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Thailand, a sweet country located in the southeast peninsula, is a paradise for tourists and the first stop for many people traveling abroad.
The north is dotted with rolling mountains, shrouded in mist and densely packed jungles; the south is dotted with islands of varying sizes, embracing azure seas and blue skies, and lined with coconut trees; the central region boasts a rich Buddhist heritage, rich religious traditions, and cultural landscapes. This rich landscape and diverse cultural traditions have created a country that embraces all things and thrives on tolerance.
So what can we photograph in Thailand? After traveling across much of the country, meeting all sorts of people, and exchanging many photography tips, I've finally gotten some ideas. This post will briefly discuss various aspects of photography in Thailand, and I welcome your feedback.
Bangkok, known as both the "City of Buddhism" and the "City of Angels," embodies the unique customs and traditions of Southeast Asia. A closer look reveals many things about Bangkok, a metropolis that blends traditional Buddhist culture with modern technology, that are unlike any other city: towering modern skyscrapers alongside ancient Buddhist temples.
The Grand Palace is packed with people during the day, and the tour guides and sightseeing spots are just a cursory glance. Today I won’t talk about how magnificent it is during the day, nor will I talk about the rise and fall of Thai dynasties in this palace. Have you ever seen the Grand Palace at night?
After nightfall, this iconic ancient building in Thailand is so interestingly mixed with the bustling city behind it, and it feels like the whole of Bangkok is a real portrayal of the "cyberpunk" in science fiction novels.
Equipment: It is recommended to use a medium-to-long focal length lens/tripod/shutter release cable
Location: Rooftops of high-rise buildings on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River (the best location is in โรงพยาบาลศิริราช)
Shooting time: After sunset
This location is on the rooftop, so you'll need to consult with the building management. Be mindful of safety when going up there. Use a small aperture when shooting (this helps capture the starburst effect of the lights and reduces the compression caused by a telephoto lens). To ensure image quality, keep the ISO setting to a minimum. Use a tripod and, if possible, use a shutter release cable or timer to ensure a clear and stable image.
The magnificent Grand Palace blends in seamlessly with the surrounding towering modern buildings and does not feel out of place. This is the unique charm of Bangkok.
The most down-to-earth culinary tradition is night market culture. Due to its geography and climate, Thailand boasts a rich night market culture, with each city boasting several renowned ones, and Bangkok is no exception. There's the Nova Ferris Wheel Night Market, nestled on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the weekly Chatuchak Weekend Night Market, and, arguably, the most photogenic and eye-catching of Bangkok's many night markets.
Here you'll find the widest selection of Thai snacks, a vibrant open-air bar scene, and a wealth of unique local goods. Simply wandering through the shops might not capture its beauty; the full beauty lies in the panoramic view. As night falls, the lights illuminate the colorful canopies of the stalls. At dusk, the soft crimson sunset glows against the vibrant colors of the Racha Night Market, creating an unforgettable spectacle.
Equipment: It is recommended to use a wide-angle, medium-telephoto lens/tripod/shutter release cable
Location: In the ตลาดนัดรถไฟ รัชดา shopping mall next to Sriracha Night Market
Shooting time: sunset
To photograph the Racha Train Night Market, be sure to visit at sunset, when the lights begin to illuminate the vibrant colors of the market. As with all sunset photography, it's recommended to use a tripod and shutter release cable, or timer, to ensure the best possible image quality.
Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is second only to Bangkok's Grand Palace in size. Standing on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, it contrasts beautifully with the Grand Palace. Its pagoda is entirely white and boasts intricate decorations, inlaid with various colored ceramic pieces, glass, and shells.
With its Brahmanic facade and intricate Siamese decor, Wat Arun is both elegant and unique. Its appearance is similar to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and due to the Eiffel Tower's fame and recognition, Wat Arun is also known as Bangkok's "Eiffel Tower." While solemn and tranquil during the day, Wat Arun takes on an even more mysterious air at night.
Equipment: It is recommended to use a wide-angle, medium-telephoto lens/tripod/shutter release cable
Location: Ferry terminal west of the Grand Palace
Shooting time: sunset
Wat Arun can be photographed during the day and at dusk. You can take photos inside the temple before sunset. At sunset, we can take a ferry to the other side to photograph the sunset at Wat Arun.
