15 Most Instagrammable Places in Thailand for 2025: A Photographer's Dream Guide - Xplrverse

Thailand’s Instagram Paradise: Beyond the Obvious Shots

The first time I visited Thailand in 2015, I was that tourist—the one desperately trying to get the perfect shot of Maya Bay while 200 other people crowded the frame. Fast forward to my seventh visit last month, and I’ve learned that Thailand’s most photogenic spots aren’t always the ones plastered across travel brochures. Some require dawn wake-up calls, others need local connections, but all deliver that jaw-dropping content your followers will envy.

After spending a cumulative 18 months exploring Thailand over the past decade, I’ve compiled this definitive guide to the country’s most Instagrammable locations for 2025. Some are classics (with my insider timing tips to avoid crowds), while others are spots that even long-term expats might not know about. Sawatdee ka! (That’s “hello” in Thai—and yes, I’ll share more local phrases as we go.)

Bangkok: Urban Photography Paradise

Bangkok might seem chaotic at first glance, but this urban jungle offers some of Thailand’s most striking photo opportunities—if you know where to look.

1. Mahanakhon Skywalk: Bangkok’s Ultimate Rooftop

The 78th floor glass-floored observation deck at King Power Mahanakhon offers heart-stopping 360° views that make for incredible content. But here’s my insider tip: skip the 1,250 THB (about $35) regular admission and visit the rooftop bar instead. You’ll pay about 500 THB ($14) for a cocktail but get similar views without the crowds.

Pro tip: Visit 30 minutes before golden hour (around 5:15 PM in winter, 6:00 PM in summer) to capture both daylight and night shots in one visit.

I once made the mistake of arriving at noon—the harsh light created terrible glare on all my photos, and the heat on the outdoor section was unbearable. Learn from my error!

2. Airplane Graveyard: Bangkok’s Hidden Urbex Gem

This collection of abandoned aircraft in eastern Bangkok has become an underground photographer’s paradise. Located in the Ramkhamhaeng area, the site contains several decommissioned planes being slowly reclaimed by nature.

Entry costs around 300 THB (negotiable), paid to the families living on-site. I’ve found early weekday mornings are best for avoiding other photographers.

When I visited in late 2024, I accidentally wore a bright yellow sundress—not ideal for climbing through rusty airplane parts! Wear dark, durable clothes and closed-toe shoes you don’t mind getting dirty.

3. Ratchathewi Umbrella Street

Just a five-minute walk from the Ratchathewi BTS station, this colorful canopy of umbrellas makes for cheerful Instagram content without the tourist crowds of better-known locations. While similar to umbrella streets in other Asian countries, the Bangkok version changes colors seasonally and is completely free to visit.

I nearly missed this spot entirely on my last trip until a local friend took me there. It’s located on Phaya Thai Road, between sois 2 and 4, and is best photographed before 10 AM to avoid harsh overhead sun.

After your photo session, grab an authentic Thai iced tea at Cha Cha Thai Tea just around the corner for only 35 THB—far cheaper than the tourist versions in Chinatown.

Chiang Mai: Northern Instagram Gold

Chiang Mai’s blend of ancient temples, lush mountains, and hipster cafes makes it a photographer’s paradise with fewer crowds than southern Thailand.

4. Doi Suthep During the Golden Hour

While Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is no secret, timing transforms your photos from tourist snapshots to gallery-worthy images. I’ve visited this mountaintop temple seven times, and nothing compares to arriving at 6:30 AM as the monks begin their morning ceremonies.

The golden chedi catches the first light in a way that’s impossible to capture later in the day. Plus, you’ll avoid the tour buses that arrive like clockwork at 9 AM.

Khob khun kha (thank you) to the songthaew driver who once convinced me to leave my hotel at 5 AM to catch the perfect light—it was worth every minute of lost sleep!

5. Huay Tung Tao Lake’s Bamboo Platforms

Just 10km from Chiang Mai’s Old City lies this serene lake with photogenic bamboo platforms extending over the water. Each platform is a private dining area where you can enjoy northern Thai specialties while capturing perfect reflection shots of the surrounding mountains.

