9 Most Instagrammable Places in Bangkok

Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is one of the most alluring images of ancient Bangkok. While the temple is located on the Thonburi side of the river, the best photographs are taken from across the river on the city side of the water. Choose a bar opposite and take your time with a glass in hand.

Where to shoot: In the morning, the rising sun bathes Wat Arun in light when seen from the city side of the river, whereas at sunset, professional photographers can get beautiful silhouettes in front of a deep orange orb. Alternatively, take a river cruise in the evening to see this stunning Khmer-style temple lit up at night.

The Golden Palace is the most famous palace in Thailand. The former seat of the king, this magnificent complex has several postcard-worthy vistas. The biggest challenge for most people is finding a nice angle free from thousands of other visitors blocking the view.

Where to shoot: The most popular is in front of the patch of grass next to the ticket booths. From here you see 3 golden spires stretching elegantly into the sky, with many arched temple roofs glimmering in the sunshine. But for our pro tip, you can get a shot of Wat Pra Keaw (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) practically free of people if you run straight there when the gates open at 8.30am – remember to dress appropriately with shoulders and knees covered, otherwise you will be asked to rent long pants and a shawl.

Wat Pho is a huge temple complex with many buildings and stupas inside, although it is the reclining Buddha that draws the crowds. Perhaps the most famous Buddha image in Thailand and wildly popular, there are 2 classic photos of the reclining Buddha.

Where to shoot: The first position is looking directly up at the serene face between 2 poles. Bring a wide-angle lens for best results. The other position is down by the feet of the Buddha image. Adorned with intricate mother-of-pearl details with the full length of the statue still in shot, this is where people queue for a photo with their family and friends. It’s tough to get a shot here without others intruding so patience is required.

Bangkok’s Chinatown is a real photographer’s playground, with intriguing scenes confronting you at every turn. Even so, the most alluring image of this area of Bangkok must be the shot of the numerous shop signs with their multi-coloured Chinese characters.

Where to shoot: This scene is beautiful during day or night, but for the best shot, try to find a 7-Eleven at the beginning of a gentle curve in Yaowarat Road, as this allows for the most shop signs to be in the photograph.

The Dome on top of the Lebua State Tower can be seen from miles away, and every night is lit up like a beacon of luxury due to the collection of fine-dining restaurants and posh cocktail bars it houses. Head up to Skybar for a cocktail and to enjoy the impeccable views or splash out and enjoy a full meal of Mediterranean cuisine at Sirocco. The classic shot of The Dome at dusk is likely to be a treasured memory.

When to shoot: Stay for another 30 minutes past sunset to see the sky dropping into a dark blue hue, which balances the light from the golden dome beautifully.

Erawan Shrine is one of the most convenient places to photograph traditional dance in Bangkok. This iconic landmark is at on Ratchadamri Junction, close to Siam. Despite being surrounded by skyscrapers, shopping malls and the trappings of modernity, the shrine attracts devotees from far and wide who believe in the power of this Hindu deity to grant wishes. It is believed that if a wish is granted, devotees must return and pay for the ornately dressed troupe to dance as a way to entertain the deity.

Where to shoot: The best angle for photos is from the overhead skywalk that passes over the shrine that links to the Chit Lom BTS Skytrain Station.

Lumpini Park is the largest green space in downtown Bangkok and it is best seen from Park Society, a rooftop cocktail bar at SO Sofitel Bangkok Hotel. Bring your tripod and if it’s too busy, there bar's 2nd floor is usually empty so you won’t disturb other guests.

When to shoot: Any time of the afternoon or evening is great for photos, so aim for between 5pm and 6pm. You can capture Bangkok by day and enjoy the sunset before the park's streetlights start twinkling.

Located in Ratchathewi, the 88-storey Baiyoke Tower offers bird's-eye views over Bangkok, and on a clear day, you can see well into neighbouring provinces.

Where to shoot: The night shot from here, looking out east over the tangle of expressways, is a classic, while those with a video camera setting or GoPro might consider a time-lapse video.

Siam Paragon is one of the most photographed places in Bangkok. While it's more popular for shopping and dining in Siam, many travellers often take a snap of its impressive structure. 

Where to shoot: The best shot is from outside the shopping mall on the mezzanine level that leads to the Siam BTS Skytrain Station. Stand just behind the fountain and wait for the water to shoot out into the air, with the glass-and-steel atrium of Siam Paragon in the background.