north of Thailand, is full of quirky temples and I was torn about which one to choose – but the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) is just so iconic and madly photogenic.
This temple is actually very modern, only opened to the public 19 years ago, but it’s the intricate detail and unorthodox design that makes it worth visiting (look for penises and creepy faces in the sea of hands!). It was partly created as a temple, but is more of an art exhibit really, so the surrounding grounds are just an unfathomable collection of sculptures from the artist’s vivid, wild imagination.
We’ve written a little about the temples in Chiang Rai, including the famous blue one and the Goddess of Mercy, so have a read of our post if you’re thinking of visiting (it’s got absolutely loads of photos).
Photography Tips
We visited first thing in the morning (at opening time) and it was still kind of busy, but quiet enough that taking photographs wasn’t too bad. The temple grounds aren’t that large, so it gets absolutely heaving with visitors, unfortunately.
However, there is a gold temple on the other side of the complex that we found few people congregated around. Situated by a lake, it’s arguably just as ornate and photogenic. Plus, the entire grounds (with less dense crowds) are an artist’s fever dream so spend a bit of time just wandering about – who knows what you’ll find. Our post mentioned above has loads more photos of the crazy art, including some teenage mutant ninja turtles and a xenomorph from Alien, amongst other things!
It’s just so visually bizarre.
5. Caves and Karsts of Phra Nang Beach, Railay
Okay, so this is another really popular, well-known spot, on the Andaman coast in Krabi.
But the thing is, it’s just so scenic. So, so scenic.
The limestone karst scenery is utterly magnificent and, if you go out early in the morning (so you’d ideally stay overnight), it’s pretty peaceful and the beaches are (briefly) empty.
The water is turquoise blue, shallow and dotted with small islands, with the extra-powdery white sand sandwiched between up to three-hundred-foot-high cliffs. In fact, if you Google images of Krabi, it’s likely you’ll specifically get images of the Railay Penisula.
Photography Tips
So, the first thing to know is that drones are not allowed around Railay (but that doesn’t stop people). It’s part of the Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, which means that you always have to get explicit permission to use a drone, even if you have a permit.
So, most pictures you see with aerial shots of these bays are likely illegal.
However, just as I bang on about it on all the other entries on this list, you don’t need a drone to show off how beautiful the area is. The best spots (in my opinion) are at the end of Phra Nang Beach, with the offshore karst rocks. It’s also the nicest beach for hanging out and swimming (there are almost no rocks in the sea and it’s a perfect depth).
First thing in the morning, we always found the beach empty and, briefly, that magical fantasy island you dream about.
You can also kayak over to the beach from Railay West which gives some of the best views (we’ve done this and suffered some of the worst sunburn ever – don’t underestimate the sun even if it’s cloudy). Remember to bring a waterproof bag for your camera.
6. Khao Sok’s Emerald Lake
Khao Sok contains a national park and a dammed-up lake in southern Thailand – one full of towering karst rocks and ludicrously green-blue water.You know all those photos with the saturation pushed right up that look totally fake? Well, Khao Sok is actually coloured like that in real life (I honestly thought it was all a lie until I saw it with my own eyes).
It’s an easy drive from Phuket (or Krabi) and only takes a morning to explore, however you can also visit other areas of the national park to hike around the jungle and check out some waterfalls and cool night fauna.
Photography Tips
We’d recommend visiting earlier in the morning (we arrived at the lake around 9am). It was empty apart from a couple of other pre-organised boat groups, and the waiting time to get a boat was zero.
When we left around 11.30am, it was a (honestly shocking) zoo of tourists. If I was arriving then, I genuinely may have turned around and left rather than battling those crowds! That number of people would have, no doubt, been a hinderance on taking some decent, unobstructed photos, too.
Also, we loved early-mid morning for the light – the morning misty haze had burnt off and the sun was shining without the karst rocks being too washed out. It goes without saying, but visiting Khao Sok lake during the raining season would be very hit-and-miss! This spot would be abysmal for photography in the rain.
HAVE YOU CONSIDERED DRIVING IN THAILAND?