Entry to the lake area costs just 50 THB, and platform rental runs 100-200 THB depending on size. I’ve found the platforms on the northeast side offer the best mountain backdrop.

My mistake? Visiting on a Sunday when local families pack the area. Aim for weekday mornings when you might have entire sections of the lake to yourself.

6. Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls

About 90 minutes north of Chiang Mai, these unique limestone waterfalls allow you to literally walk up the cascading water. The mineral deposits create a non-slippery surface that provides grip even when wet—creating opportunities for striking poses that seem to defy gravity.

I once spent three hours here getting the perfect shot of me seemingly walking up a waterfall, only to later drop my phone in a regular (non-sticky) pool at the bottom. Thankfully, rice actually does work for drying out electronics!

Best times: Early morning (8-10 AM) or late afternoon (3-5 PM)
Bring: Waterproof phone case, quick-dry clothing, water shoes
Avoid: Weekends and Thai holidays when locals flock here

Phuket & Southern Islands: Beyond the Beach Shots

Thailand’s southern islands offer more than just beach shots—you just need to know where (and when) to point your camera.

7. The Secret Viewpoint at Kata Noi Beach

Everyone knows about Karon Viewpoint, but few discover the hidden lookout at the southern end of Kata Noi Beach. Located near Kata Rocks Resort, this elevated rocky outcrop offers sweeping views without the tourist crowds.

To find it, walk to the southern end of Kata Noi Beach and look for a small dirt path leading up the hillside near the Katathani Resort. The climb takes about 5-7 minutes and requires decent footwear (not flip-flops, as I painfully discovered).

This spot faces west, making it perfect for sunset shots. I arrived 45 minutes before sunset on my last visit to secure the prime position on the rocks.

8. Phi Phi’s Secret Lagoon at Low Tide

While Maya Bay gets all the attention, the small hidden lagoon on the east side of Phi Phi Leh offers equally stunning emerald waters with a fraction of the visitors. The key is timing—you must visit at low tide when the hidden entrance is accessible.

Most tour boats skip this spot or arrive at the wrong tide, making it possible to have this paradise nearly to yourself. Check local tide tables and aim to arrive 1-2 hours before the lowest tide point.

Money-saving hack: Instead of booking a standard tour, find 3-4 other travelers at your hostel/hotel and charter a private longtail boat (around 2,500 THB total for a half-day). You’ll be able to customize your schedule around optimal tides and lighting.

9. Samet Nangshe Viewpoint (Phang Nga)

This mountaintop viewpoint overlooking Phang Nga Bay’s limestone karsts has exploded on Instagram in recent years, but most visitors still only come for sunset. The real magic happens at dawn, when mist often clings to the karsts and creates an otherworldly scene reminiscent of Chinese landscape paintings.

I’ve visited three times, and my first two sunset attempts were met with dozens of other photographers. For my third visit, I drove up at 4:30 AM and watched the sunrise with just four other people present.

Entry costs 30 THB during the day and 90 THB at night (when many people camp overnight). The road up is steep but paved—rent a scooter if you’re confident or hire a songthaew (pickup taxi) for about 500 THB round-trip from the main road.

Emerging Instagram Hotspots for 2025

Beyond the established locations, these emerging spots are set to dominate Thai Instagram feeds in 2025.

10. Doi Luang Chiang Dao’s New Viewing Platform

Thailand’s third-highest mountain received a new viewing platform in late 2024, offering spectacular vistas that rival Switzerland’s alpine scenes. Located about 2 hours from Chiang Mai, this spot requires a permit to access (available online through the Department of National Parks website).

Only 500 visitors are allowed daily, so book at least two weeks ahead. I missed this crucial detail on my first attempt and drove all the way there only to be turned away. Mai pen rai (never mind/it’s okay)—I learned my lesson and booked properly for my second attempt!

The platform sits at 2,195 meters above sea level, making early mornings quite chilly even in Thailand. I wore shorts my first time and regretted it instantly—bring a light jacket even during hot season.

11. Samut Songkhram’s Red Lotus Sea

Everyone knows about Udon Thani’s pink lotus lake, but 2024 saw the emergence of a new lotus field just 80km from Bangkok in Samut Songkhram province. This “Red Lotus Sea” at Bang Kaeo Reservoir blooms from December through March, creating a crimson carpet that contrasts beautifully with blue skies.

