Bangkok’s Best Photo Spots & Instagrammable Moments

Bangkok possesses a magnetic pull, drawing visitors in and commanding a place in their hearts thanks to its fascinating fusion of traditional and cosmopolitan. Historic temples are juxtaposed with innovative skyscrapers, floating markets mingle with smart malls, street food blends with fine dining, and the spirituality of the East synchronises with the progressiveness of the West. This technicoloured capital offers all the epic buzz any explorer could desire. Join me and content creators @marcoparrino and @chadwick000000 as we take a virtual tour of some of the most spellbinding photo spots this divine destination has in store to both inspire and excite you.

Euphoric views

With glittering gold temples around every corner, along with iconic modern architecture and hidden havens of tranquillity, you and your followers will be captivated by the city’s sites.

#1 GLORIOUS GOLD

For an Insta grid that glimmers with ornate gilded temples, palaces and shrines, Bangkok is the place to be. 

The Grand Palace is the first stop in the pursuit of gold. As you might expect from the former home of Thai monarchs, it has an opulent grandeur, with towering spires stretching skyward and the arched roofs of temples shining in the sunlight. Amble through throne rooms, pavilions, chapels, gardens and courtyards and admire intricate carvings and stunning mosaics. Here you’ll also be able to snap shots of sacred Wat Phra Kaew with the Emerald Buddha, a figurine carved from a single block of jade and dating back to the 14^th century.

For more glorious views, turn your attention to the city’s many other Wats. These Buddhist monasteries are in rich supply, and you may be fortunate enough to capture atmospheric chants as a soundtrack for your reels. Wat Arun is one of the oldest, having stood for almost 400 years, allowing you a glimpse into old Bangkok before it became a kaleidoscopic modern metropolis. The elaborate shell and glazed porcelain decorations are a photographer’s dream. Scale to the summit of the spire and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views. For another incredible vantage point, survey the scene from the other side of the river at Wat Pho Pier with a morning coffee at sunrise, or by evening with a cool drink in hand as the sun descends, leaving the temple silhouetted in the crimson-streaked sky.

A trip to Bangkok isn’t complete without filling your feed with buddhas. The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho is one of the most famous images in Thailand and you’ll be able to marvel at its scale and stature, along with its resplendent mother-of-pearl and gold leaf details. Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen, or the Big Golden Buddha, stretching into Bangkok’s eternally blue sky, is one of the newest additions on the list of landmarks and makes for enviable social media content. 

#2 STUNNING SKYLINE

Bangkok is a capital exuding a cool charm and to appreciate the true scale and beauty, it’s worth heading to the highest spots. Lose yourself in the panoramic vistas at King Power Mahanakhon. An instantly recognisable landmark with ambitious architecture, it has an observation deck perched atop. Venture onto the SkyWalk, a glass-floored balcony 310m above the streets below, and after the spark of adrenaline, stop for a well-deserved drink at the open-air bar. 

Sky Bar at The Dome Lebua State Tower also deserves mention. With an array of restaurants and bars, soak up views of the illuminated golden dome above and the twinkling city that never sleeps beneath. The observatory point at Baiyoke Tower is another high point, quite literally, providing an unmissable spot from which to capture the vast urban sprawl stretching out in every direction below.

#3 SERENE SANCTUARIES

After the sensory whirlwind, you’ll undoubtedly be in need of some more tranquil views. The pools and gardens at Siam Kempinski Hotel provide the ideal picturesque place to cool down and press pause. Allow yourself to lounge in sublime comfort around the series of pools, taking the occasional dip in the refreshing water and sipping on mouthwatering cocktails. You could indulge by staying in the Cabana Rooms with elegant interiors and private balconies opening onto the pools. The pool at Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel is equally spectacular, cantilevered high above the streets of Bangkok so you’re floating in the clouds.

For more peaceful pursuits in the city, stroll through the abundant green spaces. Lumphini Park, a stone’s throw from Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel, is a great place to unwind in the shade of the trees, join in Tai Chi or glide along the lake in a rowing boat. Bang Krachao Island – a botanical garden with raised walkways winding through the green canopy and pavilions dotted around the lake – is another great option. Here you’ll discover an unexpectedly calm side to Bangkok and the natural beauty is the perfect counterpoint to the bustling images of city life filling your social media.

“Having direct access to the pool from our room in Siam Kempinski Hotel was like having our own piece of paradise in the heart of the city. There’s no better way to start the day!”
@marcoparrino 

Irresistible gastronomy

Make sure your camera is poised for exotic ingredients, inventive recipes, creative combinations and artful presentation.

#1 REFINED RESTAURANTS

If you’re in search of heavenly gastronomic content, look no further than Kempinski’s incredible restaurants with the most decadent and flavoursome dishes.

At Michelin-starred Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin at Siam Kempinski Hotel, you’ll be awed by the approach to ingredients, temperatures and textures. Meanwhile ALATi is all about the artistry of grilling with mouthwatering seafood, caviar, kebab, tikka and steak, all creating seductive Insta moments.

At Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin, every dish is a masterpiece. 

At Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel, Ki Izakaya offers irresistible Japanese cuisine, while at Flourish you can experience Thai and Levantine flavours colliding with standout dishes including Banana Blossom Salad with Pulled Chicken or Stir-Fried Thai Milkweed Flowers with Fermented Pork and Prawns. Or, sample the cosy Mediterranean ambience at Bistrot De La Mer – a feast for your eyes and your followers.

