Bangkok is one of the most steamy & gritty cities one can visit in South East Asia, yet it has plenty of charms as well. One will never run out of places to visit or take travel photos. It is easy to search online for Bangkok cheap hotel accommodation since it is such a big city. It is best to book early so you don’t have to stress last minute about a place to stay on your vacation. Another way to save on your trip is to use some of the points you’ve been accumulating with you credit card throughout the year. But now on to the sightseeing; the following three places are worth checking out as a tourist and/or travel photographer:
Khao San Road
Khao San Road, love it or hate it, is the biggest backpacker and tourist ghetto in all of Asia. The street is littered with guest houses, hotels, night clubs, bars, street vendors and shops. If that wasn’t enough wait until the crowds of foreigners and Thais converge during peak hours in the evening. There is something happening here 24 hours of the day. From a travel photography perspective bringing your fastest lenses is a must given the pace of activity. I recommend brining a fixed prime lens such as the 50 mm f/1.8 for night photography.
Wat Phra Kaew (Grand Palace)
The Grand Palace in Bangkok is simply majestic. It’s one of those places you think only exists in a fairytale. Don’t think for a second you’ll have this place to yourself. Every year that I’ve gone back to Bangkok, Wat Phra Kaew becomes more hectic and crowded. The best time to visit is when it first opens before waves and waves of package tourists flood the premises. When coming here you’ll want to make sure you’ve got your wide angle lens and polarizing filter to capture the brilliant colours and imposing architecture.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
The largest market in all of Thailand is only open on the weekends. Chatuchak market is one bustling hive of activity come Saturday and Sunday. Although you will find plenty of foreigners (locally known as farang) it still caters mostly towards Thais. The market has an amazing assortment of different street foods to try. Although the prices here are jacked up it still represents good value. Consider bringing your best telephoto lens for candid shots of people and close up shots of food.