Getting around Thailand is so straightforward and efficient if you have a rental car.
The roads are easy to navigate, well maintained and, as a photographer, it’s almost essential to have your own transport to get around on your own schedule.
It’s also super affordable, too, particularly if there is more than one of you travelling together.
If you’re unsure, check out our thoughts on driving in Thailand to see if it’s for you.
If you’ve already decided to rent a car, consider booking one through the company we always use – Discover Cars. They’re the absolute best and have been our rental companion (and savior, thanks to their insurance) in many destinations across the world.
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7. Bangkok’s Grandest Temples
Bangkok is home to absolutely loads of ornate and intricate temples. I was trying for ages to decide which to pick for this list. In the end though, I had to choose the most famous ones because not only are they are simply magnificent but I’d argue they’re unmissable (and the most photogenic) too.
The three primary locations are the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha (actually made of jade), Wat Arun and Wat Pho. They are pretty much adjacent to each other and easy to see all in one go. I always list them together because I’d imagine it’s rare anyone would do one without the others.
If you’re on a budget, we’d recommend visiting Wat Pho – entrance tickets are far more affordable than the Emerald Buddha and Grand Palace.
Photography Tips
Wat Pho is my favourite early in the morning, with its gigantic reclining Buddha and nice light on the intricate stupas (also everyone else goes to the Grand Palace first, so you can have some (relative) peace). However, the views of Wat Arun from the Chaophraya River in the evening just after sunset are nearly as good and I don’t think there is a best time to visit.
Morning is less crowded (but not by much – the entire place, especially the Emerald Buddha is entirely overrun constantly, and that’s an understatement). I’d either go at opening, or nearer closing time. Honestly, you’ll not be able to avoid the tourist throngs unless we have another pandemic or something. It’s madness.
My favourite photos came from a trip first thing in the morning (I’ve been a few times over the years!).
It’s worth noting that you’re not actually allowed to photograph the Emerald Buddha, either. Don’t worry though, it’s more sacred than visually impressive anyway.
8. The Ruins of Si Satchanalai
This rarely visited spot around an hour north of Sukhothai Historical Park really smashed my expectations.
Si Satchanalai is another historical park, just like Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, but I’d argue the structures are even more impressive and so remote, you feel like you’re kind of discovering them as you wander around, with only the sounds of birds for company.
Some of it is well manicured, there’s a shuttle to take you around (you don’t need to take one, it’s easy to walk), and other parts are overgrown within the jungle. The whole place is just so much fun to explore, as well as photograph.
Don’t sleep on this one if you’re willing to rent a car in Thailand (we’d highly recommend it).
Photography Tips
I don’t really have any specific tips for Si Satchanalai, apart from that we used both wide angle and zoom lenses extensively, and if I had to choose between them, I’d find it hard.
We were at the site for a few hours during the morning and afternoon, and at no point were there any people there – so I don’t think it matters when you visit, crowds-wise. For the light, I’d imagine morning and late afternoon would be best for visiting. As it’s quite a remote area, it might not be so easy to go early and fit into any Sukhothai plans. So, maybe consider later afternoon?
9. Pagodas on the Top of Thailand
On the top of Doi Inthanon (Thailand’s highest mountain at an elevation of 2,565 metres) are some pretty epic temples, called the Royal Pagodas.
I’ve not been there for a few years (I skipped it on my most recent trip because it’s always busy with day trippers from Chiang Mai) so the photos below are kind of old, but you can expect an extensive display of flowers, vast mountain-top panoramas, overheating car engines, and a duo of identical, distinctive pagodas.
The area is large and very modern – there are even escalators that take visitors up the minimal steps to the temple platforms. From these platforms, you can see for many miles in good weather.
Photography Tips
Drones are strictly not allowed here, so those aerial-style photos that come up on Google Images are not possible. You also cannot walk up the hills behind the temples to try and get an elevated view (as far as we could tell, anyway!).
Honestly, I’ve seen more impressive temples, but I absolutely loved the accompanying gardens and flowers. They really made the entire place worthy of a visit and highly photogenic.
