11 Best Places to Visit in Northern Thailand for Photography

The best places to visit in Northern Thailand for photography aren’t always easy to find, especially if you’re planning your first trip and hoping to capture more than just the standard tourist shots around Chiang Mai. 

You’ve probably seen those dreamy images of misty mountains, golden temples and jungle waterfalls on Instagram.

But where exactly are those spots? And how do you get there?

That’s exactly what this guide is here to help with.

We spent almost three weeks road-tripping through Northern Thailand, hired a car, packed the cameras and went looking for the most photogenic places we could find, from peaceful temples and thundering waterfalls to sunrise viewpoints that genuinely took our breath away (in the good way, not the sweaty-hiking way).

We’ve pulled together 11 of our absolute favourite photography spots in Northern Thailand, whether you’re into wide landscapes, cultural captures, or those little hidden details that make a place special. 

You’ll also find tips for the best time to visit, how to get the best shot and where to base yourself nearby.

So whether you’re keen on landscape photography in Thailand, travel portraits or you love capturing waterfalls, we’ll cover everything you need to know to save you the time and hassle of researching it all yourself.

Best places to visit in northern thailand video

Want a quick look at what’s coming up?

Check out our short video showing all 11 spots in just 2 minutes, a quick little snapshot of the best photography locations in Northern Thailand.

11 Epic Northern Thailand Photography Spots! #thailand #thailandtravel #chiangmai #northernthailand

11 Best Photography Spots in Northern Thailand

1. Floating Pagodas, Lampang (Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat)

Why we loved it👇

The Floating Pagodas, also known as the Sky Temple is genuinely like nothing else in Thailand and easily our favourite photography spot in Thailand. 

It’s one of the most unique places to visit in the north, especially for photographers looking for something special.

The white pagodas perched on dramatic mountain peaks look like they’re floating above the clouds. It’s peaceful, remote and we had it almost entirely to ourselves, which made the whole experience even more magical. 

If you’re into photographing mountains, culture and a bit of adventure, this one’s a must.

Photography Tips

• A drone will give you the most dramatic shots, but fly it from the car park rather than the drop-off point (near the toilets). We had slight signal issues up there.

• On foot, a wide-angle lens is your best friend as space is tight at the summit.

• Also, watch for drifting clouds, they add incredible atmosphere to your shots.

Best time to visit the Floating Pagodas

The best time of day is Morning.

Not just for the soft golden light (although, yes, dreamy), but also because it’s way quieter. We got there just after sunrise and only saw a handful of other people. 

It made the whole experience feel extra special, plus the 4.30pm closing time of the temple means you won’t get to make the most of afternoon golden hour.

How to get there

The Floating Pagodas might just be one of the most photogenic hidden gems in Northern Thailand but getting there takes a little effort. 

The best options are hire a car (like we did ) or book this organised tour from Chiang Mai.

Where to stay for the Floating Pagodas

We stayed ten minutes away at a lovely guesthouse called Happiness Resort Chae Hom.

It’s basic but friendly, with gorgeous views over the rice terraces and a super-easy drive to the temple early in the morning, but you have to navigate Google Translate and WhatsApp to book. 

If you prefer booking online, newer stays like Tiny House Homestay and Kaewma Farmstay are also nearby.

2. Mae Ya Waterfall, Doi Inthanon National Park

Why we Loved it 👇

 Mae Ya is one of the tallest and most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand and somehow still not swamped with crowds like Erawan Falls further south. (If you time it right!)

It’s found in one of the best national parks in northern Thailand, Doi Inthanon. 

The 280-metre cascade flows down in layers, creating a curtain-like effect that looks incredible in photos and there are a ton of different compositions. It took us two visits to get the timing right, but once we did, it was so worth it.

It’s not just one of the most photogenic waterfalls we found but it’s also one of the most memorable places to visit in Northern Thailand for nature lovers.

Best time to visit Mae Ya waterfall

Early morning is the winner. 

We tried visiting at 4 p.m. one day,  it wasn’t too busy (about 15 people, which is pretty chill for Thailand), but the light was all wrong.

The sun had dipped too low and the falls were in shadow….not ideal for photos.

So we went back the next morning at 7:30 a.m. and it was perfect. Soft golden light on the water, and no one else arrived for at least an hour.

How to get there

Getting to Doi Inthanon National park from Chiang Mai is really easy if you have your own transport, so hiring a car is the best option. We recommend booking.com as we used them for 3 weeks and the whole process was seamless.

