Thailand is a country in South East Asia that’s well known for its ornate temples, tropical beaches and bustling cities, among many other amazing features that draw millions of visitors every year. This Thailand photography gallery showcases many memorable destinations and activities I experienced throughout Thailand.
I would love to hear what makes Thailand so special for you, or if you are yet to visit, what would you most like to see in this beautiful country? Let me know in a comment below!
From amazing sunsets on the beach to glittering temples and even a graveyard of planes in the capital city of Bangkok – let’s get into Travel Through Photography – Thailand!
Explore Bangkok’s Plane Graveyard
Bangkok is a well-travelled city, with so many tourists and locals visiting the many great attractions within this bustling city. If you’re after a much quieter vibe and lesser-known gem, the “plane graveyard” might be something to check out.
If you stop a random taxi and ask to be taken the 15 or so kilometres out of the city centre to this “cemetery”, you might get really weird and confused looks as I did. Luckily, I had the route planned on an offline map app on my phone and it was enough guidance for the cabbie.
For more detailed instructions and directions, you can check out my post covering all you need to know here!
Pai Canyon Sunset
Thailand isn’t as well known for its mountains as it is for its islands, but that doesn’t make them any less special. Pai is a small mountainous, backpacker-orientated town in northern Thailand and is home to many amazing and unexpected sights.
Pai Canyon is right inside the town and this giant hole of naturally removed land is a tourist hotspot, not just for sunset but throughout the entire day. There’s no better place to watch the sky turn a rainbow of pink and purple hue than from the rim of Pai Canyon.
Koh Tao Sunset Beach
Sairee Beach is one of Koh Tao’s most frequented swimming spots, and for good reason. Clear and calm waters, golden sands and breathtaking views – it’s what Thailand is so famous for and Koh Tao has plenty of it! This small island is regarded as one of, if not the most cost-effective place in the world to gain a deep water diving certificate. And with mesmerizing underwater marine sights, I can personally guarantee this amazing reputation lives up to its name.
Sairee Beach is also a beautiful spot to watch the sun fall behind the watery horizon into darkness.
Koh Phi Phi Island
Another scuba diving hub that is well known in Thailand, Koh Phi Phi Island is the definition of a tropical island paradise. Many tours operate to the nearby, monkey inhabited island of Phi Phi Leh. If you would like to view this beautiful spot, as well as the pristine Maya Bay, without crowds, take an early bird tour and you won’t regret it.
Koh Phi Phi Don is the populated island of the two collectively known as Phi Phi Island. There are plenty of beautiful beaches and activities around the island that will forge unforgettable memories on the stunning chunk of land.
Ao Nang’s Tab Kak Hang Nak Mountain hike
This hike is one of the more exhausting treks throughout Thailand I undertook. Gaining 500 meters of vertical elevation along with the heat and humidity of a hot morning, made for a challenging hike. Taking only around 2 hours, one way, it was a fairly short hike, but don’t underestimate the water that you will burn through reaching the top.
There is a “waterfall” along with a quieter jungle side-path. However, the peaceful walk was much more worthwhile than the trickle of water from the side of the cliff. I wouldn’t give it a “waterfall” status by any means. Fortunately, even on a hazy day just outside of Ao Nang, the restricted view was still worth the effort to climb to this beautiful summit lookout.
Wat Rong Khun, or the White Temple
In 1997, temple slash art exhibition was opened to the public, in the form of a completely refurbished and unique temple. This privately owned building cost around 40 million Thai Baht and is one of Chiang Rai’s most visited attractions. The owner wishes this modern temple to be a place for education in Buddhist teachings.
This glistening white temple reflects any light from its mirror-like mosaic surface. If you plan to visit, make sure you give yourself plenty of time as, from 430 pm onwards, guards shuffle remaining tourists out for a 5 pm sharp closing time.
Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park
Consisting of 42 islands, Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park is a great destination for not only day trippers, but even more so for overnight guests of the park. Ko Wua Talap is the park’s most visited island and is the only one to accommodate visitors, as the park’s headquarters are here.
While most day trips make stops throughout the archipelago, staying overnight has limited bungalows and tenting options, so planning ahead is advised. Ko Wua Talap has a couple of beaches that become deserted when they day trippers leave the island around 3 pm. This leaves you countless sunlit hours to explore and have the island all to yourself. While there are places to buy food and drink on the island, there are no ATMs, so make sure you have enough cash on hand for your visit.
Check out here for more information about a day trip, or this post for more details about staying overnight.
Best Koh Pha-ngan Sunset
This small chunk of land in the Gulf of Thailand is a tropical island paradise and is considerably less busy than its neighbour Koh Tao. Except for the monthly full moon party that is. Many party orientated visitors flock to Koh Pha Ngan for its monthly party illuminated by the giant full moon.
If you’re looking for a much more relaxed and quiet vibe, Top Rock Bar is a great place to have a few beers, cocktails, and other, less legal, consumables. Top Rock Bar is also the best sunset on Koh Pha Ngan that you can get!
Bangkok Royal Palace
Both the King and Royal Government called the Grand Palace home until 1925. Right in the centre of Bangkok, this magnificently decorated building is another must-see on many Thailand visitors’ lists. This complex encompasses more than 210,000 square meters, and houses not only beautiful and ornate buildings but it also holds the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
While Thai visitors can enter and explore the complex free of charge, all foreigners are subject to the pricey fee of 500 Baht. While this is one of the more expensive tourist attractions in Thailand, I think it’s beautiful and worth seeing at least once.
Boat Tour of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River
Taking a boat tour through the centre on Bangkok gives a unique perspective of this bustling city. Temples scatter the shorelines every now and then, along with houses on stilts hanging over the water. Even though my tour was taken in the dead of low season, there was still plenty going on to make it worthwhile. The floating market (a single lady in a long tail boat) was a memorable experience along Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River.
City Pillar Shrine Chiang Mai
One last attraction I really enjoyed was in the northern city of Chiang Mai. Inthakhin, or the City Pillar of Chiang Mai is beautiful temple complex. Within the area, sits the 14th-century ancient ruins of Wat Chedi Luang. With the contrast with the ancient, weathered red bricks and the bright gold gilded stupas of Inthakhin, it’s a Chiang Mai must visit attraction!
I’d love to hear from you in a comment below if:
- You’ve visited Thailand and have a story/tip about anything I’ve mentioned
- Would like to suggest a new destination in Travel Through Photography – Thailand, or,
- Are looking to travel to Thailand and would like to know more or have any questions!
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Happy and safe travels,
Ben