Side note – if you’re into plants and flowers, check out the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, also near Chiang Mai. I loved it there.
The surrounding area also has a bunch of okay waterfalls, such as Watchirathan, Sirithan, and Mae Klang. However, I don’t overly rate them for photography – they’re a bit average. I’ve been to all of them and they are nice to visit, but not spectacular, visually.
10. Lampang’s Floating Temples
I know I say that some random temple is unique all the time (I mean, Thailand is truly the master of outrageous, distinctive temples). However, Lampang’s floating temples, situated on the top of a jagged strip of mountains, are genuinely unique and some of the coolest.
The temple structures themselves are actually not that impressive, however it’s more about the mountain peak location and the views. You have to take a Jeep ride halfway up, then traverse more than 700 steps on foot through jungle to the summit. It’s all very improbable and makes you question how they were even built.
Photography Tips
This is another spot that people talk about bringing a drone, but there are no-drone signs everywhere, and you don’t need one to take great photos.
The quality of your photos will be highly reliant on the weather, too (since you’re on the top of a mountain). We went first thing in the morning (first to arrive) which was great because the climb up the steps was cool and shady. Because the temples are on the eastern face of the mountain range, the light was pretty good, too.
We went on a bit of an on-and-off cloudy day, though, which is a pity, but it was still insanely photogenic. Definitely skip this one if it’s raining, though!
11. The Aqua-Hued Erawan Falls
Erawan Falls are the most popular waterfalls in Thailand and are hardly unknown judging by the hordes of tourists we saw there. However, their seven tiers of incredible limestone-blue cascades glisten and gleam – so you have to visit anyway.
Part of a national park, the falls have a chunky entry fee if you’re not a Thai resident or national. However, they are so photogenic that they are up there with my favourite falls of all time, anywhere. So, we highly recommend a trip.
They’re worth every second of their fame, and we’ve written more about visiting them if you’re interested. If the idea of intense crowds in nature distress you (Erawan falls might just give you a breakdown), for a far less-visited but almost as photogenic experience consider the nearby Huay Mae Khamin Falls, which have emerald-tinted waters and just as impressive cascades.
Photography Tips
If you visit at opening (8am), there will be no day trippers yet and you’ll have at least an hour or so to get to the top before people start to swim in the pools and generally get in the way. Plus, the light speckled through the trees at this time is magnificent and it’s not as hot (especially in winter).
Another benefit of the early morning is the light. It’s dim enough that you won’t need an ND filter to get one-second exposures (obviously you’ll still need one for longer exposures and wider apertures). We forgot our tripod for this trip and it worked (kind of) fine. If you want to see more photos for reference, check out our guide.
My favourite tiers are probably number 2, 3 and 5 (but my opinion on this changes constantly).
12. Ascend a Pink Dragon
This temple, called Wat Sam Phran, is a really unique construction on the far outskirts of Bangkok. It’s become pretty popular in recent years, with everyone on social media talking about it, but don’t believe the hype. We think it’s only worth visiting if you are a photography enthusiast or are going to Kanchanaburi by rental car (as it’s on the way).
The temple is a distinctive pink column that protrudes from an otherwise flat terrain, with a dragon circling all the way around between hundreds of small yellow windows. It’s definitely not something you see everyday!
If you do pass by, it’s very photogenic and you can even walk up the spiraling dragon, exiting at the top through its mouth! Plus the gardens have some really unique stuff, like a giant stone tortoise, some creepy bodies, and thousands of footprints on the floor.
Photography Tips
For me, I think this place shines the best (literally) on a sunny day in the later afternoon. The pink is quite washed out in the middle of the day, and you’d have to leave Bangkok very early to arrive there for dawn.
Everyone says you need a drone to photograph this temple, but that’s not the case, at all. A decent wide angle lens will do. However, most of the photos in our guide were actually taken on a zoom lens (70mm-300mm crop) so I think you can do a decent photography job here, no matter your equipment.
WANT TO TAKE A BETTER TRAVEL PHOTO?