For 200 THB, local boatmen will row you through narrow channels cutting through the lotus fields. The early morning light (6-8 AM) creates a magical glow on the flowers that’s worth the pre-dawn departure from Bangkok.

This location is still primarily visited by Thai locals, giving you authentic cultural context in your photos that’s increasingly rare at more established Instagram spots.

12. Koh Kood’s Light Blue Boardwalk

Koh Kood (also spelled Koh Kut) is rapidly emerging as Thailand’s next island paradise, and its newly constructed light blue boardwalk through the mangroves at Klong Chao has become an instant hit on social media. The 200-meter wooden walkway appears to float over crystal-clear water, creating a dreamy composition when photographed from above.

I visited during rainy season (June) thinking I’d avoid crowds, only to find several Thai influencers with the same idea! If possible, visit on weekdays before 9 AM or after 4 PM to minimize photobombers.

While you’re on Koh Kood, don’t miss the magnificently clear waters at Klong Chao Beach, which rivals the Maldives for that perfect turquoise water shot.

13. Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple) in Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai’s White Temple gets all the attention, but the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) offers equally spectacular photo opportunities with a fraction of the visitors. Completed in 2016, this electric-blue structure features intricate golden details that pop dramatically in photographs.

The temple’s interior ceiling is particularly photogenic, with its deep blue color adorned with elaborate golden murals. Visit between 7-8 AM to capture the warm morning light hitting the blue exterior while avoiding tour groups.

I accidentally visited during a local festival and found the temple decorated with additional colorful elements not normally present—sometimes lucky timing creates unique shooting opportunities!

14. The Glass Skywalk at Wat Pha Tak Suea

Located in Thailand’s northeastern Nong Khai province, this transparent platform extends from a clifftop temple, offering stunning views over the Mekong River and neighboring Laos. The combination of Buddhist elements with the daring glass walkway creates a compelling visual narrative.

Visit during Thailand’s cool season (November-February) when air quality is best for those sweeping landscape shots. The temple complex opens at 6 AM, and arriving early helps you avoid both crowds and the harsh midday sun.

Entry to the temple is free, but a small 20 THB donation is requested to access the skywalk. This represents incredible value compared to similar attractions elsewhere in Thailand.

15. Tree House Cafe in Pai

While Pai has long been a backpacker favorite, the relatively new Tree House Cafe on the outskirts of town has become Instagram gold. This multi-level wooden structure built around living trees offers panoramic views of Pai’s countryside and photogenic food presentations designed specifically for social media.

What makes this spot special is the lighting—the wooden slats create natural light patterns that change throughout the day, giving your photos a magical quality without filters.

My unfortunate mistake was visiting during lunch when the harsh midday sun created problematic shadows. The golden hour (around 4-5 PM) bathes the structure in perfect warm light that’s ideal for both architecture and portrait shots.

Best Lighting Time	Crowd Level	Photo Specialty	Must-Order Item
7:30-9:00 AM	Low	Misty mountain backdrop	Coconut pancakes (150 THB)
4:00-5:30 PM	Medium	Golden light through wooden structure	Rainbow smoothie bowl (180 THB)
5:30-6:30 PM	High	Sunset behind mountains	Mango sticky rice (120 THB)

Capturing Thailand: Your Action Plan for 2025

After seven years of photographing Thailand, I’ve learned that getting those envy-inducing shots requires more than just knowing where to go—it’s about approach, timing, and respect for local customs.

5-Step Photography Action Plan

Plan around lighting, not convenience – Wake up for those 5 AM starts; the light (and lack of crowds) is worth it. Set two alarms like I now do after sleeping through sunrise at Phi Phi viewpoint!
Research seasonal variables – Many locations look dramatically different depending on season. Chiang Mai’s rice fields are vibrant green in September but golden brown by November.
Develop relationships with locals – My best photos have come after chatting with tuk-tuk drivers, cafe owners, and hotel staff who’ve pointed me to spots no guidebook mentions.
Invest in minimal gear – A phone tripod (300 THB from MBK in Bangkok), clip-on wide-angle lens (500 THB), and portable light reflector (200 THB) will dramatically improve your shots.
Practice ethical photography – Always ask before photographing people, respect temple rules, and consider whether your “perfect shot” might damage fragile environments.

