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The Best Instagram-worthy Photo Spots in Bangkok
One of the most-visited cities in the world, Bangkok has charmed visitors for centuries with its rich cultural heritage and tantalizing cuisines. Today, the city's nightlife and entertainment districts are just as popular as its ancient temples, historic sites and exciting markets. Explore the biggest and most happening city in Thailand, and discover the best places to snap some photos that are sure to get your feed noticed.
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The Best Instagram-worthy Photo Spots in Bangkok
Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
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Situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in central Bangkok, Wat Phra Kaew is the premier Buddhist temple in Thailand. The serene Emerald Buddha in the main hall is carved from a single piece of jade, and only the King of Thailand is allowed to handle it. According to legend, the temple was built for the sole purpose of housing the sacred artifact. The elaborate Wat Phra Kaew is within the grounds of the Grand Palace, seat of the Thai Kings for around 150 years, from 1782 until 1925.
Rot Fai Ratchada (Ratchada Train Market)
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Rot Fai Ratchada is the more compact, centrally located cousin of the popular Srinakarin Train Market. This night market is fairly new, but quickly becoming one of Bangkok's must-see destinations. The open-air market offers food stalls, clothes and accessories shopping, shoes and handbags, even toys, antiques and handmade souvenirs. With the colorful tents lit from within, the market stalls at both the Srinakarin and Ratchada Train Markets resemble glowing paper lanterns when viewed from a distance.
Patpong
Patpong, also anglicized as 'Patpon', is a colorful entertainment district in Bangkok's Bang Rak District. With dozens of high-end hotels in nearby Pathum Wan District, Patpong's lively night bazaar sees more than a fair share of tourist traffic, but this area has been popular with overseas visitors since the Vietnam War and is just one of many red light districts in Bangkok. Aside from plenty of pink neon signage, noisy Thai go-go bars and nightclubs, Patpong is a little piece of living history and a fascinating neighborhood to photograph.
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
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The recently restored Wat Arun is Bangkok's most iconic landmark. The temple was first built around 1700, and is named after Aruna, a Hindu deity of the rising sun. As such, the temple was designed to catch the first light of dawn, its towers built in the ancient Khmer styles seen at Angkor Wat and ornamented with colorful Chinese porcelain, stone guardians, painted murals and carvings of various deities. Like many East Asian temples, Wat Arun has a long sleeves, long pants dress code, though this is rarely enforced.
The Floating Markets of Bangkok
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Making use of the many canals and waterways of the city, Bangkok hosts over a dozen floating markets regularly. These markets began as a way for merchants and traders to quickly and easily offload their goods to settlements around the river. The experience of shopping from boats along the riverside, tasting local delicacies and soaking in the unique historic atmosphere make the floating markets one of the city's top attractions. The most well-known water markets in Bangkok include Damnoen Saduak, Amphawa and Kwan Riam Floating Market.
Soi Cowboy
Soi Cowboy is a small street with a big attitude, packed with around 40 bars and strip clubs. Unlike Patpong, this area is not designated as a red light district, but you'd never know that just by looking. The street has been used as a backdrop for several Hollywood films, including 'The Hangover Part 2', 'Bangkok Dangerous' and 'Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason'. Soi Cowboy is one of Bangkok's most bright, colorful and busy streets come nightfall, and a popular photo spot despite its seedy reputation.
Chinatown (Yaowarat Road)
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Yaowarat Road is the main thoroughfare of Bangkok's Chinatown, an ethnic enclave and one of the city's oldest neighborhoods. Chinatown is known for its food-centric night market along Yaowarat Road and the busy Sampeng Market during the daytime. The neighborhood's crumbling, historic buildings and gritty, urban streetscapes are a magnet for photographers.
In Conclusion
The Kingdom of Thailand is as ancient as the temples that call it home. Nestled on the banks of the Phraya Chao Delta, the capital city of Bangkok is now the nation's largest urban center, as well as the cultural and economic heart of Thailand. Discover the city's best photo ops as you experience the local culture, try authentic Thai cuisine and get a kick of the world-famous nightlife.
