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 THAILAND

Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Yi Peng Festival

BHUTAN

THAILAND

CENTRAL VIETNAM

NORTHERN VIETNAM

CAMBODIA

NEPAL

Lavish Temples, Tribal People, and Lantern Festivals

Join us on our 10-day Thailand Photo Tour and Cultural Adventure in the Land of Smiles, where you will also be left beaming ear to ear. This photo trip encompasses the very essence of what Thailand evokes in one’s imagination: jaw-dropping temples, the most fragrant and flavorful of food, and heartwarmingly gracious people at every turn. 

Our Thailand photography journey commences in Bangkok, one of the most thrilling cities in the whole of Asia that boasts an impressive array of visuals. We will navigate palaces and temples to capture colossal golden and emerald Buddha statues before heading to markets overflowing with endless goods and trinkets. At nightfall, the city becomes illuminated by neon where we will snap the whirlwind street life that punctuates the end of each day.

Venturing north to Chiang Rai, we will visit the area’s numerous temples, such as the mesmerizing Wat Rong Khun, a bright white modern masterpiece adorned with symbolic artwork and highly elaborate carvings. In stark contrast to the extravagance of these spiritual sites, we will also head to the hills outside of the city to meet and photograph local tribes striving to preserve their traditional way of life against the might of modern Thailand.

In Chiang Mai, prepare to witness perhaps the most visually stunning moment on this journey – the Yi Peng festival. Taking place under the full moon of the final month of the Buddhist calendar, thousands of lanterns ascend to the heavens, like ethereal flame-colored sprites against the black night sky. Find your camera drawn to this spellbinding spectacle like a moth to a flame. 

If you’re left craving a bit of coast, our 4-day Tropical Thailand Photo Trip is the perfect add-on. We will spend our time in Phuket and hop around its neighboring islands, beaching during the day and taking in its world-renowned nocturnal party scene at night. This trip will also give us a chance to tuck into Thai cuisine, particularly its simple yet flavor-filled seafood, promising both a gustatory and visual feast.

These immersive 10-day and 4-day photography tours are more than just quests to capture exceptional images; they’re an invitation to elevate your craft and see the world through a new lens. Our expert photographer guides will not only lead you to the most photogenic locations under the best light but help you master the art of visual storytelling. Along the way, you’ll refine your camera techniques and discover how to navigate the challenges of photographing in a foreign land. You’ll also learn to anticipate a scene before capturing the decisive moment, elevating ordinary photos into extraordinary works of art.

Join us for spirited discussions, enriching camaraderie, and moments of unforgettable inspiration. Thailand, a place of endless smiles, streetlife, and spirituality, will inspire you to create a visual diary that you will cherish forever. Your photographic odyssey begins here! 

Our Thailand photography journey commences in Bangkok, one of the most thrilling cities in the whole of Asia that boasts an impressive array of visuals. We will navigate palaces and temples to capture colossal golden and emerald Buddha statues before heading to markets overflowing with endless goods and trinkets. At nightfall, the city becomes illuminated by neon where we will snap the whirlwind street life that punctuates the end of each day.

Venturing north to Chiang Rai, we will visit the area’s numerous temples, such as the mesmerizing Wat Rong Khun, a bright white modern masterpiece adorned with symbolic artwork and highly elaborate carvings. In stark contrast to the extravagance of these spiritual sites, we will also head to the hills outside of the city to meet and photograph local tribes striving to preserve their traditional way of life against the might of modern Thailand.

In Chiang Mai, prepare to witness perhaps the most visually stunning moment on this journey – the Yi Peng festival. Taking place under the full moon of the final month of the Buddhist calendar, thousands of lanterns ascend to the heavens, like ethereal flame-colored sprites against the black night sky. Find your camera drawn to this spellbinding spectacle like a moth to a flame.

If you’re left craving a bit of coast, our 4-day Tropical Thailand Photo Trip is the perfect add-on. We will spend our time in Phuket and hop around its neighboring islands, beaching during the day and taking in its world-renowned nocturnal party scene at night. This trip will also give us a chance to tuck into Thai cuisine, particularly its simple yet flavor-filled seafood, promising both a gustatory and visual feast.

These immersive 10-day and 4-day photography tours are more than just quests to capture exceptional images; they’re an invitation to elevate your craft and see the world through a new lens. Our expert photographer guides will not only lead you to the most photogenic locations under the best light but help you master the art of visual storytelling. Along the way, you’ll refine your camera techniques and discover how to navigate the challenges of photographing in a foreign land. You’ll also learn to anticipate a scene before capturing the decisive moment, elevating ordinary photos into extraordinary works of art.

Join us for spirited discussions, enriching camaraderie, and moments of unforgettable inspiration. Thailand, a place of endless smiles, streetlife, and spirituality, will inspire you to create a visual diary that you will cherish forever. Your photographic odyssey begins here! 

