Temples in Thailand: When Thai Culture and Photography Combined.

Temples are deeply integrated into Thailand’s identity. For locals, they are places of belief and tradition. For tourists, they represent culture, architecture and new experiences.

Yet despite growing up in Thailand, I was never particularly interested in temples. I appreciated some of their beauty, but visiting them never left a strong impression on me.

That changed when I started studying photography.

Photography allows me to observe my surroundings around more carefully. What once felt ordinary gradually became meaningful. The structures, lighting, atmosphere, and cultural details within each temple began to stand out in ways I had never noticed before.

Over time, photographing temples became more than capturing architecture. It became a way to better understand Thailand itself.

In this post, I will share several temple locations within the Bangkok Metropolitan Region that I found visually inspiring. For each place, I will walk through my thought process behind capturing and editing the images.

Camera Gear

For this trip, I used the following set up

1. Camera – Sony A7CII
2. Camera Lens
   • FE-PZ 16-35mm F4 G
   • FE 28-70mm F4.5-5.6 OSS
   • FE 28-70mm F2 GM
3. Camera Tripods
   • K&F Concept K254A3 – Any tripods with good height extension and wind resistance should do the job as well.
4. ND/CPL Filters – A variable ND filter (ND 2-32) should be enough. If you have one, bring ND 1000 can be useful in very bright conditions.
   • K&F Concept NANO-X ND 2-32
   • K&F Concept NANO series MCUV & CPL & ND1000 
   • K&F CONCEPT SNJ51T/SN25T1 Square Filter Set 
5. Rotatable Mount Plate Kit –
   • Ulanzi S63 Claw Rotatable Horizontal to Vertical Mount Plate Kit. They are very useful for different purposes. We will discussed this later on.

Wat Asokaram is one of the most visually distinct temples in Samut Prakarn area. The temple connects local Buddhists devotion with the wider Buddhist world.

The name Asokaram comes from King Ashoka the Great, the Indian emperor known for supporting and spreading Buddhism across Asia. The thirteen white Chedis symbolizes discipline, meditation and spiritual practices.

What makes Wat Asokaram particularly appealing photographically is its architecture. The clean white structures, layered symmetry, and open surroundings make it highly suitable for landscape and architectural photography.

Wat Asokaram is easily accessible by car with plenty of parking spaces nearby. Since there are no convenient public transport options, driving is the easiest way to reach the temple.

Photography Tips

Aim to photograph in the evening during golden hour to blue hour. Since the temple structures are entirely white, warm natural light helps create depth while preventing the scene from feeling flat.

The main shooting location is from the opposite side of the temple, where a clear and symmetrical view of the entire structure can be seen. Compose the image with the temple centered in the frame to emphasize its symmetry.

This photo is recommended as a long exposure shot to smooth cloud movement while brighten the scene. Aim for the moment when fewer cars are parked around the temple to keep the composition clean.

Use Wide Angled to Normal Angled Lens to capture all the elements of the temple. Distractions can be removed during post processing.

Alternatively, walk up the stairs towards the entrance and place the camera near the ground to create a reflection, as shown in Example 2. This approach adds depth and atmosphere to the image, though it sacrifices the full view of the temple structure.

Photo Editing Tips

The editing process for Wat Asokaram focuses on preserving the calm atmosphere of the temple while directing attention toward its white structures.

Start by adjusting the exposure so that the image feels bright without losing detail in the temple itself. Slightly lowering contrast and clarity helps soften the overall scene, creating a cleaner and more atmospheric look.

The surrounding areas can then be darkened subtly to place more visual emphasis on the temple while allowing the golden hour lighting to stand out naturally. Increasing saturation slightly also helps strengthen the warmth of the natural light.

Increase the brightness of the temple to emphasize the subject. Adjust it carefully so that it doesn’t affect the surroundings.

In the event where artificial lights aren’t fully lit up and skies aren’t dark enough, it is better to preserve the natural appearance of the scene rather than forcing the edit too heavily, as shown in Example 2.

Finally, remove all distractions through AI Photoshop to create a cleaner composition.

Wat Ratchanadaram (Lohaprasat) also known as Metal Castle is one of the most architecturally unique Buddhist structures in Thailand. The 37 metal spires symbolizes Buddhist’s virtues leading towards enlightenment.

Photographically, Wat Ratchanadaram is filled with strong visual elements such as symmetry, reflections, patterns, and layered architectural shapes. These qualities make it a popular location for photographers, especially those interested in architectural photography.

The temple is about 10 minutes walk from MRT Sam Yot Station. Parking is also available within the temple grounds, though the parking area closes at 8 PM. Planning the visit carefully is therefore recommended.

Photography Tips

The main shooting location is at the pavilion beside the temple. Seasonal flowers around the area create different compositions throughout the year, making repeated visits worthwhile.

While the most famous viewpoint is located inside the temple grounds, the composition feels too tight, even with an ultra wide lens.

