For anyone who’s walked the streets of Bangkok you’ll know it to be a heady mix of provocative temptations and rambling village corners that haven’t changed much in centuries. The little taste of authentic Thailand with its torn tarpaulins, sizzling wok’s and toddlers running around way past bedtime is what makes Asia so fascinating. In a city like Bangkok, we flock not just because of the cosmopolitan easiness but for these bourgeoning slices of culture that still live and thrive today. If you’re a photographer, the snapshots are everywhere, but with a few short days in this eccentric city we’ve narrowed down your search. Here’s our pick of best street photography spots in Bangkok.

Train spotting

If you’re a self-confessed people watcher, Hua Lamphong Railway Station is a great place to start. You’ll see a myriad of people coming and going, people with loved ones saying hello and goodbye. It’s a central station for people catching the daily train to other Thai cities and a collective for the diversity of Thai culture. Monks sitting in both quiet contemplation and happy chatter, kids coming and going, trolleys loaded with fresh local fruits and grandmother’s watching the world go by. It has a huge waiting area and is easily accessible by the MRT or one of the many tuk tuks crossing the city to take you anywhere.

China down town 

Just edging the station is Chinatown, and a familiar and reliable spot for Street Photographers all over the world. Bangkok’s Chinatown won’t disappoint. At the Chinese Temple you’ll easily lose yourself in watching the devoted of Tao, Buddhist and Hindu faiths bow in prayer. 

The back streets brim over with market stores, touristy gimmicks and a frenetic energy that fills every frame. You might see a portrait photoshoot happening or find your own people pictures with street side facials or waxing done in the back lanes. The street side carts spill with sugar cane, melons and nashi pears but the real treat is the locally brewed Thai coffee; its cold, sweet, strong and delicious.  

Catch the light and shade of the curious alley ways or keep meandering and you’ll find wholesale markets, open cafes, fishmongers, dried fruit hanging from umbrella stands and butcher shops. Often you’ll see a huddle of elderly ladies catching up and giggling over steaming jasmine tea. Again, take the MRT or a tuk tuk. It’s the best way to navigate around the back streets and by making friends with the tuk tuk driver, he organised a ride for me the next day to the see floating markets. 

Floating markets

The first time I floated through a river market, I was caught between a sense of awe and wanting to buy everything believing it would help the local village somehow. In Bangkok, the main floating market is about an hour and half from central Bangkok and for a while, appears like any gentle river run. Reach the centre’s hub, and it’s a chaotic and noisy assemble of wobbly stores selling clothes, handicrafts, toys and even artwork. You’ll get everything there, including snapshots that belong to a different time. 

In the middle of the markets, a traffic jam of boats collided with everyone trying to push through. As a tourist you can hire your own boat and while floating along, select freshly cooked grilled meats, shop for hats or fresh coconut water to quench your thirst. It’s the ultimate in drive through service with an atmosphere that’s utterly absorbing. 

On the muddy river banks village homes stand precariously on stilts hand cut from the backwater jungles. People are doing all the ordinary things that take place everywhere in the world but as you watch life unfold in the shallows, it’s truly captivating. It’s hot from daybreak to well after dark and finding a chilled beer is not a problem on the boat. Keep in mind it’s best to wear a mask as the fumes of the motors can be quite strong.

Quick tips

It’s the gritty backstreets that always show a city’s character. These are the places where you’ll find the unexpected and surprising, the humility of ordinary people and the boisterous colours and sound of trade. It’s where there’s always something to see, where every frame tells a story. Sometimes you’ll to find the best street photography spots in Bangkok by taking a guided photo walk. 

Erawan Temple in the heart of Bangkok attracts huge numbers of locals and tourists, lining up to offer flowers and burn joss sticks to honour Lord Vishnu. Traditional dances are performed outside the temple in the evening which can be seen by walking the nearby skywalk. As the light dips and the evening fires glow, you can capture some beautiful perspectives of the rhythmic spectacle below.

Even though Thai people are very friendly and don’t mind you taking photos, it’s always respectful to ask them first – especially older people and people of faith. A little thank you afterwards goes a long way. If you’re shooting images of children show parents the photo you took, they’re always grateful.

You might also like to read our guide to exploring Southeast Asia or a light-hearted look at the things we didn’t do in Thailand.