TOUR OVERVIEW

Group Size

4-8 Guests

Experience | Difficulty

  • Beginner, amateur, enthusiast and semi-pro photographers
  • DSLR, mirrorless, compact or iPhone cameras
  • Busy schedule
  • Travel by car, minibus and airplane
  • Moderate elevation changes and lots of walking
  • (non-photographers also welcome)

Weather | Sun

November – Temps 85/64 F | 29/18 C  Sunrise 6:16 | Sunset 5:48 (17:48)

Includes

  • 10 or 13 Days
  • Travel, landscape, seascape, wildlife, and people photography
  • Professional photographer | guide
  • Photo walks & discussions
  • Small group size (4-8 guests)
  • Premium hotels
  • Breakfasts
  • 2 Dinners
  • 2 Domestic flights
  • Local transportation

Travel Information

Arrival and Departure Airport: Bangkok, Thailand (BKK or DMK) – Transfer time 45min
Extension Departure Airport: Phuket, Thailand (HKT)
Our adventure begins at 11 AM on the first day and ends at noon on the last day.
Travel Visa: A visa may be required depending on your nationality. We suggest you use iVisa.com They are excellent at providing quick service for obtaining travel visas.

Accommodations

Bangkok – Sukhothai Hotel, The Muse, Lebua Hotel or similar
Chiang Rai – Le Meridien, Mora Boutique Hotel or similar
Chiang Mai – Ping Nakara Boutique, Chala #6, Inside House Hotel or similar

Helpful Links

> Bangkok Temples and Towers – by Ian Robert Knight
Photographing People in Asia – by Ian Robert Knight
5 Best Things to See in Chiang Mai – by Ian Robert Knight
UNESCO Sites in Asia – by Ian Robert Knight
Five Best Dishes to Eat in Thailand – by Ian Robert Knight
The Historic City of Ayutthaya – by Ian Robert Knight

Thailand Prices & Dates

Thailand & Tropical Prices & Dates

Photographer Leader

Photographer Leader

Lorenz Berna

October 30 – November 8/11, 2025
November 18-18/30, 2026

*All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Please select single occupancy for a private room. For your convenience, we offer optional early arrival and late departure accommodations so you can extend your stay before or after the trip. We typically stay in upscale boutique hotels in the 4 and 5-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels that offer cultural, historic, and/or authentic features. Depending on the size of the group, smaller boutique hotels may have limited room inventory. In some countries or in remote locations, we may be limited to lodges or branded chain hotels. In Cuba, we stay in upscale family-owned Casas (bread & breakfasts). On all of our tours, breakfast is almost always included, but not guaranteed. Meal categories listed include (B) for breakfast, (L) for lunch, and (D) for dinner.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

THAILAND 10 DAY PHOTO TOUR

Day 1 | Bangkok

We begin our adventure in Bangkok. As the most popular city to visit in the world, it has to be experienced to be believed. Thailand in general is a fascinating country, but Bangkok has a reputation as one of the most exciting cities in all of Asia.

Over an early lunch, we will discuss PWA’s “10 Guiding Principles of Photography” as well as our “The Art of Seeing” photographic technique. We will also have informal discussions about what our guests are trying to achieve in their photography, subject matters, styles and techniques.

We will quickly immerse ourselves into Bangkok life, by travelling through the canals of the city, by private longtail boat. We will zip through the city, taking in sights that can only be seen from the canals, stopping in at some lesser-known parts of the city for little side trips into small temples and irresistible food stalls. 

Bangkok has one of the best dining scenes in Southeast Asia, with dozens of Michelin-starred restaurants in all varieties of cuisines. On this evening, we will enjoy our “Welcome Dinner” in one of Bangkok’s best restaurants. (D)

Day 2 | Bangkok

Our second day will be consumed with visits to some of the most impressive temples and palaces anywhere in Southeast Asia. We start with the Grand Palace, which is the ceremonial and traditional location for the Thai Royal family. This is a very large complex, with centuries of history to take in. As Bangkok’s most important attraction, the crowds are large, but then the complex is massive in size too. With the Emerald Buddha on the grounds of the Palace temple, it’s also the most sacred spot in the country. 

Nearby is Wat Po, which holds the incredibly large golden reclining Buddha, among other relics. For first-time visitors, they are taken away with how impressive the reclining statue is, and remain in awe as they walk around it. As the day winds down, we’ll finish at Wat Arun, known as the Temple of Dawn, situated along the mighty Chao Phraya river. (B)

Day 3 | Bangkok

Our final full day in Bangkok will introduce us to some of the local tradesmen who are still pounding out metal alms bowls for monks, as they have for centuries.The last of their kind, their crafts are slowly being replaced by cheaper machined versions, but they hang on to their way of life while they still can. 