If you don’t want to drive, then this Tour is a great option if you want a stress-free day.

Private drivers offer the best of both worlds, no driving for you, but full control over your itinerary. Just make sure they’ll stay with you all day, as there’s no transport inside the park.

Where to stay for Mae Ya waterfall

We recommend staying in Chom Thong, which is just 20–30 minutes from most of the Doi Inthanon photography spots.

We stayed at Sailom Resort and loved it, great value, friendly staff and an easy drive into the park. For just £13 it was probably our favourite stay in Northern Thailand.

If you’re short on time and prefer a day trip from the city, Hotel De Khuvieng in Chiang Mai is a solid choice too. We stayed here for almost three weeks and thought it was a great base in the city.

3. Mae Klang Waterfall, Doi Inthanon National Park

Why we loved it 👇

 Mae Klang felt like a little hidden gem in the park. After a 15-minute walk through the trees, we reached this beautiful cascade surrounded by lush greenery and we had it almost entirely to ourselves.

There’s a cute wooden bridge near the base of the falls that adds a lovely focal point and the whole area just had such a peaceful vibe, especially in the late afternoon.

Photography Tips

• Use a long exposure to get that smooth, silky look to the water and if it’s cloudy, even better the diffused light helps avoid harsh glare.

• If you’ve got a drone, definitely send it up, the waterfall framed by trees looks incredible from above.

Best time of Day to visit Mae Klang

Late afternoon is magic here.

We got there around 4 p.m. and just missed the golden light hitting the falls, which was a bit of a shame! If you can, aim to arrive closer to 3 p.m. the light should be perfectly illuminating the falls.

How to get to Mae Klang waterfall

Hire a car with booking.com or book this private tour from Chiang Mai and ask them to include Mae Klang.

Where to stay for Mae Klang waterfall

Best place close by in Chom Thong 👉Sailom Resort

Recommended hotel in Chiang Mai 👉Hotel De Khuvieng

4. Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail, Doi Inthanon National Park

Why we Loved it 👇

 If you’re choosing between the popular Kew Mae Pan and the quieter Pha Dok Siew trail, this is the one we recommend!

This trail is one of our favourite places to visit in Northern Thailand for its authenticity and variety of things to capture. 

The walk winds through jungle paths, rice terraces and quiet farmland and passes one of the best waterfalls in Thailand (it even made it into a Thai movie), with barely anyone else around.

You’ll end at a local Karen village which we really enjoyed for learning more about local culture. They roast their own beans and serve seriously good coffee, which tastes even better after the hike.

Photography tips

• This trail is packed with variety from waterfalls and bamboo bridges to rice terraces and forest paths so bring a wide-angle lens (16–35mm) to capture the bigger scenes and a mid-range zoom (24–70mm) for tighter spots you pass on the hike.

• The light is gorgeous in the late afternoon, soft and golden, especially across the terraces and little wooden huts near the village.

• Sadly, visiting in November meant we had missed the green rice terraces as they had already been harvested. They still looked pretty, but if that’s a shot you want, it’s best to visit a month or so earlier.

• Use leading lines on the trail to guide the eye, like the curve of a dirt path or the bridge railings near the waterfall.

Best time of day to photograph Pha Dok Siew

The best to visit for photography is late afternoon. 

We started our hike around 3pm and it was magical, golden light, glowing rice terraces and hardly anyone else around. So if you miss the morning, late afternoon is a brilliant alternative.

How to get to Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail

Hire a car with booking.com or book this private tour from Chiang Mai and ask them to include Mae Klang.

5. Wachirathan Waterfall, Doi Inthanon National Park

Why we loved Wachirathan 👇

Wachirathan is big, dramatic and full of energy and it’s also the most popular waterfall in the park.

So expect WAY more crowds here than at Mae Klang or Mae Ya.

That said, it’s definitely one of the most visually powerful waterfalls we’ve visited in Thailand. If you catch it at the right time (and dodge the spray!), It’s still a brilliant subject for photography.

Photography tips

• Wachirathan is a bit trickier to shoot than the others. The spray is intense and the crowds can make it hard to find a clean composition, but it’s worth the effort.

• Our favourite angle was from the viewpoint just left of the main sign, which gave us a clearer shot and kept the worst of the spray off the lens.

• Bring a wide-angle lens (16–35mm) and a dry cloth or rain cover, you’ll need both.

