Chiang Rai, located in northern Thailand, is an enchanting destination that offers some of the best wildlife and photography spots for nature lovers and photographers alike. From lush jungles to tranquil lakes, the region is home to diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Whether you’re looking to capture the beauty of exotic animals or the serene environments of rural Thailand, Chiang Rai has something special for every photographer. Let’s explore some of the top wildlife and photography spots in the area, where you can immerse yourself in nature’s splendor.
Singha Park
Address: Singha Park Chiang Rai
| Type | Wildlife, Landscape, Safari Photography |
| Time to Spend | 2 to 3 hours |
Singha Park is a vast area combining natural beauty and wildlife. It’s a fantastic location for capturing both landscapes and animal photography, with safari-style enclosures housing zebras, giraffes, and more.
The park’s tea plantations, vast fields, and rolling hills create stunning backdrops for your photos. If you’re a fan of wide-angle shots or close-ups of animals, Singha Park will offer a variety of opportunities. It’s a peaceful spot that allows you to connect with nature.
Doi Mae Salong
Address: Mae Salong Nok, Mae Fa Luang District, Chiang Rai 57110, Thailand
| Type | Landscape, Cultural Photography |
| Time to Spend | 3 to 4 hours |
Doi Mae Salong is a hilltop town offering some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in northern Thailand. The landscape, dotted with tea plantations and misty mountains, makes it a prime spot for landscape photographers.
You’ll also find vibrant local culture here, as the area is home to Chinese settlers. Spend some time exploring the local markets and capturing the daily life of the residents alongside nature’s beauty. The serene atmosphere is perfect for peaceful photography.
Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
Address: WR4M+5M2, Tambon Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
| Type | Street, Cultural Photography |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 hours |
For photographers interested in street and cultural shots, Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is a must-visit. The market is alive with color, from bright neon signs to the hustle and bustle of street vendors.
Capture the faces of locals, traditional crafts, and street food, or the unique architecture that surrounds the bazaar. The golden hour during the evening offers ideal lighting conditions for capturing the market’s vibrant atmosphere. It’s a great place to witness and photograph local life in Chiang Rai.
Golden Triangle
Address: Chiang Rai, Thailand
| Type | Landscape, Historical Photography |
| Time to Spend | 2 to 3 hours |
The Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge, offers some of the most dramatic landscapes in the region. This historic site is rich in both natural beauty and cultural significance. You can capture stunning shots of the Mekong River and dense jungles.
The area is perfect for wide shots, offering excellent perspectives on the surrounding countries and landscapes. This is a perfect spot for historical and geographical photography, especially for those interested in border areas and natural beauty.
Pha Tak Luang Waterfall
Address: CMRX+GJ8 Unnamed Road Mae Yen, Phan District, Chiang Rai 57280, Thailand
| Type | Nature, Landscape Photography |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 hours |
Pha Tak Luang Waterfall is a hidden gem in Chiang Rai, tucked away in the jungle. The waterfall’s cascading waters provide a dramatic and serene backdrop for nature and landscape photographers.
You can explore the surrounding jungle to capture various flora and fauna, making it an excellent spot for wildlife photography as well. The peaceful surroundings create a perfect setting to shoot long exposures of the waterfall. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time for natural light.
Baan Dam Museum (Black House)
Address: 333 Nang Lae, อำเภอเมือง Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
| Type | Architectural, Cultural Photography |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 hours |
The Baan Dam Museum, also known as the Black House, offers a unique combination of cultural and architectural photography. The museum consists of several dark-themed buildings designed by the late Thai artist Thawan Duchanee.
The architecture, intricate carvings, and surrounding gardens create dramatic settings for photography. You can capture the contrast between the dark structures and the vibrant flora. It’s a place rich in symbolism, perfect for photographers interested in more artistic and thematic shots.
Khun Korn Waterfall
Address: Chiang Rai, Thailand
| Type | Nature, Landscape Photography |
| Time to Spend | 1.5 to 2 hours |
Khun Korn Waterfall is one of Chiang Rai’s most beautiful waterfalls, located in a lush jungle setting. The path to the waterfall offers opportunities to photograph the dense greenery and various species of wildlife.
The tall waterfall itself creates a striking scene, especially when captured with long-exposure techniques. The surrounding area is peaceful and perfect for landscape photographers who enjoy capturing natural beauty. The best time to visit is early morning or after rain when the water flow is more dramatic.
Elephant Valley Thailand
Address: RQ8H+XH7, Unnamed Road, Pa O Don Chai, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
| Type | Wildlife, Animal Photography |
| Time to Spend | 2 to 3 hours |
Elephant Valley Thailand offers an ethical and sustainable environment for rescued elephants. As an animal photographer, this is an ideal location to capture intimate moments with these majestic creatures in a more natural and compassionate setting.