This photo is best shoot in the evening during golden hour. Aim for the moment when the temple is illuminated. This allows the temple to be dominant while the background enhances it.

Use Normal Angled lens so that the subject is focused enough. Frame the temple on the left hand side. Let all the roofs act as a leading line towards the temple.

The surrounding grass can be used as a foreground element to soften the image while strengthening the storytelling atmosphere.

Both single shot and long exposure shot works here. Single shot preserves cloud texture while long exposures give the clouds a sense of movement.

Although this article mainly focuses on landscape photography, the interior of Wat Ratchanadaram also contains strong architectural photography opportunities. Symmetry, reflections, and repeating patterns throughout the structure make the temple highly suitable for architectural compositions, as shown in Example 4.

From areas around the temple, it is possible to capture a layered compositions of Wat Saket as shown below in Example 5. In this composition, the trees, sharp structures acts as both foreground elements and leading lines toward Wat Saket, helping direct attention toward the distant temple.

These photographic elements make Wat Ratchanadaram worth revisiting. Each visit reveal different compositions and broaden my perspective.

Photo Editing Tips

Adjust the brightness of the image so that the photo is bright enough while retaining all the details. Slightly reducing clarity while increasing textures helps preserve all the details without making the image feel artificial.

Darken the surrounding areas to draw attention to the illuminated structure. Increase the saturation of the sky to strengthens the contrast between the warm temple lights and the cooler surrounding environment.

Make the colors of the temple slightly dark orange. This gives the temple a luxurious vintage feel while blending in with the golden hour lights.

For the interior, black and white photos is a viable option. Without colors, the viewer’s attention shifts toward the patterns, symmetry, and architectural details. In this case, increase contrast can help strengthen the relationship between light and shadow within the frame.

Wat Saket also known as the Golden Mount Temple, is located near Wat Ratchadaram. The Golden Chedi at the summit symbolizes Mount Sumeru, the sacred cosmic mountain in Buddhists cosmology. Reaching the top requires climbing more than 300 steps, turning the visit into both a physical and symbolic journey.

Compared to the previous temples discussed in this post, Wat Saket is less architecturally dramatic. However, its historical and religious significance gives the temple a different kind of photographic appeal.

Wat Saket is about 10 minutes walk from Wat Ratchanadaram or 20 minutes walk from MRT Sam Yot station. Getting there by car is possible. Parking spaces are limited making public transport the more convenient option.

Photography Tips

The main photographic viewpoint is at the parking lot. From that position, the temple can be framed clearly while incorporating the surrounding architectural elements into the composition.

Place the temple in the center while leaving some space around the edges to prevent the shot feeling too tight. The surrounding roofs and pillars work as foreground elements. This creates depth while naturally guiding the viewer’s eye toward the golden Chedi.

Shoot this in the evening during golden hour. This brings life to the image.

Normal focal length allows both the temple and surrounding structures to remain visually balanced. Single shot is sufficient, though long exposure enhances the skies movement.

Another famous viewpoint is located at the main chapel, the surrounding structures frame Wat Saket. However, this requires good lightning conditions.

Photo Editing Tips

The editing process focuses on Wat Saket and preserving its atmosphere.

Brighten the photo while retaining all the details in it. Reduce clarity so that to soften the image. Increase texture to recover the details of the temple.

Darkening the sky and surrounding areas helps strengthen the visual emphasis on the temple while also enhancing the warmth of the natural light. Slightly increasing saturation can further reinforce the golden hour atmosphere without making the image feel overly processed.

Add a shade of light on the temple so that the main subject stands out more clearly. Increase the brightness of surrounding areas accordingly so that the image feels realistic.

Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple) combines traditional Thai cultures with European materials and design. Its hallways, pillars and courtyards are constructed from Carrara Marbles imported from Italy.

In a way, the Marble Temple can be described as a temple of modern Thai Identity.

Photographically, the Marble Temple offers some of the most rewarding compositions of all the temples. However, capturing these scenes requires careful compositions and advance editing.

Among the temples featured here, the Marble Temple is one of the more difficult locations to access. There are no BTS or MRT train stations and parking spaces are limited. As one of the major tourist destinations, taking a taxi is usually the most convenient option.

Photography Tips

Wat Benchamabophit offers several strong photographic viewpoints, each with different composition styles. All scenes works as a single and long exposure shots, depending on cloud movements and lightning conditions.

Wide Angled Lens are recommended for all shots discussed here. It allows surrounding architectural elements to remain fully incorporated. Golden hour and blue hour provides the strongest lightning conditions. It helps emphasize the temple and its tone.

Aim for symmetrical shots. This increases architectural depth of the images.

The first shooting point is located at the entrance as shown in Example 7. The image works as a vertical shot with the temple positioned at the center. Use the red gates as a foreground element that naturally guide viewer’s eye toward the temple.

Moving inside reveals another composition with full details of the temple. The walkway creates a leading line towards the main structure as shown in Example 8.