• A long exposure works beautifully here, but only if you can keep your gear dry.

Best time of day

Early or late.
This one gets busy!

It’s included in almost every tour, so you won’t have it to yourself unless you arrive right at opening (6am) or sneak in late in the day around 4.30pm.

We made the rookie mistake of arriving at midday, harsh light, loads of people, and not the best shooting conditions. Learn from us!

How to get to Wachirathan Waterfall

Hire a car with booking.com or book this private tour from Chiang Mai and ask them to include Mae Klang.

Where to stay for Wachirathan

Best place close by in Chom Thong 👉Sailom Resort

Recommended hotel in Chiang Mai 👉Hotel De Khuvieng

6. Chang Chill Elephant Sanctuary, near Chiang Mai

Why we loved Chang Chill 👇

If photographing elephants is on your Thailand wishlist (and let’s be honest, for many photographers it is, they’re such an iconic part of the country), finding a genuinely ethical elephant sanctuary in Thailand is absolutely essential.

“Ethical” gets thrown around a lot these days and it can be really hard to tell what’s real and what’s just good marketing.

But Chang Chill is the real deal.

A truly ethical elephant sanctuary near Chiang Mai where there’s no riding, no bathing and no forced interaction with tourists, just a peaceful forest environment where the elephants can live as naturally as possible.

We left feeling like we’d made the right choice, both as travellers and photographers. It was a chance to document these incredible animals in a respectful and kind way.

Photography tips

• You won’t need a zoom lens or a tripod here; this is all about moving quickly and capturing natural, candid moments. A handheld setup with a wide-angle lens is your best bet for documenting the experience.

• The elephants roam freely in a forested setting, so focus on storytelling, the space, the atmosphere and the quiet moments that show what ethical tourism really looks like. Our favourite shots were those where the ele’s were peeking out from the bushes!

Best Time of day

Tour times at Chang Chill are fixed and you can choose between a half-day or full-day experience. While you won’t be there during golden hour, don’t worry, the forest provides plenty of shade, so the light is still soft and manageable for photos.

How to get to Chang chill

Chang Chill includes pick up and drop off with all of their tours, so no need to worry about getting there.

Or you can book a tour through one of our favourite tour companies, Seek Sophie!👇

Where to stay

Since Chang Chill is only an hour from the city, we definitely recommend basing yourself in Chiang Mai. We stayed at Hotel De Khuvieng and loved it, it’s a great base for exploring the city and makes day trips like this super easy. 

It’s about a 15-minute walk from the heart of the Old Town, which not only makes it more affordable than staying inside the moat, but also means you’ll easily hit your step count for the day!

7. Phu Chi Fa National Park, Chiang Rai Province

Why we loved phu chi fa 👇

Phu Chi Fa gave us the most breathtaking views we saw on our Northern Thailand road trip and quickly became one of our favourite places to visit in Northern Thailand. 

At sunrise (in dry season) the entire valley below fills with rolling clouds, a soft, swirling sea of fog that stretches out toward the mountains of Laos. 

It’s a popular spot with Thai locals for their holidays and you probably won’t see many other Western tourists around. Which means it’s quieter than many of the more famous spots and feels like a true hidden gem.

We spent five nights here just to make the most of sunrise and golden hour at a few different spots and it felt like the perfect amount of time for slow travellers like us.

Photography tips

•  If you’re coming for the famous sea of clouds, sunrise is a must, especially between November and February, when the conditions are just right.

• Our favourite photography spot was a rocky outcrop just a few minutes’ walk from the main peak. It gave us a great side view of the cliffs and valleys, with long grasses and layered clouds that made for beautiful depth and composition.

• Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the mountains and sky in a single frame and look for foreground details like wildflowers or trees to help anchor your shots. An ND filter is useful here, since the sun rises directly in front of you, or you can angle slightly to the left or right to avoid the harshest light.

• If you’re flying a drone, be mindful of others doing the same. We saw several in the air and flew ours away from the crowd.

Best Time of day to photograph Phu Chi Fa

Morning at sunrise. 

By midday, that dreamy sea of clouds will be long gone, completely vanished like it was never there.

So if you’re chasing that foggy, magical landscape (and trust me, it’s worth it!), make sure you’re up there before sunrise, ready and waiting before the first light even peeks over the horizon. It’s early, yes but sooo worth it.