Elephant Valley focuses on the welfare of elephants, and visitors are encouraged to observe rather than participate in activities like riding. It’s a fantastic place to take meaningful photographs of elephants in their natural habitat, making it both a heartwarming and photogenic experience.
Doi Tung Royal Villa and Gardens
Address: 920, Mae Fa Luang, Mae Fa Luang District, Chiang Rai 57240, Thailand
| Type | Landscape, Architecture, Floral Photography |
| Time to Spend | 2 to 3 hours |
Doi Tung Royal Villa and its gardens offer a combination of landscape, floral, and architectural photography. The royal villa, set against the backdrop of lush mountains, has beautiful gardens with a variety of flowers and plant species.
The unique architecture and surrounding scenery provide ample opportunities for capturing both wide landscape shots and detailed close-ups of flora. The time spent here can be both peaceful and productive, offering different angles to explore, especially if you enjoy capturing a mix of nature and design.
Mae Fah Luang Garden
Address: Mae Fa Luang, Mae Fah Luang District, Chiang Rai 57240, Thailand
| Type | Floral, Landscape Photography |
| Time to Spend | 1.5 to 2 hours |
Mae Fah Luang Garden is a botanical wonderland, perfect for floral and landscape photographers. The garden is beautifully landscaped, with a variety of flowers, plants, and trees that bloom throughout the year.
It’s an ideal place to experiment with close-up shots of plants and flowers or wider landscapes that show off the vibrant color palette. Early morning or late afternoon provides the best light for shooting here. The peaceful environment adds to the tranquil mood, making it an exceptional spot for nature photography.
Lahu Hilltribe Village
Address: 175 ม.1 บ้านดอยฮางใน ต.ดอยฮาง เมือง Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
| Type | Cultural, Village Photography |
| Time to Spend | 2 to 3 hours |
The Lahu Hilltribe Village provides an excellent opportunity to capture the traditional life of the Lahu people, an ethnic minority group in northern Thailand. The village is surrounded by lush green hills, providing a stunning backdrop for both portraits and landscape shots.
You can capture the daily life of the villagers, their traditional houses, and vibrant clothing. It’s a unique cultural experience that’s perfect for those looking to add a human element to their nature and travel photography.
Wat Rong Khun
Address: Chiang Rai, Thailand
| Type | Architectural, Art Photography |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 hours |
Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is one of Thailand’s most striking and unique temples. Its intricate architecture, white façade, and symbolic artwork make it a photographer’s dream.
Whether you’re interested in wide-angle shots of the entire structure or detailed close-ups of the artistic elements, this temple provides endless opportunities for creative photography. While not a wildlife spot, it’s an essential location for anyone interested in capturing surreal, otherworldly architecture and art.
Tham Luang Cave
Address: 9VJ9+G5V, Pong Pha, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai 57130, Thailand
| Type | Adventure, Landscape Photography |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 hours |
Tham Luang Cave, famous for the Wild Boars soccer team rescue, offers an exciting and dramatic photography opportunity. The cave features unique rock formations and offers a chance for adventure photographers to capture underground scenes.
The surrounding forest and hillside make it a dynamic location for capturing both landscapes and adventure shots. For photographers who enjoy the challenge of shooting in lower light conditions, this cave offers an exciting setting with the possibility of unique photos of both nature and history.
Chiang Rai Lake (Kaew Lake)
Address: 122 Moo 10 Tambon NangLae Muang Chiangrai, เมือง, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
| Type | Wildlife, Landscape Photography |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 hours |
Chiang Rai Lake, or Kaew Lake, is a tranquil spot for both landscape and wildlife photography. Located near the city center, it offers peaceful surroundings with reflections of the sky and surrounding trees on the water.
It’s an excellent location to photograph local birds or simply capture the serenity of the area. Early mornings or late afternoons provide soft lighting that enhances the reflective surfaces of the lake. It’s a relaxing spot that’s perfect for capturing the quiet beauty of nature in an urban setting.
Phu Chi Fa
Address: Chiang Rai, Thailand
| Type | Landscape, Sunrise Photography |
| Time to Spend | 3 to 4 hours |
Phu Chi Fa is renowned for its breathtaking views, especially at sunrise. The area offers spectacular panoramic views of mountains and valleys, often covered in mist during the early morning hours.
This dramatic setting is perfect for landscape photographers who love capturing the beauty of nature in the soft light of dawn. The foggy mornings create an ethereal atmosphere, making it an unforgettable experience for photographers. Be sure to plan for an early arrival to catch the sunrise and fully capture the magic of Phu Chi Fa.