Photography Guide: Bangkok

7 essential spots + ideal timing in Thailand's capital

1. Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew

⏰ Best time: 8:30am opening (before crowds and heat)

Bangkok's most iconic landmark. Golden spires, ornate decorations. Entrance ฿500. STRICT dress code: cover shoulders/knees (no shorts/tank tops). Sarongs available to rent ฿50.

💡 Tip: Gets VERY crowded after 10am and hot (35°C+). Go at opening. Bring water!

How to get there: Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Chang pier

2. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

⏰ Best time: Sunset (5pm-6pm) for golden light OR photographed from across river at sunset

Stunning Khmer-style temple on river. Climb steep stairs for river views (careful - VERY steep!). Best photos FROM Wat Pho side across river at sunset. Entry ฿100.

💡 Best angle: Photograph from Maharaj Pier across river during sunset - temple silhouette against orange sky

3. Floating Market

⏰ Best time: 7am-9am (peak activity, before midday heat)

Vendors selling from boats. Damnoen Saduak most famous (2h from Bangkok, touristy). Amphawa more authentic (weekends only). Long-tail boat ride ฿100-200 for best photos.

💡 Avoid: Midday when vendors pack up and heat intense

4. Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha)

⏰ Best time: 8:30am opening (quiet, good light)

Massive 46-meter gold reclining Buddha. Hard to photograph full - use wide angle lens or phone panorama. Entry ฿200. Famous Thai massage school here (฿420/hour).

💡 Tip: Impossible to fit entire Buddha in one frame. Shoot details (feet with mother of pearl, face) instead

5. Chatuchak Weekend Market

⏰ Best time: Saturday/Sunday morning 9am-11am (before peak crowds)

World's largest weekend market. 15,000 stalls! Colorful textiles, street food, chaos. FREE entry. Excellent for street photography. Gets unbearably crowded/hot by noon.

💡 Tip: Impossible to see everything - pick few sections. Bring cash. Negotiate prices!

BTS: Mo Chit station or MRT Kamphaeng Phet

6. Chinatown (Yaowarat Road)

⏰ Best time: Night (7pm-10pm) when neon signs and street food come alive

Neon-lit street food paradise. Photograph vendors, neon signs, chaos. Try durian, mango sticky rice, pad see ew. Best food photography in Bangkok! FREE to walk around.

💡 Safety: Very safe but watch belongings in crowds. Street food is safe to eat!

MRT: Wat Mangkon station

7. Rooftop Bars Skyline

⏰ Best time: Sunset to night (6pm-9pm)

Sky Bar Lebua (from Hangover 2 movie) drinks ฿500-800, dress code. Octave Bar cheaper alternative ฿300 drinks, 45th floor views. Bangkok skyline spectacular at night.

💡 Budget option: Many hotels have rooftop bars. Buy 1 drink (฿300-500) for sunset views

📸 General Tips for Bangkok

Heat: Bangkok is HOT (30-35°C year-round). Photograph early morning before 10am
Temple dress code: Always cover shoulders and knees. Carry sarong/scarf
Scams: Tuk-tuk drivers may say temples closed and take you shopping for commission. Ignore them
Monsoon: Jun-Oct afternoon showers. Bring umbrella, can create dramatic skies
Best transport: BTS Skytrain for speed, boats for scenic/avoiding traffic

📺 Bangkok on Video

Visual tour of photography spots

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