Though quadrilateral, the tower's corners twist and turn, layered and stacked, creating a sense of flowing rhythm. Looking up at the towering pagoda, I suddenly saw another group of statues of different forms, a solemn and awe-inspiring sight. Even though we are not Buddhists, we were filled with awe in this atmosphere.
Buildings are the crystallization of human wisdom and the concentrated embodiment of urban culture. In every city that catches the eye, in addition to the unique scenery, the architecture is an eye-catching element.
Capturing architecture is every photographer's dream. When it comes to urban architecture photography, Bangkok is perhaps truly an architecture enthusiast's paradise. In many Chinese cities, finding a rooftop is a daunting task, sometimes even requiring a stealthy climb (illegible), even evading security guards. However, in Thailand, everything becomes incredibly easy. Nearly all high-rise buildings have rooftops open to the public, offering numerous rooftop bars, hotel pools, and restaurants, often located on top, or even becoming tourist attractions. This makes capturing the city in Bangkok incredibly simple and convenient. Enjoying a delicious meal or a fine drink while snapping away is the true photography experience.
Equipment: It is recommended to use a wide-angle, medium-telephoto lens/tripod/shutter release cable
Location: Rooftop bars at various hotels.
Shooting time:
Lighting is a crucial factor in photographing architecture. The evening light is at its most dazzling, with the sky shimmering blue, preventing complete darkness. Neon lights at night add a mysterious aura to the buildings, creating a unique experience for photographing architecture at dusk. Leveraging nighttime lighting (such as neon signs, building lights, and long-exposure trains) to highlight the architecture adds a richer visual element to the image.
Generally speaking, when photographing this type of work, besides paying attention to balanced exposure, a tripod should be used to stabilize the camera and avoid image shake. Shooting from above, below, and at eye level reveals the building's full beauty. The immovable nature of architecture may lead people to assume, "It's there, whether you photograph it or not." However, simply changing your perspective and turning your body can create a completely different visual experience for the building.
Bangkok's urban buildings are of varying heights, so lenses from wide-angle to telephoto can be used. The most important thing is to shoot from high altitudes, so be sure to pay attention to safety.
The lines of the architecture can help us build the logic of the picture, guide the audience's eyes to move through different parts of the picture, and create more interest for the subject and background.
For photographers seeking a truly immersive experience of local life, the local wet market is undoubtedly the best place to do so. Located at Maeklong Railway Station in Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand, this popular market is situated along a roughly 100-meter stretch of railway tracks. While it's often called "Thailand's most dangerous wet market," it's certainly one of the most eye-catching.
Here, vendors set up retractable umbrellas and plastic tents to shield themselves from the sun and rain, some even extending over the tracks. Tourists milled about, some snapping photos, others vying for the best vantage point to watch the approaching train. A whistle pierced the air, and the magic began. The vendors quickly folded their umbrellas and plastic tents, some lifting their wares from the tracks. As the train glided past, everyone scattered, almost brushing past. For first-timers, this experience might be a bit daunting. But after the train passed, everything returned to normal, as if nothing had happened. This magical scene has made it a renowned destination for Thai street life.
Equipment: 24-70, 24-105 lenses are recommended
Location: Meigong Railway Market
Shooting time: 6:20, 8:30, 9:00, 11:10, 11:30, 14:10, 15:30, 17:40. Be sure to pay attention to safety during shooting, keep a certain distance from the train, and do not go on the railway track to shoot when the train is coming.
The hum of longtail boats drifting down the canal, the stilt houses of locals lining the canal passing by, a thrill you can only experience here. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is one of Bangkok's most famous markets, attracting many tourists who spend hours wandering among the crowds, trying to immerse themselves in the country's culture and the daily lives of ordinary people.
At the market, small boats crisscrossing the canals, along with the waterside houses lining the banks, create a quintessential Bangkok impression. Along the canals, lined with lush tropical trees, elderly women in straw hats row small boats loaded with fruits and vegetables through the narrow waterways, their cries echoing through the waterways, creating a unique and charming atmosphere.
Equipment: 24-70, 24-105 lenses are recommended
Location: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Shooting time: All day at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, you can take photos on the shore first, and then take a boat on the river to experience the local characteristics more closely.