There are three parts to travel photography –
⬩ Planning your trip
⬩ Taking the photo
⬩ Editing the end result
To get the highest quality, most sophisticated photos from your travels, you’ll need to perfect all three (plus a tiny bit of luck).
So, we’ve written a lot of country-specific guides about planning trips to various destinations, and also collated our absolute top tips for taking photos on location avoiding the rain would probably be our number one!). We’ve also written a dedicated post on how to take the best black and white travel photography. Check them out if you’re interested!
We also write about typical editing mistakes to avoid. To complement that, we’ve collated a more intermediate user’s guide to editing travel photography. This covers more elegant, advanced and refined skills, ones that will promote your photos to the centerpiece of anybody’s wall.
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13. Sunrise on Koh Yao Noi
I don’t really vibe with islands and beaches – they’re just not my favourite for photography. I find them a bit samey and rough around the edges, but Koh Yao Noi is different. It’s by far the most scenic island I’ve visited in Thailand (and I’ve been to what feels like a billion of them).
The island is situated between Phuket Island and Krabi, so is super easy to reach, but it also means that from almost every angle, you have views of the offshore scenery, including the nearby Karst rock-filled Phang Nga Bay, rather than just an empty horizon. The tides are also really dramatic, so you can see the most beautiful water reflections. It’s magic.
I know I’m probably not selling it well, but if you’re looking for an alternative island for your trip, with few people and amazing views, consider it!
We’ve written about Koh Yao Noi in depth, if you want to see if it might suit you.
Photography Tips
The sunrise views are just magnificent along Pasai Beach and the best part is there are no resorts or obstructions. The paved road runs directly along the beach, so you can easily pop down and choose your spot (my favourite is furthest south).
For sunset, there are top-notch views of the amazing sand spit on Koh Yao Yai from the road alongside the Hornbill Bar.
There are just great views from all sides, though, so you can’t go wrong.
Be aware that this island doesn’t really have public transport, so you’ll need to rent a scooter or a bicycle.
14. Phuket Town’s Architecture, Art and Temples
Phuket Old Town, in the southern part of Phuket Island, is really quite quirky and stands out.
I found it very reminiscent of Ipoh and Penang in Malaysia, with this distinctive Chinese-Euro colonial architecture as a backdrop for lots of contemporary street art. It’s all very photogenic.
If you’re heading off for a beach trip on the Andaman coast, don’t miss it! There’s a tonne of great restaurants and bars, too. If you’re thinking of visiting, check out our little Phuket Town guide for loads more photos, food recommendations, places to stay and things to do.
Photography Tips
I’ve visited quite a few times now and have yet to run out of pretty spots to photograph. Along with the street art, there are some lovely temples (San Chao Saengtham and Wat Klang for example). There’s also a busy and somewhat touristy street market. All the things to do (and photograph) are listed in our guide.
One quick caveat is that the city has abysmal car parking – so we’d recommend taking a scooter around if you can (there are occasional police checks though, so don’t do it if you don’t have a license). For everything you need to know, check out out post on riding a scooter in Thailand.
15. Bangkok’s Streets
This is a bit vague, but if you love photography, Bangkok really stands out as a street photography canvas.
There’s hazy city skylines at sunset, old riverside markets selling flowers, fish and trinkets, and famous street art acting as a backdrop for smoky noodle stalls. Alternatively there’s abandoned buildings and concrete underpasses with the tips of Buddhist temples in the background. This city is pure magical for a camera.
I never get bored of photographing Bangkok and I’m grateful to look out at it everyday (the heat does get oppressive, though!).
Photography Tips
If you’re really into street photography, there is a group on Facebook that does a free photo walk around a Bangkok district once a month called ‘Bangkok Photographers Group’. Maybe we’ll see you there!
If you’re after an iconic area in Bangkok to wander for a day with your camera, I’d suggest starting at Saphan Taksin BTS station and heading north through Talat Noi to Yaowarat Road, Hua Lamphong Train Station. Then, if you’ve got the energy, head to Song Wat Road towards Pak Khlong Talat (the flower market) and up to the famous Grand temple area. There are churches, temples, a mosque, river views, street art, small markets, loads of food, and so much more.