How to get to Phu Chi Fa

 Phu Chi Fa is about 3 hours from Chiang Rai by car, or 5 hours from Chiang Mai. Roads are good but steep and winding in places.

Self-driving is the easiest, we rented a car via Booking.com for £22 day, including full insurance.

If you don’t want to drive, then hire a Private driver or book this tour.

Where to stay in Phu Chi Fa

We stayed at Ban Chomdoi Resort in Pha Tang, around 20 km from Phu Chi Fa. It’s simple, peaceful and had the best view we had in all of Thailand, we even photographed a full cloud inversion from our room.

They also provided amazing vegetarian meals all cooked fresh to order and the friendliest cat and dog, which quickly became our best friends.

There are also dome tents, camping and cabins closer to the peak if you prefer to be right on site.

8. Doi Pha Tang, Chiang Rai Province

Why we Loved Doi Pha Tang 👇

Just 40 minutes from Phu Chi Fa, Doi Pha Tang delivers equally dramatic views but without the crowds. 

We visited in December and had the whole mountain almost entirely to ourselves. The peak sits at 1,900 metres, with sweeping views across both Thailand and Laos, layers of misty mountains and peaceful trails that make it feel like your own little corner of the world.

Photography tips

• If you’re heading out for sunrise or sunset, a tripod is your best friend. This will keep your camera steady and your images sharp in low light. And if you’re shooting in manual, it lets you drop your shutter speed below 1/30 to keep your ISO low and your photos clean and crisp.

• Bring a wide-angle lens to capture both the flowers and the landscape in one frame.

• If you do choose to visit Doi Pha Tang at sunrise and you have a drone, due to the altitude of the mountain, you can fly high enough over the clouds to capture the cloud inversions over Laos, which makes for a very dramatic scene!

Best time of day to visit Doi Pha Tang

We found sunset to be the best time for photography here, mornings were often misty and obscured the view, while the afternoon light brought out golden tones across the hills.

How to get to Doi Pha Tang

Although Doi Pha Tang is only 25km north of Phu Chi Fa, it’s much less visited than its popular neighbour and so, unless you book a private driver from Chiang Rai, you’d need your own car to get here as currently there are no direct tours here.

The roads are well paved and there’s a free car park at the top of Pha Tang. If you’re staying in Pha Tang village, it’s just a 10-minute drive.

Where to stay for Doi Pha Tang

We stayed at Ban Chomdoi Resort, just 10 minutes from Doi Pha Tang and 35 minutes from Phu Chi Fa. The views from our hut were incredible and we could see the sea of clouds from our room every morning.

9. Doi Mae Salong (Santikhiri), Chiang Rai Province

Why we loved Mae Salong

As you head further north, the places to visit in Northern Thailand just keep getting better, with fewer tourists, richer cultural experiences and some of our favourite sunrise spots. 

Doi Mae Salong is a peaceful mountain village near the Myanmar border and part of Thailand’s Golden Triangle.  It it felt like a world away from the busy tourist hubs of Thailand. With its Yunnanese Chinese heritage, rolling tea plantations and sweeping views, it was one of the most unique places we visited in our three months of travel.

The iced lemon tea here? The best we had anywhere.

Our favourite photography spots were the tea plantations and Wat Phra That Santitham Temple.

Photography Tips

•  For tea plantation photos, head to Wang Put Tan, where the rows of hedges roll across the hills like waves. We visited in November, when everything was lush and green, but there was no harvesting. If that’s something you want to photograph, we recommend checking directly with the plantation when they will be out picking. 

• For temples, Wat Phra That Santitham was our standout. The sweeping staircase is stunning. A wide lens works best here and bright clothing really helps your subject pop. It also looks fantastic with a drone.

Best time of day

We visited the tea plantations in the morning and the temple straight after, it wasn’t the best light but it worked okay as it was a little cloudy. We’d say aim for early morning or later afternoon in both cases if you have time in your itinerary.

How to get to Mae Salong

Mae Salong is around 90 minutes from Chiang Rai City and while the roads are steep and winding, they’re in good condition.

🚗Self-drive: We hired a car for £22 /day with full insurance, which was easy, reliable and gave us total freedom to explore.

🚕Taxi/private transfer: Easy to arrange from Chiang Rai for around £10–13. Once in Mae Salong, you can get around on foot or hire motorbike taxis locally.

🚐Tours: If you’re short on time or you just don’t fancy hiring a car, GetYourGuide and Viator offer day tours that include stops at Doi Mae Salong, Doi Tung and local tea plantations.

