Travel photography: Thailand - Part 1

September 10, 2025

Introduction

After two installments in Vietnam, this third article begins the Thailand half of the series. Thailand’s cultural landscape is shaped by centuries of kingdoms - Ayutthaya, Thonburi, and Rattanakosin - whose legacy endures in gilded temples, river-bound cities, and distinctive craftsmanship. Theravada Buddhism permeates daily life, and nowhere is this heritage more visible than in Bangkok’s temple complexes, where Khmer-style prangs, shimmering stupas and elaborate assembly halls tell the story of a living tradition.

Bangkok

Wat Arun seen from the Chao Phraya River — Wat Arun, the “Temple of Dawn,” rises on the west bank of the Chao Phraya with a central prang clad in porcelain and seashell mosaics; the temple dates to the late Ayutthaya period, was expanded and given its present form under Kings Rama II and Rama III, and remains one of Bangkok’s defining riverfront landmarks.

Wat Arun’s riverfront terraces and prangs — Wat Arun, the “Temple of Dawn,” rises on the west bank of the Chao Phraya with a central prang clad in porcelain and seashell mosaics; the temple dates to the late Ayutthaya period, was expanded and given its present form under Kings Rama II and Rama III, and remains one of Bangkok’s defining riverfront landmarks.

Ornate spire inside the Grand Palace (Wat Phra Kaew) complex — An ornate spire within the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew complex which is the ceremonial heart of the Thai monarchy since 1782 and home to the Emerald Buddha – where gilded chedis, prangs and pavilions crowd together in a dense tapestry of Rattanakosin artistry.

Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho in Bangkok — The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho-about 46 m long and 15 m high, was created in the reign of Rama III; its mother-of-pearl inlaid feet depict 108 auspicious symbols, and the temple is also renowned as the cradle of traditional Thai massage.

Red interior of a Buddhist ordination hall — A vividly red-lacquered Buddhist interior, with a gilded altar and ceiling panels – an immersive play of color that highlights the shrine’s carvings and metallic ornament.

Three-headed elephant statue at Erawan Museum, Bangkok — The Erawan Museum in Samut Prakan, just outside Bangkok, is crowned by a colossal three-headed elephant (Airavata in Hindu mythology). Rising 29 m above its pedestal, the bronze sculpture dominates the skyline and serves as both landmark and symbolic guardian of the museum’s collection.

Ornate spiral staircase inside the Erawan Museum — The interior of the museum’s base level is a blend of Thai, Khmer and European design, dominated by sweeping spiral staircases leading up to a stained-glass mandala ceiling. The rich ornamentation, with stucco reliefs and mythological motifs, creates an otherworldly atmosphere before ascending into the elephant itself.

Curving staircases and stained glass ceiling at the Erawan Museum — The interior of the museum’s base level is a blend of Thai, Khmer and European design, dominated by sweeping spiral staircases leading up to a stained-glass mandala ceiling. The rich ornamentation, with stucco reliefs and mythological motifs, creates an otherworldly atmosphere before ascending into the elephant itself.

Standing Buddha statue inside the elephant at Erawan Museum — Inside the elephant’s body lies a Buddhist shrine centered around a standing Buddha. This sanctum blends religious devotion with the museum’s symbolic architecture, merging mythological cosmology with living practice.

Chiang Rai

Located in northern Thailand near the borders with Laos and Myanmar, Chiang Rai is known for its unique temples and artistic landmarks. The city itself is relatively quiet compared to nearby Chiang Mai, but it has become famous for contemporary religious architecture like the White Temple and Blue Temple, which combine traditional Buddhist symbolism with modern artistic expression.

Wat Rong Khun, White Temple exterior — Wat Rong Khun, better known as the White Temple, is the life’s work of artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. The all-white design, set with mirror mosaics, symbolizes purity, while the surreal sculptures and bridges express Buddhist teachings about the cycle of life and rebirth.

Reflective pools in front of Wat Rong Khun — Wat Rong Khun, better known as the White Temple, is the life’s work of artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. The all-white design, set with mirror mosaics, symbolizes purity, while the surreal sculptures and bridges express Buddhist teachings about the cycle of life and rebirth.

Wat Rong Khun illuminated at dusk — At sunset and into the evening, the White Temple takes on a different aura, glowing softly against the twilight sky and reflected in its ponds – turning the already surreal setting into something almost dreamlike.