That’s an awful lot of walking in the Bangkok heat, though, so go prepared!
Also, I’d encourage everyone to think about the ethics of photographing people, especially kids. So many people come to Thailand and photograph people like they’re objects. Don’t capture anything you wouldn’t be comfortable with somebody taking of your family.
16. Japan on a Mountain Top
This slightly obscure temple, called Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan, is just outside Lampang in northern Thailand. It’s special because it provides a random opportunity to pretend you visited Japan on your Thai trip!
The temple has a small walkway of red torii gates, thousands of cute Japanese-style kitsune foxes and a giant Buddha (but not like the typical gold one you’ll see in Thailand).
Even better, the temple is on the top of a hill, so on one side, there is a golden gate that overlooks the countryside (annoyingly it was cloudy when we visited, though). At the bottom of the hill, there are more impressive temples, but the best bit is the icy, glassy-looking Buddha inside Chedi Phra Chulamanee Si Phothiyan. It’s otherworldly and incredibly photogenic.
When we visited, the temple was completely empty, which made taking nice photos super easy.
Photography Tips
We’d recommend going early (which is what we did), but you do run the risk of the entire hill being in covered in clouds! We’ve spent months in northern Thailand, and never once managed to see those lovely inverted cloud formations – but maybe you’ll be lucky?
The giant Buddha looks super cool in the early morning misty cloud. Conversely, The viewpoint across the countryside is much better at sunset, in my opinion. It’ll likely be clearer, making for an amazing sunset . So, if you’re hanging out around Lampang for a bit, visit for both?
17. Twin Mok Fa Waterfalls
This spot, on the way to Pai, was a huge surprise for me. Apart from a few very unique aqua-blue falls near Kanchanaburi, I don’t really rate Thailand’s typical waterfalls around the various national parks. They’re nice enough for swimming, but I don’t think they’re that special for photography.
Mok Fa was different, though. It’ll depend on the time you’re visiting, but when we went in December there were perfect, symmetric twin falls in this narrow valley and you could not ask for anything more photogenic.
There’s even a short trail up to a cave which winds above and around the falls, so you can almost face them directly for a straight on photograph. The water spray was mad though, so watch out for your camera gear if it’s not weatherproof. I didn’t get particularly good photos because it was all crazy damp!
Photography Tips
The walk is a short, pretty, flat trail along a river – most people should be able to do it with no issues. (It’s not great for pushchairs and wheelchairs, though).
We visited late morning when the light was nice and there weren’t many people there.
Before you reach the falls (they’ll be visible in the distance), cross the river to the other side via a dodgy wooden bridge and scramble up the other side. At the top, follow the muddy path around for a minute and you’ll be directly facing the waterfall!
18. Chinese Hill Village of Ban Rak Thai
Ban Rak Thai (also called Ban Mae O) is a small village, literally right on the border with Myanmar, inhabited by people from southern China. It’s quite photogenic, with traditional-style houses in the hills surrounding a lake housing pretty boats that float about in the morning mist.
The town is very touristic nowadays and up some seriously twisty, steep roads (challenging if you’re not experienced on a motorbike). This means that every morning, before dawn, a hoard of white vans will head up these dangerous roads, carrying what feels like a billion tourists for their photoshoot.
The thing is, it really is quite photogenic, so I can’t be too cynical. Many hundreds of people a day make the pilgrimage to float on a boat, or just to photograph them.
Photography Tips
We visited after dawn on a motorbike, so saw all the tourist exodus and missed the scenic misty morning boat rides (I just cannot be dealing with those tour group crowds). It sucked to miss the mist, but the lake was literally empty when we arrived! We could park, walk all around, check out the shops, and take photos with literally not another soul around.
So, either head up early morning or stay overnight and take the perfect misty pictures, or you could arrive at around 9am and have the entire place to yourself (or do all three?).
On the way out (or in), check our the beautiful red-roofed Wat Mok Champae, it’s photogenic and literally nobody visits.