Where to stay in Mae Salong

We stayed at Maesalong Villa and for £22/night including breakfast, it was a gem. Clean, comfortable, with incredible views from the balcony, especially if you request a top-floor room. The on-site restaurant also had some great vegetarian options.

10. Chiang Mai’s Old Town Temples

Why we loved the temples 👇

 Chiang Mai’s Old Town is one of those places that just feels good to wander. It’s compact, full of history and totally walkable. 

We visited Wat Lok Molee just after sunrise and it was one of our favourites, really quiet, weathered and full of charm with a splash of colour.

Then we headed over to Wat Chedi Luang, with its huge, crumbling chedi and towering elephant sculptures. Even though it’s more popular, it still had a calm, reverent feel in the early light. These are easily two of the best photography spots in Chiang Mai.

Photography Tip

• Use a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the chedis and temple grounds and keep an eye out for small details like flags, incense smoke and golden statues catching the light.

Best time to visit the temples of Chiang Mai

Go early.

Honestly, this applies to most places, but the soft golden light and peaceful atmosphere in Chiang Mai’s temples before 8 a.m. is just magical. We wandered out around 6:30 a.m. and it felt like we had the city to ourselves.

How to get to Chiang Mai

There are loads of ways to get to Chiang Mai, but in our opinion, there’s only one that’s actually fun, the overnight sleeper train from Bangkok. It’s cheap, easy and kind of magical. 

I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy sharing a cabin with strangers, but honestly?

It was quiet, comfy and I actually slept really well.

If the overnight option isn’t for you, there’s also a day train with gorgeous countryside views, just bring snacks, a podcast and some patience as it’s a long old trip.

We always book our trains through 12Go Asia — their service has been consistently great.

Where to stay in Chiang Mai

First time in Chiang Mai?

The Old Town is the most popular spot. You’ll be walking distance from temples, cafés, markets and some of the city’s best street food. 

That said, we stayed just outside the moat and absolutely loved it. We chose Hotel De Khuvieng,  it had a pool, gym and one of the best views we’ve had from a breakfast room. Plus, it was much cheaper than the spots inside the Old Town.

🛏️ Also worth checking out:

• Bossotel Chiang Mai — perfect if you’re arriving by train or just need a reliable overnight stay with a good breakfast.

• If you’re staying longer or prefer your own space, Airbnb has great apartment options all over the city.

11. Chiang Mai Lantern Festival

Why we loved it (and didn’t) 👇

 We can’t talk about Chiang Mai photography spots without mentioning the Thailand Lantern Festival. It’s one of the most famous events in Thailand and easily the most photographed.

Now, would we recommend taking part in the mass lantern releases? 

Honestly, no.

While the photos might look stunning, the reality didn’t quite live up to the hype for us.

It’s not only illegal in the main city, but it’s dangerous (think fire engines and trees on fire) and it’s also just super bad for the environment.

But the Loy Krathong Festival itself? That’s a different story.

It’s loud, it’s vibrant and if you’re into photographing people, movement and colour, you’ll love it. 

The Loy Krathong parade was our highlight: traditional Thai dancers, dragon performances, giant floats and music echoing through the streets. We came away with some of our favourite street photography shots from all of Thailand.

Photography Tips

• If your main goal is to photograph the lanterns in the sky, you’ll need to book a ticketed launch (like CAD or Yee Peng Lanna) outside the city, as public launches in the Old Town are now banned (but still happen). Just be aware: they’re expensive and in all honesty, releasing paper lanterns is still pretty bad for the environment.

• For the Loy Krathong Parade, we’d suggest a mid-range zoom lens (like a 24–70mm) if you’re shooting portraits and details of the floats and costumes. But a wide-angle lens can be great too to capture the full scene and street atmosphere.

Best time for Chiang Mai Lantern festival

The event usually takes place in November, aligning with the full moon of the second month in the Lanna lunar calendar. In 2025, it’s expected to be held on 5–6 November but the exact dates change year to year. 

How to get to Chiang Mai

Same advice as the previous spot, we highly recommend the overnight sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Not only is it more scenic and sustainable than flying, but it’s a genuinely fun way to travel through Thailand. 

We booked through 12Go Asia as always — simple, reliable and great customer service.