In both cases, reflection works effectively here, especially when there ground is wet after rain or cleaning. It enhances storytelling. Otherwise, this can be added during post processing.

The ordination hall is another photography point, as demonstrated in Example 9. Shoot this in the afternoon around 5pm when the sun is lower. Position the temple centrally while using overhead structure as a from. This creates depth and balance in the image. Capturing this composition often requires careful camera positioning and patience.

Unlike previous compositions, reflections are avoided here. The smooth surface of the ground already complements the structure naturally, and additional reflections may distract from the framing itself.

Photo Editing Tips

Begin by correcting any tilt so that architectural lines remain properly aligned, especially for Example 9. This process takes time and patience to get it right.

Adjust exposure so that the image is bright enough. Recover all the details through reducing highlights and increasing texture. Make the image softer by lowering contrast and clarity.

Increase saturation to strengthen the atmosphere while emphasizing the warm temple colors and golden hour lightning. In Example 7, the warmer sky tones combine with the red gates and orange rooftops to create an analogous color palette, helping the entire scene feel visually unified. The gate colors are more saturated to amplify the unity.

The surrounding areas are slightly darken to prevent them from competing with the temple while preserving detail to maintain balance.

For Example 7 and 8, add a reflection layer. Since the reflective surface is uneven, AI-assisted reflections are usually easier to implement.

Wat Arun also known as The Temple of Dawn,is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Thailand. Its design symbolizes Mount Meru, a cosmic mountain at the center of universe of Buddhists and Hindu cosmology.

Photographically, Wat Arun stands out through its layered architectural details and simple design. Unlike many temples with broader structures, Wat Arun rises sharply upward, giving it the appearance of a monumental stone tower emerging from the riverbanks of Bangkok.

What makes Wat Arun particularly striking is how naturally it integrates with its surroundings. Positioned along the Chao Phraya River, the temple combines Thai architecture, cultural identity, and urban landscape into a single composition.

The main shooting location is located at Wat Pho Pier, approximately five minute walk from Sanam Chai MRT Station. Although driving there is possible, nearby parking options are either limited or located far away from the pier, making public transport the more convenient choice.

Photography Tips

Aim to shoot this in the evening during blue hour, when temple lights are fully illuminated while traces of golden hour lights remain in the sky. The combination of lighting conditions create a balanced atmosphere.

Use Wide to Normal Angled lens. Frame the temple in the center so that it becomes visually dominant. Include Chao Phraya River into the composition to balance the frame.

Take long exposure shots to smoothen the water surface. Use ND-Filter to prevent the image from getting over exposed.

The shooting location is positioned on a pier, slight vibrations from river waves and passing boats can affect image sharpness. Wait for calmer moments to compose sharp images.

Single exposures can also work effectively, particularly when stronger river movement is present. Including a passing boat within the frame can introduce motion and scale into the composition, creating a more dynamic atmosphere compared to the calmer mood of long exposure photography.

Photo Editing Tips

The editing process for Wat Arun focuses on preserving the calm atmosphere surrounding the temple while emphasizing the reflections and lighting along the Chao Phraya River.

Adjust exposure and highlights so that the photo is bright enough without losing details. Increase texture to enhance the details.

Increase contrast and clarity slightly to strengthen reflecting light, allowing it to naturally guide the viewer’s eye towards the temple itself.

Subtly increase saturation to enhance the warm temple lighting against the cooler tones of blue hour. Darken the remaining areas so that all the attention is drawn towards the temple.

Depending on the time of the year when the photo is taken, the effect of golden hour lights could potentially be minimal. Don’t try to maximize the effect of natural lights. A slight hint is perfectly fine.

To strengthen the final composition, use AI assisted tool to add a dark boat silhouette within the reflected light on the water surface. This introduces a subtle sense of scale, movement, and mystery into the image.

This journey through Thailand’s temples has been one of the most meaningful photographic experiences for me. What once felt ordinary gradually became visually and culturally inspiring through photography.

Beyond their religious significance, these temples reflect Thailand’s evolving identity. Architectural influences from places such as India and Europe have gradually blended into Thai culture over time, creating structures that feel both traditional and uniquely Thai.

Photographing these temples also deepened my appreciation for the level of craftsmanship behind them. The scale, symmetry, and intricate details found throughout these structures remain remarkable, especially considering the time periods in which many of them were built.

There are still many temples throughout Thailand worth exploring. From Wat Paknam Phasi Chreon and its Giant Buddha to Wat Pra Kaew (The Emerald Buddha) which is also known as The Grand Palace to Wat Pho that is described as the Origin of Thai Massage. Each location offers its own atmosphere, uniqueness and photographic opportunities.

More importantly, this experience changed how I observe my surroundings. Photography no longer feels like simply capturing locations. It has become a way of understanding culture, atmosphere, and perspective more deeply.

As a photographer, there is one thing left for me to say.

The journey continues.