19. Overlooking Mae Hong Son
Mae Hong Son is a quiet little town in the mountains, around 235 kilometres from Chiang Mai. It’s well-known for its central position on the famous Mae Hong Son motorbike loop, which passes through it. We stopped for several nights here on our tour, and highly recommend you do the same.
The town itself is attractive, centred around a small lake with a gleaming temple on one side that glows beautifully at night. It has a pleasant night market, very low-key vibes, and we even saw an enormous lake-side graduation ceremony (possibly a cadet/army thing) when we were there.
The entire region can be viewed from atop the nearby mountain at Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, which sits above the valley and provides a vast viewpoint for the surrounding scenery.
The temple is very pretty but not particularly unique, however the views are what make this spot stand out as a photographer. You can also see the entire regional airport airstrip, too!
Photography Tips
Sunset is the time to visit (or sunrise, but we just couldn’t get up that early when riding a motorbike – it was seriously cold!). We didn’t get particularly lucky with the clouds and sky on our visit, but the views have the potential to be magnificent.
20. A Hilltop Disney Castle
If there is one temple in Northern Thailand that absolutely smashed any expectations of mine, it’s the unimaginable Loha Prasat Sri Mueang Pong. This temple is just madness! It’s sat atop a hill and when I first caught a glimpse of it, had to take a second take because it was so unbelievable (it looks like a Disney castle from a distance).
This pristine, brilliant white and gold temple is up a very steep hill (you’ve got to get a four-wheel drive taxi up) and sort of towers over the surrounding scenery. I don’t think many people visit – it’s a bit away from the usual tourist circuit of Chiang Mai, but we’d highly recommend trying to fit in a trip there.
Photography Tips
We visited late afternoon and the sun was disappearing fast behind the mountains, so we’d definitely recommend getting there before then. Sunrise would probably be magnificent, too.
We found a wider lens was better for this spot, since the building is so complex and you can’t really step far away from it. Also, it seems to have an infuriating lack of symmetry (as do many Buddhist temples) so I found it tricky to find aesthetic angles. It really was challenging for me for some reason!
Don’t forget to check out the manmade waterfalls and carvings opposite the temple, and the panoramic views from the front.
21. Ocean Views of Samui
I don’t love Koh Samui. If you’ve followed my Instagram for any length of time you may know I’m not a fan of any of the southern Gulf islands. However, there are a few places that I’d recommend for photography and a spot called D360 Samui is one of them.
Not only does it perfectly showcase the island’s scenery and turquoise oceans from all angles, it costs nothing to enter and is a fantastic place for a photoshoot, picnic or sunset. We’d recommend a visit if you’re suffering through a beach holiday on the island (I jest, but I did also suffer through my Samui trip!).
The road up to D360 Samui is really steep, just after a tight bend in the road. We struggled to drive a Honda 160cc PCX up there, twice, so be aware to give it a bit of juice on the hills (stopping halfway up a steep incline is a hilarious nightmare).
Photography Tips
At the top, there’s nothing really there but nature, so no people or buildings to obstruct your views.
We went for sunset, but it was dodgy weather and then it started to rain, so we (and the handful of others there) left. It would have been really pleasant up there, though, if the rain had stayed away. Personally, I’ve never had a great time with weather in the Gulf of Thailand, so be prepared for that.
22. Noodles at Ban Jabo
It was lunchtime. We were riding around the Mae Hong Son loop and I was famished. Just absolutely starving.
So, we stopped in Ban Jabo, a tiny settlement off the main route where I’d read lots of people grab noodles at a local vendor (they even have veggie versions).
It was banging, but what was even more amazing was the setting. You can sit and enjoy your (genuinely spicy) noodle bowl on a platform overlooking the hills, legs dangling, and it’s quite magnificent.
We’d recommend having a ride (or drive, if you’ve rented a car instead) down towards the noodle stop in Ban Jabo, then continue on for a bit because the scenery becomes more lovely the worse the roads get!
Photography Tips
The Noodle Soup House is a great place to start, offering a super affordable, spicy meal with a photogenic view. The area is famous for those inverted clouds and misty mornings, so visit early if you’re looking for that.