Where to stay in Chiang Mai

Same advice as before, stay in or near the Old Town so you can walk everywhere. We based ourselves just outside the moat at Hotel De Khuvieng and it worked brilliantly. Cheaper, quieter and only 15 minutes from all the action.

Map of Northern Thailand Photography Spots

To give you a feel for where everything is, we’ve popped all the best places to visit in Northern Thailand from this guide onto a map. 

Many of them also happen to be some of the most unique things to do in Northern Thailand, whether you’re a photographer or just love discovering hidden gems.

Photography etiquette

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement as a Travel Photographer.  

But a little bit of thoughtfulness goes a long way when you’re out photographing places that people actually live in.

👉 If you’re taking photos of locals (or your guide), always ask first

A quick smile and gesture is usually enough and we’ve found most people are happy to say yes, especially if you offer to share the photo afterwards. But nobody wants to feel like they’re being treated like a tourist attraction.

👉 Stick to the trails

It can be tempting to step off for a better angle or a less obstructed shot, but trampling crops or damaging plants for the sake of a photo just isn’t worth it. We always try to leave places exactly as we found them, no broken branches, no crushed flowers, and no awkward stares from the farmer whose land you just walked through.

👉 Be mindful when flying drones

Don’t fly too close to temples or sacred sites unless clearly permitted and be sure to check areas on a case-by-case basis. Drones are banned in some places in Doi Inthanon due to the altitude.

If you’re planning to fly a drone in Thailand, you must have the correct registration and licences, even for personal use.

We flew our drone in several locations across North Thailand and while it was mostly fine, we always kept it discreet and well away from others. If you’re ever unsure, ask a local or guide before taking off.

When’s the best time to visit northern thailand for photography?

If you’re planning a trip to Northern Thailand with photography in mind, the timing of your visit is absolutely key. Weather, air quality, light conditions and trail access all vary quite a bit throughout the year, and those differences can make or break your photo opportunities.

We’re always chasing that beautiful, soft light, those dramatic sunrises and (let’s be honest) the fewest crowds possible.

The very best time weather-wise is November to February, although towards the end of the rainy season is better for waterfalls. (Sept and Oct)

So here’s a month-by-month breakdown of what to expect and when you’ll get the best conditions for those incredible landscape shots.👇

☀️ November to February: Golden Season for Photographers

This is hands down the best time to visit for photography. The weather is cool, dry and clear,  especially early in the morning, and visibility is at its absolute best. Just bring layers as it gets chillier than you might think. We were in jackets and trousers every day.

⚠️ March to April: Haze Season (Burning)

This is the season we don’t recommend for photography. It’s known as the burning season, when local farmers practice crop burning, filling the sky with thick smoke and significantly reducing visibility.

☔ May to October: Rainy Season

This is a bit of a wildcard. The rainy season brings lush, green landscapes, which look wonderful in photos, but it also comes with a little risk as some trails might be closed and you might get heavy rain.

If you don’t mind a little rain, this season can be brilliant for more atmospheric shots. It’s also the quietest time to visit, so if you’re looking to escape the crowds and get off the beaten path, it could work in your favour.

How to get to northern Thailand

Before you can start exploring all the dreamy photography spots in Northern Thailand, you’ll need to make your way to Chiang Mai, the main hub and jumping-off point for everywhere else in the north.

There are a few different ways to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai… but honestly?

There’s only one we’d actually recommend:

The overnight sleeper train from bangkok to chiang mai

Taking the overnight sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is one of those iconic Thailand travel experiences and for good reason.

It’s more affordable, more eco-friendly than flying and genuinely a lovely way to travel. 

Plus, you fall asleep in one city and wake up in another. What’s not to love?

Now, I’ll be honest. I wasn’t completely sold at first. I’m a total introvert and very fussy when it comes to sleep, so the thought of sharing a carriage bedroom with a bunch of strangers didn’t exactly fill me with joy.

But… turns out I loved it.

The beds were way comfier than expected, it was super quiet and something about the gentle rocking of the train actually helped me sleep (which never happens for me). 

There’s something magical about waking up just as the train pulls into the misty hills of Chiang Mai and it’s the perfect gentle start to your Northern Thailand adventure.

You can check out exactly what to expect and how to book your tickets [here].

Sleeper trains aren’t your thing?

If sleeping on a train sounds like a nightmare (pun fully intended), there’s also a day train option. It takes a bit longer than flying, but it’s a relaxing journey with countryside views the whole way.