Money-Saving Insider Tips

Temple combo tickets – In Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, purchasing the multi-temple pass saves 40-50% compared to individual entries.
Photography student discount – Many attractions offer discounts to photography students. A simple student ID or even enrollment in a free online photography course can qualify you.
Local SIM card photography hack – Purchase a tourist SIM from DTAC or AIS (150-300 THB) and download their apps—both offer significant discounts on attractions popular with photographers.
Equipment rental vs. purchase – Rather than traveling with bulky gear, rent quality equipment in Bangkok from Lens Rental Thailand for specific shoots.

Sustainable Photography Practices

Thailand’s most photogenic locations face increasing pressure from tourism. Practice these sustainable approaches that also improve your photography:

Use public transportation to reach locations (better carbon footprint and better street photography opportunities)
Carry a reusable water bottle (saves money and reduces plastic waste)
Support locally-owned photo spots rather than foreign-developed tourist traps
Consider contributing to conservation efforts at locations you photograph

On Koh Phi Phi, I donate 5% of any income from my photos to the Phi Phi Islands Conservation Project, which helps preserve the very landscapes that make our photos possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best time of year for photography in Thailand?

Thailand’s best overall photography season runs from November to February when skies are clear, humidity is lower, and outdoor shooting is comfortable. However, specific regions have different optimal times:

Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Pai): November-December for misty mountains and colorful foliage
Southern Islands: December-March for clearest water visibility and minimal rain
Bangkok: December-January for comfortable outdoor shooting and clearest air quality

If you’re specifically shooting waterfalls or lush landscapes, the end of rainy season (October) offers dramatic water flow and vibrant greens without the consistent downpours of August-September.

Is it safe to bring expensive camera equipment to Thailand?

Yes, with proper precautions. I’ve traveled throughout Thailand with over $5,000 in photography gear without issues by following these rules:

Use non-descript camera bags that don’t advertise expensive contents
Purchase travel insurance that specifically covers photography equipment
In busy areas, use a camera strap and keep equipment in front of you
In accommodations, use in-room safes or hotel security boxes for storage
Keep digital copies of equipment serial numbers and purchase receipts

The biggest risk I’ve encountered isn’t theft but environmental damage—humidity, sand, and unexpected rain have been my equipment’s worst enemies in Thailand.

Do I need permits to photograph at these locations?

Most locations require only standard entry tickets, but there are exceptions:

Commercial photography/videography at national parks requires special permits from the Department of National Parks
Drone photography is heavily restricted and illegal in most tourist areas without permits
Some temples prohibit photography in specific areas or require additional fees for professional equipment

When in doubt, ask permission. My worst Thailand experience was being yelled at by a temple guardian after unknowingly photographing a restricted sacred area at Wat Phra Singh in Chiang Mai.

How do I find these Instagram spots without hiring a guide?

Beyond this article, I recommend:

Using location tags on Instagram rather than hashtags (more precise)
Downloading offline Google Maps and saving locations before your trip
Using the Thai transportation app Grab which allows you to set exact pin locations
Joining Facebook groups like “Thailand Photography Spots” where locals share current conditions

The official Tourism Thailand app also now includes a photography location feature with GPS coordinates for emerging spots.

What photography etiquette should I observe in Thailand?

Thai culture emphasizes respect and harmony. Follow these guidelines:

Always ask before photographing individuals, especially monks and children
Dress appropriately when photographing religious sites (covered shoulders/knees)
Never use religious artifacts as props for photos
Avoid blocking pathways when setting up equipment
Be mindful of local sensitivities around royal imagery

The phrase “Kor tay roop dai mai?” (May I take your photo?) is worth learning and using frequently.

References & Further Resources

May your Thailand photography adventures be filled with perfect light, friendly encounters, and images that capture not just the beauty of the places, but the spirit of the Land of Smiles. Chok dee! (Good luck!)

15 Most Instagrammable Places in Thailand for 2025: A Photographer’s Dream Guide