Above the Chaos - Photographing Bangkok's Skyline
Photographing Bangkok from above creates a unique visual story, capturing the beautiful chaos of this sprawling metropolis from the vantage point of its high-rises.
Bangkok is paradise for skyline and urban photography. This dynamic city offers endless subjects — from monsoon rains and traffic jams to scooters, tuk-tuks, brutalist metro structures, towering high-rises, street food stalls, bustling markets, tourists, monks, ornate palaces, shrines, and monasteries. Bangkok has everything to make a street photographer happy.
But nothing compares to the view from high up in one of the hundred skyscrapers scattered across the city. From above, you can quietly observe the beautiful chaos unfolding below.
Photographing from Bangkok's rooftops was incredibly rewarding. As a photographer It was satisfying to process the chaos into a compelling series of images, whether captured at night, during golden hour, in tropical rain, or at sunrise. With limited time in Bangkok, I chose four locations to photograph the skyline: SO/ Bangkok, Banyan Tree Skyline, Icon SIAM Shopping Mall, and the not-to-be-missed MahaNakhon Tower. Each location offered distinct perspectives, styles, and photographic opportunities, and these represent just a fraction of the many excellent vantage points available across the city.
What fascinated me most were the shifting color tones and palettes created by natural conditions — fog mixed with pollution produces a Blade Runner atmosphere, sunsets offer crystal-clear views, and at night, vibrant light trails create a futuristic aesthetic.
“Whenever you’re in Bangkok, grab your camera, head up high, and experience the city from above.”
For photography print requests from this article, please contact thomas@alternatives.com
Gear used in this photo series:
Sony Alpha Camera A7IV
Lens Sony FE 70-200mm F/4
Lense Sony Gmaster 14mm F/1.8
Lens Sony Gmaster 50mm F/1.8