Just pack some snacks, your favourite playlist or podcast and settle in for a chilled ride north.

Booking your train tickets to chiang mai

We book all our trains in Asia through 12Go Asia — they’re reliable, easy to use and have amazing customer service if anything goes wrong (which, let’s face it, is sometimes part of the adventure).

Getting around Northern Thailand

Once you’ve arrived in Chiang Mai, the next step is figuring out how you’re going to get around and if you’re anything like us, you’re going to want the freedom to chase sunrises, skip the tour groups and explore off-the-beaten-path photography spots on your own terms.

Hire a Car – The best option

If we could give just one piece of advice for getting around Northern Thailand, it would be this: hire a car.

Honestly, it made such a difference to our trip.

We hired a car for three weeks through Booking.com and had a super easy, affordable experience. No horror stories and no last-minute issues. 

If you’re planning to visit places like Phu Chi Fa, Doi Inthanon, Doi Pha Tang, or Doi Mae Salong, you’ll need early starts and access to remote roads. 

Tours are great for hitting the highlights, but a car lets you do it your way, at golden hour, with your gear in the boot and no one telling you when to leave.

We wrote a full Driving in Thailand Guide for anyone on the fence, it’s packed with honest advice, things to watch out for and all the boring-but-important stuff like international permits and deposits.

If you’d rather not hire a car, you can still see the main highlights by joining day tours from the nearest cities. It’s a great way to explore without the hassle of driving, but just keep in mind that you’ll be a bit more limited for time at each spot, especially for photography, unless you book a private driver.

🏍️ Why we don’t recommend bikes

We get it. Motorbikes look fun and freedom-y and it seems like everyone is doing it. But here’s the truth: unless you have a proper motorbike licence, we don’t recommend renting one.

Yes, you can hire a scooter without a licence. But you’ll be driving illegally and your travel insurance almost definitely won’t cover you.

That means if anything goes wrong (and we saw a lot of bandaged-up backpackers limping around Pai), you’re on your own for medical bills and they add up fast. Plus, you’ll be on the wrong side of the law should you hit someone else. 

We’ve personally witnessed people test-driving bikes with absolutely no experience, crashing into roadside stalls and blaming their partner for it. (True story. It was both hilarious and horrifying.)

Most rental companies won’t even ask to see your licence. Some won’t even flinch if you wobble around like Bambi on wheels. That might sound convenient, but it’s a big red flag and the reality is, Thai roads can be unpredictable and the terrain in the north gets very steep and twisty.

So, unless you’re licensed, experienced and confident riding a motorbike, we recommend sticking to cars or tours.

Travel Photography Gear Essentials for North Thailand

If you’re serious about travel photography in Thailand, especially when chasing waterfalls, temples or sunrises, having the right gear makes all the difference.

✅ Wide-Angle Lens
A wide-angle (like 16–35mm) is a must for capturing sweeping landscapes, temples and waterfalls. We used ours constantly in places like Doi Inthanon and Phu Chi Fa.

✅ Mid-Range Zoom
Something like a 24–70mm gives you flexibility, especially when you want a more compressed look or are photographing details, markets or tighter views.

✅ ND Filters
Especially useful for waterfalls! If you want that smooth, dreamy water effect (and trust us, you will), an ND filter is essential. Also handy for dealing with harsh sunlight during sunrise shoots

✅ Lightweight Tripod
If you’re doing long exposures (think soft water or low-light scenes), you’ll need a tripod. Just don’t bring anything too bulky, Thailand is not the place for lugging around heavy gear.

✅ Dry Bag + Rain Cover + Lens cloth
The spray at waterfalls like Wachirathan is no joke! Protect your camera with a rain cover and use a dry bag for storage, particularly if you’re visiting during rainy season or like to get close

✅ Spare Batteries and SD Cards
You’ll be shooting a lot, especially at sunrise and sunset when light changes quickly. Don’t get caught short.

✅ Drone (Optional, but incredible!)
We brought our DJI Mavic 3 and flew it in several remote locations without issue. But make sure you’ve registered your drone and secured the proper permissions before flying in Thailand. It’s not as casual as some people think and the fines can be hefty. We recommend Drone Traveller for up-to-date legal advice and info.

Clothing and Accessories to pack for northern thailand

🧣 Bring layers for sunrise shoots
A lightweight fleece or thermal top is a game changer at 6am in places like Doi Inthanon or Phu Chi Fa. Temperatures can drop below 10°C and feel colder with the wind.