Ayutthaya is a world apart from the bustling Bangkok 80 kilometers away. Here, tranquility and solemnity reign, with countless ancient temples standing silently amidst the weeds. The entire city of Ayutthaya is a museum. The ruins of Ayutthaya are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Buddha head entangled in bodhi tree roots at Wat Mahathat serving as its symbol. Once the capital of Siam, Ayutthaya witnessed the glory of the Ayutthaya Dynasty. Today, it is synonymous with ancient temple ruins and historical relics.
Located in the heart of the ancient city of Ayutthaya, Ayutthaya Historical Park offers a profound glimpse into the rich history and prosperity of the city. Each broken wall exudes mystery, and surrounded by ruins, it's easy to imagine the grandeur and splendor of the Ayutthaya capital. Wandering through the ancient city often makes one lose track of time. Sometimes, one can spot young monks in yellow robes wandering through the city, like flowers quietly blooming at the base of the ruins. This is a city perfect for a spiritual journey.
Equipment: wide-angle, telephoto, standard lens
Location: Dacheng National Historical Park
Shooting time: morning, dusk
The ruins of the temples loom in the dim light, creating a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere. The Thai Thanh National Historical Park is arguably the most quaint destination near Bangkok, home to a diverse collection of weathered pagodas. At sunrise and dusk, the ancient city is bathed in a soft golden glow, and the air is filled with the allure of history. As daybreak deepens, women in traditional Thai clothing stroll through the ancient ruins, transporting you back to a more prosperous era.
As the capital of the First Kingdom of Siam in the 13th and 14th centuries, it boasts numerous striking monuments. Sukhothai, a small northern Thai city and former capital of a former dynasty, is home to a wealth of dilapidated ruins and pristine pagodas, representing another side of Thailand that often escapes public attention. The splendid civilization that gradually emerged during the Sukhothai Kingdom quickly absorbed elements from various cultures and combined them with ancient local traditions, resulting in what is now known as the "Sukhothai style."
Sukhothai Historical Park is quite large, covering an area of 116.5 square kilometers. It is surrounded by three layers of earth walls, moats and city walls. There are four major pools in the city. There are 193 Buddhist relics inside and outside the city, including 1 royal palace, 35 Buddhist temples and a large number of ancient pagodas, Buddha statues, stone tablets, ponds, dams and ancient porcelain kilns.
Equipment: wide-angle, telephoto, standard lens
Location: Most of the temple ruins are concentrated in the central and northern areas of the ancient city. The Lotus Bud Pagoda at Wat Mahathat, the main hall pillars of Wat Sasi, and the elegant and slender fingers of the Buddha statue at Wat Xichun are all excellent materials for shooting.
Shooting time: morning, dusk
Compared with the many popular islands in southern Thailand, northern Thailand seems to be much quieter, and few tourists go to northern Thailand. However, only here can you have the opportunity to understand the most primitive side of this country.
Northern Thailand, surrounded by mountains and rugged terrain, is shrouded in perpetual mist and lush forests, a stark contrast to the southern region. Northern Thailand's hidden mountainous landscapes offer countless photo opportunities: sunrise over Mount Tianshan on the Mekong River, rolling seas of cloud amidst the mountainous terrain, the mysterious villages of the Long-necked people, the eccentric coffee shops of Chiang Mai, early mornings at Doi Suthep, the relaxed streetscapes of small towns, Chiang Rai's pristine White Temple, the stylish Blue Temple, and the thought-provoking Black House... And then there are the unique annual ethnic festivals: the Flower Festival, Loy Krathong, Songkran, and the Mask Festival. I'll be dedicating a dedicated article to exploring Northern Thailand's lesser-known attractions soon, so stay tuned!
Located on the Southeast Asian peninsula, Thailand boasts unique natural conditions, encompassing rolling mountain ranges in the north and picturesque islands nurtured by the warm waters of the south. Its numerous national parks are home to one-tenth of the world's bird species. Thanks to the protection of the Thai people, Thailand's pristine landscape remains intact.
Thailand also boasts numerous unique ethnic minorities, hidden throughout its diverse landscapes, waiting to be discovered by photographers. Its numerous festivals and events are also a distinctive feature of Thailand, including the Songkran Festival, the Sky Lantern Festival, the Mask Festival, and the Rocket Festival. Unique natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage create Thailand's beautiful landscape. This tourist destination awaits your discovery of its unique side.