“When it comes to food, Pad Thai was my favourite dish, and it’s really unmissable if you’re visiting Thailand.”
@chadwick000000 

#2 SENSATIONAL STREET FOOD

From curries, noodles and dumplings to tropical fruits, Thailand is a joy for food connoisseurs and Bangkok’s lively street food culture means countless carts and sizzling stalls line the roadsides, with the irresistible aromas of lemongrass, chilli and lime leaves filling the air. 

You could also bring the exquisite flavours away with you by virtue of the numerous cooking schools scattered throughout Bangkok. Gather ingredients at the markets and master the techniques to recreate authentic Thai dishes at home, whether it’s pad Thai or massaman curry. 

Street food unveils the best of authentic local flavours. 

#3 BLISSFUL BARS

The tantalising flavours of Thailand are very much in evidence in the delightful cocktails and drinks, and the city’s vibrant nightlife simply has to be experienced and recorded on your social media for posterity. Rooftop bars are a great place to take selfies as you sip. And at Sky Beach, the third-highest rooftop bar in the world, the outlook is almost as impressive as the drinks you’re served.

For something a little lower altitude, the 1897 Lounge at Siam Kempinski Hotel is something of a marvel with its collection of whisky, rum, cognac and Cuban cigars in chic European surroundings. Over at Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel, there’s Lobby Lounge with its glass walls and lush garden foliage, and Firefly Bar with deep armchairs and dark wood, both of which are enchanting and photogenic in equal measure.

Special moments

Away from the temples and skyscrapers, restaurants and bars, pools and parks, there are many more striking spots for impromptu photo shoots.

#1 BASK IN THE BUZZ

One of the most mesmerising things about Bangkok is its hypnotising buzz. Your visit wouldn’t be complete without just stopping to soak up the vibrance of everyday life in a megacity that literally hums with activity.

On a stroll through Chinatown, one of the most historic areas, you’ll be met by a riot of swirling colours as flamboyant lanterns and neon signs light the way. Spend time in characterful Old Bangkok with its mix of architecture, from French to Chinese, and delve into the labyrinth of backstreets.

For another great way to absorb the charm of this destination, join a bike tour or take a longtail boat gliding along the Chao Phraya River and its network of canals. As you navigate the backwaters that have been the lifeblood of the city for centuries, you’ll get a truer flavour and deeper insight into life along the riverfront, with locals fishing and clusters of village-style houses. Sit back and watch the real Bangkok in all its imperfect, hectic chaos.

The Bangkok skyline frames the majestic Chao Phraya River. 

“Swapping the charm of our home in Italy for the buzz and energy of Bangkok was such a cool experience... our stay in Bangkok has set the bar really high!”
@marcoparrino 

 #2 SOOTHING SPAS

A Thai massage to restore body, mind and soul is obligatory on any Bangkok break. Inextricably intertwined with the identity and culture of this country, Thai massage uses ancient healing techniques, acupressure and compression to soothe aches and improve circulation. Kempinski The Spa at Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok is one of the finest spots in the city to indulge and have your energy flow balanced, before experimenting with thermal contrast therapies and facial treatments using skin type analysis.

Sindhorn Wellness by Resense at Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel also offers a plethora of pampering treatments. From healing facials and nourishing body wraps, this is the very essence of relaxation and rejuvenation.

“Thai massage was another highlight, and although I was caught off guard by how intense it was, the next day I felt like I’d pressed a reset button on my whole body.”
@marcoparrino 

Wellness is central to the experience at Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel.

#3 REVEL IN RETAIL THERAPY

With Bangkok a shopper’s paradise, set aside time to explore everything from eclectic markets to chic malls. 

The colourful street markets and night markets are unmissable, with everything from food to fashion paraded in front of your eyes. Jodd Fairs is highly recommended, as is the Talat Rot Fai Srinakharin night market, a twilight experience packed with vintage treasures, fashion and food. Another sensory treat is Chatuchak Weekend Market where you can pick up everything from antiques and shoes to handicrafts and jewellery. And the orchid-packed flower markets, including Pak Khlong Talat, are a thing of sheer beauty that deserve to be immortalised on your camera reel.

Chatuchak market is one of the largest open-air markets in the world. 

The floating markets are a sight to behold as you glide down the narrow canals and observe the assorted goods and stilted wooden houses lining the banks. Damnoen Saduak is the city’s most famous floating market, and Taling Chan is another great option.

Floating markets are a colourful sight. 

After the stimulation of the markets, you may want to seek shelter in the cool of the high-end malls. There’s direct access for guests at Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok to the Siam Paragon mall, one of the largest in South East Asia, but Emquartier, centralwOrld and ICONSIAM are other magnificent megamalls. 

Thailand also has a long heritage in bespoke tailoring, so it’s worth investigating local tailors who can create designs specifically for you, from suits to dresses. There’s no better memento of your unforgettable trip to this part of the world.

Your magical moments

Share your Instagrammable moments by mentioning @kempinski on social media and tell us about the highlights of your trip, whether it’s shopping in Shanghai or dune bashing in the deserts of Saudi Arabia.

If you enjoyed this, why not discover Melanie’s pick of Insta-worthy moments in Singapore?