🥾 Comfortable walking shoes
You’ll be walking up viewpoints, down trails and across uneven paths. We loved our breathable hiking trainers, cool enough for the day but sturdy enough for rough terrain.

🩳 Lightweight, quick-dry clothing
For daytime hikes or city wandering, stick with breathable clothes you can layer. Loose trousers or long skirts help with temple dress codes too.

🧢 A hat and sunscreen
Even in the mountains, the sun is strong. Protect your skin when you’re out chasing the light.

🎒 A comfy camera backpack
One with padding, space for a water bottle and easy-access side zips for your camera = game changer.

is it safe to travel in Northern Thailand as a photographer?

Yes, Northern Thailand felt incredibly safe the entire time we were there.

From busy cities like Chiang Mai to quiet mountain villages, we never once felt uncomfortable or worried when we were just walking around or had out cameras out.

People were warm and welcoming, even at roadside police stops and we didn’t experience a single scam, which can’t be said for everywhere!

Road Safety in Northern Thailand

We hired a car and drove across the region for three weeks and it was a smooth, stress-free experience. The roads are generally in good condition (though expect winding routes in the mountains) and Thai drivers were some of the most patient we’ve come across.

If you’re a confident driver and take it slow on the steeper roads, it’s a brilliant way to explore the region and reach the more remote photo spots in Northern Thailand.

Which is the best tourist sim in Thailand?

If you’re anything like us, staying connected while travelling is a must, not just for directions and Google Translate, but also for backing up your photos, checking sunrise times and scouting new locations. 

And in Northern Thailand, where you’ll likely be heading off the beaten track to places like Phu Chi Fa or Mae Salong, having good coverage really matters.

We recommend AIS as the best SIM card for photographers and travellers in general.

They’ve got the most reliable coverage across northern Thailand, even out in the remote mountain areas where other providers can drop out. 

Having reliable coverage meant we could scout new places to visit in Northern Thailand on the go, check sunrise times and back up our photos without hassle.

We used AIS throughout our entire Northern Thailand trip and had a strong signal almost everywhere we went.

There’s a shop in Chiang Mai and a few in Bangkok, you can walk into to get sorted.

If you’d rather get sorted before you land, you can also opt for an eSIM  just make sure your phone is compatible.

We’ve used an eSIM before when we were landing back in the UK and needed something straight away and it was extremely simple to set up and use.

More expensive yes, but its worth it if you want a hassle-free experience.

So, is Northern Thailand worth it for photography?

If we haven’t convinced you already and you still aren’t really sure, then rest assured, North Thailand is absolutely worth it for travel photography.

Whether you’re a beginner photographer or just love exploring beautiful places, there’s no shortage of incredible places to visit in Northern Thailand.

It’s hands-down one of the best regions we’ve explored for photography and it’s so much more than just the classic Chiang Mai temple shots you see everywhere.

If you’re willing to venture beyond the city walls, you’ll be rewarded with misty mountain sunrises, flower-filled trails, quiet hilltop temples and some of the best photography spots in Thailand.

Places like Phu Chi Fa, Doi Mae Salong and Doi Inthanon feel like TRUE hidden gems and we often had the places to ourselves.

If you’re a photographer looking for inspiration, adventure and more authentic moments in Thailand, Northern Thailand is calling.

And honestly? We think you’re going to fall in love with it too.

Where to go next after northern thailand?

So, you’ve explored Northern Thailand and fallen in love with the culture, scenery and food… but you’re itching to discover more of this incredible country?

While most travellers make a beeline for the south, we absolutely loved our time in Kanchanaburi, just a few hours from Bangkok.

It’s home to some of the most stunning waterfalls we’ve ever seen, buzzing night markets, peaceful temples, a genuinely ethical hands-off elephant sanctuary, and heaps of powerful wartime history.

Plus, you can take a really pretty train journey to get there all the way from Bangkok.

If you’re spending time in Bangkok, make sure to visit the Dragon Temple (Wat Samphran), a jaw-droppingly unique Buddhist temple with a dragon wrapped around a pink tower.

It’s one of the most epic drone photography spots we’ve found in Thailand and easily one of the most unusual temples we’ve ever visited.

Thailand is a vast and wonderfully diverse country, packed with unbelievable photography locations. You’re unlikely to see it all in one go but like us, you’ll probably find yourself planning your next trip while editing your photos back at home!