Evening reflections at the White Temple, Chiang Rai — At sunset and into the evening, the White Temple takes on a different aura, glowing softly against the twilight sky and reflected in its ponds – turning the already surreal setting into something almost dreamlike.

Blue Temple exterior in Chiang Rai — The Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), completed in 2016, is instantly recognizable by its sapphire walls and gilded ornamentation. The name translates as “House of the Dancing Tiger,” referencing the site’s earlier use as a temple where tigers once roamed freely.

Interior of Blue Temple with white Buddha — Inside, the Blue Temple is filled with murals in shades of cobalt and turquoise, centered on a radiant white Buddha statue. The cool hues create a stark contrast to the golden details and invite a calm, contemplative mood.

Blue lizard at Blue Temple in Chiang Rai — A blue-headed lizard, its scales shimmering with turquoise and dragon-like spines along its back, seen within the grounds of the Blue Temple – a strikingly fitting encounter in this setting.

Lush jungle in northern Thailand — The dense jungle of northern Thailand, with its rich vegetation and vibrant green hues.

Jungle waterfall in Thailand — A waterfall deep in the jungle – a serene spot surrounded by untouched nature.

The golden Buddha statue inside Wat Tham Phra cave.

Wildlife Encounters

Beyond temples and cultural landmarks, Thailand also offers remarkable encounters with wildlife. From tiny lizards to giant monitor lizards, squirrels to colorful butterflies, the diversity and scale of animals in Southeast Asia left a lasting impression. These moments provided a refreshing contrast to the cityscapes and temple visits and were among the highlights of the journey.

Small lizard in leaves — A tiny lizard hidden among green leaves – one of the many smaller reptiles that often go unnoticed.

Monitor lizard resting — Monitor lizards are among the most impressive animals to encounter in Thailand’s parks and waterways. Their size, calm presence, and almost prehistoric appearance make them fascinating subjects for photography.

Monitor lizard swimming — Monitor lizards are among the most impressive animals to encounter in Thailand’s parks and waterways. Their size, calm presence, and almost prehistoric appearance make them fascinating subjects for photography.

Brown and white squirrel — Squirrels, too, come in surprising variety. Whether brown-and-white or gray, they bring a lively touch to the city’s green spaces.

Gray squirrel — Squirrels, too, come in surprising variety. Whether brown-and-white or gray, they bring a lively touch to the city’s green spaces.

Butterfly close-up — The sheer variety of butterflies in Southeast Asia is astonishing. Their size, colors, and patterns are unlike anything commonly seen in Europe, and photographing them was a rewarding experience.

Praying mantis on leaves — A large green praying mantis completed this wildlife encounter. Its size and alien-like features made it an especially striking subject.

Praying mantis close-up — A large green praying mantis completed this wildlife encounter. Its size and alien-like features made it an especially striking subject.

Chiang Mai

The former capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai is renowned for its historic temples, vibrant culture, and lush natural surroundings.

Interior view of a temple at Wat Chedi Luang — Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai – once one of the tallest structures in the Lanna Kingdom. The ruins of the great chedi are impressive, while the adjacent temple interior adds a glimpse into present-day devotion.

Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai — Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, known for its elegant Lanna-style architecture.

Row of prayer bells at a temple in Chiang Mai — A line of ceremonial prayer bells, polished and engraved – ringing them is said to bring merit.

Stone statues at Wat Pha Lat — Wat Pha Lat, a quiet temple on the jungle trail to Doi Suthep, decorated with serene stone statues.

Buddha statues at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

The Royal Pavilion at the Royal Park Rajapruek in Chiang Mai, built to honor King Bhumibol Adulyadej and designed in the traditional Lanna style.

The interior of the Royal Pavilion, reflecting the artistry and craftsmanship of northern Thailand.

The Royal Pavilion seen from afar, with the ceremonial avenue leading toward it and Wat Phra That Doi Kham visible on the hilltop in the distance.

Two orchid close-ups from the orchid garden on the palace grounds, showing the vibrant colors and delicate details of Thailand’s national flower.

To be continued...

This brings the first part of my Thailand journey to an end. The adventure is far from over though - in the next article I will continue exploring more of Thailand’s national parks and landscapes in the southern part of the country.

Thanks for reading!