Past the noodle shop, the pretty scenery is worth a short detour. Just ride as far as you want past the checkpoint and check out the region (if you keep going for another 20-30 minutes, you’ll get to a border patrol spot where you can technically ride into Myanmar!).
Before the Noodle Soup House, there’s a hike to a viewpoint called Phu Pha Mok, which is a mega-scramble up a steep hill. We did half of it and then turned around because, honestly, it was midday so the light was bad, the weather was hot, and we were carrying all sorts of camera equipment that we didn’t want to smash on the rocks. ( Plus we were full of noodle soup). I think if there were some cool inverted clouds or the weather was better, we’d have persevered. However, if you’re there early or late in the day and love a challenging scramble, we’d recommend it!
23. Cafe with a View at Phu Lang Ka
This hilltop spot, not far from Phayao in northern Thailand, is popular with bikers. There are some world class roads in northern Thailand for motorbike enthusiasts, so if you travel independently around the area, you’ll almost certainly come across a few leather-clad humans!
Route 1148 traverses a kind of mountain ridge, so the views are pretty magnificent across the farmland and karst terrain. The best cafe in the area is Route 1148 Cafe, which has epic views of the surrounding scenery and almost certainly a few big bikes out front.
Photography Tips
This spot is well known for its cloud inversions and mist, but we were passing through during the day and missed the opportunity to see it.
For the best views, consider staying overnight at the Magic Mountain Camp – that’s what we’ll be doing next time we pass through (although it’s a bit awkward to book). The views look ridiculous.
24. Koh Yao Yai’s Epic Sand Spit
Koh Yao Yai, an island near Phuket, is home to a sand spit that is almost Maldives-esque. The beach is called Laem Haad and it’s not really something I’ve seen anywhere else in Thailand.
It’s a proper white sand spit that stretches out between Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai, providing a perfect spot for a beachy photoshoot, beautiful sunrise opportunities, or just a good swim. The water has this nice, shallow light blue tone, and the shore is lined with palm trees.
It’s as close to the Maldives in Thailand as you’ll get. Check out our guide for more information on visiting.
Photography Tips
We spent every sunrise here for five days (partly because it was close to our hotel). It’s perfect in the mornings because the sun rises directly behind the spit. During the middle of a sunny day, you’ll get bright white sand and aqua blue waters to photograph instead.
Be aware that the scenery varies immensely around this sand spit depending on the tides (I guess this is obvious, but it surprises me how much the terrain changes in just a few minutes sometimes). This does make it quite fun to photograph, though.
As with other more rural Thai islands, the only way to get around is by bicycle or scooter.
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25. Sapan’s Salty Scenery
Sapan is a region hidden away in the far northeast of Thailand, along the Laos border in Nan Province. It’s become a bit of a popular spot with Thai people in recent years for its mountain scenery, serene nature vibes, and of course those inverted cloud offerings at dawn that I’ve mentioned so many times on this post.
We spent the day here (although I’d have preferred to stay overnight) and visited the wat, a pretty cafe on a hill and the waterfall. The region is super picturesque and we didn’t see a single non-Thai visitor (that we could tell). The most popular cafe with the nicest views is called Yud Vela Cafe – we were there during cloudy weather, though. My favourite spot in the area was Sapan Waterfall.
Photography Tips
If you’re after the best photos in Sapan, it’s worth being there at dawn and hoping for the right weather conditions. There are loads of places to stay in the areas. We’d definitely choose Say Love Baan Sapan or Sapandao Resort when we next go back to try and capture the sunrise! Sapan waterfall was another surprise for us – there were no people there and it was prettier than expected, plus the walk was easy.
Nearby Sapan is Bo Kluea, home to the Sin Thao Rock Salt Pond. This spot is fun – you can see how the salt is produced and buy affordable salty gifts/souvenirs from the chill and friendly vendors. They let you in the salt processing huts (for free) and demonstrate how they get the salty water up from the well. I even got to taste the water directly from the well, too – it is unnervingly salty! The whole experience is very photogenic, with sunlight pouring through a hut roof onto the fire-heated salt water. However, we went first thing in the morning (when parking is easier and to avoid tour group) when the light isn’t quite right for getting the best photos. If we were to visit again, we’d go in the afternoon.
