Explore Bangkok's Photography Spots with masashi7069 | ISSUE #93

Having lived in Bangkok for seven years, it has become a city I hold dear, much like my hometown in Japan. Bangkok is home to numerous captivating spots, such as markets, temples, railway stations, shopping malls, and the Chao Phraya River, all of which are often featured in magazines.

The city’s public transportation, including the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway, is well-developed and very convenient. I enjoy photographing the people who live and gather here, and I often find myself revisiting certain places. Let me take you on a tour of my favorite city, Bangkok, from the perspective of a resident.

Bangkok’s Chinatown was established in the late 18th century by Chinese immigrants, primarily from the Chaozhou region. Today, it is a bustling area filled with Thai-Chinese restaurants and street food vendors. At night, the streets become so crowded with tourists that walking can be challenging.

The area gained even more popularity after the Thai member Lisa from the K-pop group BLACKPINK filmed her music video 'LISA - ROCKSTAR' here, leading to a surge in visitors.

The neon signs along Yaowarat Road are a must-see. While Hong Kong is famous for its neon signs, many were removed during the pandemic, leaving Bangkok as one of the few places where you can still enjoy this vibrant atmosphere.

The best time for photography is at night, especially after rain when the streets are wet. Since the area is not a pedestrian zone, you’ll also see colorful tuk-tuks. From a rooftop bar at a nearby hotel, you can even catch glimpses of old city temples.

This area is popular among tourists, with shopping malls like Siam Paragon lining the streets. The southern side of BTS Siam Station, known as Siam Square, is a gathering spot for young people, similar to Harajuku in Japan. During Valentine’s Day, Halloween, and Christmas, the area is transformed with festive decorations.

On weekends, street performances bring the area to life, offering a glimpse into contemporary Thai culture.

The area around the shopping malls is filled with tuk-tuks, offering a quintessential Thai experience. On the northern side of BTS Siam Station, you’ll find stylish malls like Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery, making it a great spot for night photography.

The southern side features a building called Siam Scape, which has numerous photography spots and is popular among young photographers.

Located west of BTS National Stadium Station and Chulalongkorn University, Banthat Thong Road is now a popular local gourmet street, attracting foreign tourists and students alike.

The area is home to famous restaurants like the original branch of Somboon Seafood, which was visited by former Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi. Many popular eateries here have long waiting times, and the streets remain lively even late at night on weekends.

Banthat Thong Road features a popular dessert shop called Nunnom Nua, known for its bread logo, which has become a photography spot. The main street is bustling, making it ideal for candid street photography. In the eastern alleys (Soi Chula), you’ll find a mix of charming old shops and trendy student-friendly cafes.

Soi Chula 5 also hosts a night market, making it a perfect area for photo walks.

Hua Lamphong is Bangkok’s former central station, designed after Frankfurt Station in Germany. It used to be a bustling hub for sleeper and express trains, operating from early morning until late at night.

Now, its central station functions have been transferred to Bang Sue Grand Station (Krung Thep Aphiwat), and it only serves local and event trains. The waiting area is sometimes used for dance and movie events.

You can freely enter the station without a ticket. The best times for photography are morning and evening when the sunlight hits just right. Some platforms feature operational Japanese-made steam locomotives, which are used for event trains. Royal celebrations are particularly photogenic.

During other events, you might spot former JR Hokkaido KiHa 183 series trains or Japanese-made Blue Trains, making this a must-visit spot for train enthusiasts.

We hope you’ll visit these photography spots recommended by masashi7069 and experience their beauty firsthand.