Capturing Bangkok After Dark: Night Photography Tips Along the Riverside

Bangkok’s charming riverside is one of the best locations for post-sunset photography, where shimmering reflections and golden-lit landmarks reveal a splendour that’s unique to the city. If you’re out to capture this mesmerising essence of the ‘River of Kings’ through your lens, here are a few useful tips to help you succeed.

Master the Blue Hour

Timing is everything, which is why arriving at least 30 minutes before sunset is crucial for capturing the blue hour (6.15 pm – 6.45 pm). This is when the sky takes on a deep indigo, which contrasts beautifully with the warm lights of the Wat Arun.

Stabilise for Long Exposures

Vying to capture the river’s silky smooth waters and the light trails? It’s all about the long exposure. Use a sturdy tripod to keep your ISO low to prevent digital noise. You can even use a bean bag or lens cloth to stabilise your camera on a railing if you’re in a rooftop bar near or at your riverside hotel in Bangkok.

Look for Strategic Vantage Points

For a head-on view of the Wat Arun, head to Tha Tien. Alternatively, the ICONSIAM River Park, not far from Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel, offers a great wide-angle perspective of the city’s skyline reflected in the water, a quintessential shot if you’re out with your camera in Bangkok.

Capture the Light Trails

The neon-lit boats that float along the river are golden subjects for photography. To turn these into streaks of colour, keep your shutter speed between 10 and 30 seconds and use a narrow aperture to create a ‘starburst’ effect to add a professional sparkle to your composition.