Other Places to Consider
There are loads of places that we haven’t been to yet in Thailand (obviously) but are planning to visit soon. So, below is a non-exhaustive list of some of these spots that we reckon might make it onto a Thailand photography hotspots list (we’ve updated any that we have visited since writing this):
⬩ Sanctuary of Truth, Pattaya – we just visited here and really didn’t love it. Have a read of our review to see if it’s your vibe.
⬩ The bridge and village at Sangkhla
⬩ The Central Mosque of Songkhla, in Hat Yai
⬩ Erawan Museum, near Bangkok (put off by the price tag for this one)
⬩ Phu Chi Fa, Chiang Rai/Laos
⬩ Wild Elephants at Khao Yai National Park or Kui Buri National Park (we went searching for wild elephants last week at Khao Yai but didn’t find any. Found loads of fresh elephant poo, though.).
⬩ Phraya Nakhon Cave, Prachuap Khiri Khan
⬩ Ancient City, near Bangkok (also put off by the price tag and possible elephant rides)
⬩ Lopburi’s Monkey Temple – we recently passed through Lopburi and didn’t find it all that interesting or overly photogenic.
⬩ Phanom Rung Historical Park, Buri Ram
⬩ Phimai Historical Park, Nakhon Ratchasima
⬩ Sang Chan Waterfall, Ubon Ratchathani
Places We Think are Overrated for Photography
Very occasionally, we think somewhere is a little over-hyped. Below are just a few of the places that we’d recommend you skip as a photographer if you’re short on time.
⬩ Pai and Pai Canyon: Pai is okay but totally overrun by barefoot people trying to find themselves, and the scenery isn’t any more outstanding than in Nan Province, or nearby down the road in Mae Hong Son, for instance. Pai Canyon, in particular, is distinctly average.
⬩ Chiang Mai’s old town: this opinion will make a lot of people angry, but I’ve seen so many temples in Thailand now that I can say the ones in the old town are simply not all that special for photography. I basically never go to the old town when in Chiang Mai anymore, because it’s just a bunch of average-looking temples next to some tour agencies next to some (often mediocre) tourist food. As an increasingly gentrified area, it’s just not exciting as a photographer.
⬩ Waterfalls in general: check online photos carefully before heading off for any waterfall photography in Thailand. Honestly, it’s rare that they are particularly attractive! Also be aware that the water flow varies immensely throughout the year. We’ve written about our favourites, above, but for every good one we visited, we’ve seen twenty boring, less photogenic ones.
⬩ Sticky waterfalls in Chiang Mai: these are highly overrated and not super photogenic. I mean, kids love them so if you’re going that way then by all means visit for a laugh, but I wouldn’t bother taking a camera. The waterfalls aren’t that large and the crowds are absolutely enormous for such a small area – it felt like a theme park attraction. I didn’t find it fun or particularly novel, at all. At least it’s free, I suppose!
Photo Locations Google Map
Below is a Google Map indicating all the photo spots we mention in this post.
To save it, select the star next to the title.
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Where to Next?
I hope our list has given you a few places in Thailand to consider taking your camera, beyond the usual (and slightly dull, in my humble opinion) suggestions that are usually found in posts like these.
Thailand can be quite rewarding to photographers. It’s friendly, people aren’t scared of large lenses, the scenery is beautiful if you know where to go, the temples are spectacular, and getting around is easy. Plus, you really don’t need a drone. Drone photos are often a little lazy and end up similar to every other drone photo – I really don’t need to see a dozen identical pictures of Railay Bay. I just don’t get the hype most of the time (there are a few exceptions).
Anyway, if you are in the middle of planning your photography trip around Thailand and are coming for the first time, have a peek at our bumper tips for first-time visitors. If you’ve already been, have a read about renting a car in Thailand. It’s the best way to reach many of the locations on this list – plus Thailand is one of our favourite countries for a road trip!
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