Pictures of Northern Thailand
These pictures offer a glimpse into life in mountainous Northern Thailand. Select any one of these pictures for a slide show of photogenic Northern Thailand. You can also see pictures of Chiang Mai in a separate gallery.
Moat
Bastion
Chedis
Siphum corner
Temples
Rural life
River Ping
Waterfalls
Songkran
Smiles
Fruit vendor
Mother's day
Taking photos in Thailand
Touring Northern Thailand is rewarding, especially if you are a photography enthusiast. The lush, mountainous countryside and sleepy valleys offer some memorable scenes and vistas. Inhabited for at least 1,000 years, the region has a traditional way of life with unique culture, and Northern Thailand and Chiang Mai will provide unforgettable pictures of your travels.
Thais love taking pictures and their beloved King is a keen photographer. Often students and Thai tourists may ask you, the foreigner, to pose with them in their pictures - do oblige. Northern Thailand and Chiang Mai, in particular, offers a rich tapestry for the enthusiast's lens, with plenty of colour, exquisite decoration, stunning natural scenery and graceful people.
When taking pictures in Chiang Mai, or Thailand anywhere in Thailand, always be mindful of respected objects, such as Buddhas and temple grounds. They may be photographed freely, but do not trample over sacred objects. You can take pictures at will, the locals seldom mind, but it's polite to ask by simply saying 'Thai ruup dai mai krap (male), ka (female)'?
Professional camera shops can be found in the main malls, near Thapae Gate (PhotoBug) and the Night Market. They can offer service assistance and sell cameras and accessories. Good deals can also be had in many gadget stores, including for memory cards and rechargeable batteries. These, along with film, are still sold at popular tourist spots. Some shops will display signs saying 'No Photo' and the colourful, but impoverished, hill-tribe folk will usually insist on a small donation - 20 baht is a suitable gesture.