We’ll also climb to the top of The Golden Mount, which is the tallest temple in Bangkok, covered in gold, and highest natural land in the city. 

At night, when the heat is reduced, we’ll visit one (or two) of the famous rooftop lounges that Bangkok is famous for, that provide views for miles. (B)

Day 4 | Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Chiang Rai

We will depart Bangkok this morning and drive north one hour to the ancient city of Ayutthaya – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was once the ancient capital of Thailand. Much of the temples and relics that made up this royal city are in ruins today, but still maintain the grandeur and beauty that was part of that era. The morning and early afternoon will be spent visiting what remains of the temples and compounds.

In the late afternoon, we take a short flight north to the ancient city of Chiang Rai — Thailand’s northern-most big city. This town, not far from the borders of Myanmar and Laos, is famous for a number of things. Of particular note are the White Temple, the Black House, and the Blue Temple. 

In the evening, we can review our work so far, and share our best, while learning new editing skills. (B)

Day 5 | Chiang Rai

This morning, we will venture out to Chiang Rai’s most beautiful temple — the White Temple. Wat Rong Khun, as it is officially known, is easily one of the most recognizable temples in Thailand. It’s been open for just over 20 years, and is privately owned. The very intricate details of the carvings and sculptures is what sets this temple apart from any other temple in the country.

After lunch, we will spend time visiting with local hill tribes that occupy small villages outside the city. We’ll get to meet and photography a wide variety of hill tribes such as the Akha, Hmong, Karen, and Yao people. Each of them have their own unique identity, which they are struggling to maintain as modern Thailand changes rapidly around them.  (B)

Day 6 | Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai

Before we leave Chiang Rai, we’ll visit the Blue Temple. This is a relatively new temple, designed in blue and gold, and is visually stunning. Called “Wat Rong Suea Ten” or the ‘House of the Dancing Tiger’, was thus named for the abundant wildlife that used to roam in the area.

Afterwards, we’ll begin a drive across northern Thailand, aiming for Chiang Mai. As the second largest city in the country, Chiang Mai was once the capital of the Kingdom of Lanna, before it became part of what is Thailand today. Remnants of the ancient city walls that once surrounded the city centuries ago are still very evident. 

In the afternoon we will visit the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple on the mountains outside the city. An easy climb up 309 steps (or take the funicular) will bring us into this temple built in the 1300’s, where a golden chedi will shine brightly in the background while the saffron cloaked monks study and worship in silence.

In the evening, we will step out to enjoy Chiang Mai’s famous night market, full of bargains and photographic opportunities. (B)

Day 7 | Chiang Mai

Today will highlight several of northern Thailand’s unique characteristics. We begin our day exploring one of the many elephant sanctuaries, to experience how elephants are cared for after they’ve been rescued from labour farms. There are no elephant rides or tricks in these sanctuaries – just care and attention to these magnificent creatures.

In the afternoon, we’ll spend time visiting a small village where many residents of local hill tribes come together and share their crafts. In the evening, we take in the famous night market that’s always exciting and great to photograph. (B)

Day 8 | Chiang Mai - Yi Peng Festival

Today is when the big festival takes place, and it will run from the afternoon until late at night. So we will have a relaxed morning, with the freedom to explore the city around us as it wakes up. 

After lunch, we will prepare for the evening’s highlight — the Yi Peng Festival (Floating Lanterns). This event will occupy the balance of the day and evening. We will join a few thousand other revellers and experience one of the most incredibly moving events that most people would see in their lifetime. The indisputable highlight of Yi Peng is the spellbinding show that happens when thousands of people converge to release khom loi (lit lanterns) into the night sky.

Prior to the big spectacle, the setting is joyful and serene as monks perform chants during an on-stage ceremony. During the other key ritual of this beautiful Thai festival of lights, participants let go of krathong—small floating vessels made from banana stalks and decorated with incense, offerings, flowers and candles—into rivers, ponds, lakes and other bodies of water, creating an ethereal sight that’s rarely duplicated elsewhere in the world. Surrounding events include bright parades, musical performances, beauty pageants, traditional dances, lantern-making contests, fireworks, and lots and lots of food. Additional cost for premium seats. (B)

Day 9 | Chiang Mai

We’ll begin our day with a visit to a large wet market, where locals do most of their produce and meat shopping. Markets in SE Asia are something you can’t really explain until you’ve seen one. If you want to buy anything, you’ll find it here.

After lunch, we’ll visit the small town of Bo Sang, not too far from Chiang Mai, which is a village famous for its umbrella arts. We have the chance to spend time with the local artisans who create the wide variety of umbrellas by hand. 

In the evening, we’ll have our “Farewell Dinner” in one of Chiang Mai’s best restaurants. (B) (D)

Day 10 | Chiang Mai - Bangkok

During breakfast, we say farewell to our guests and use the opportunity to exchange contact information and share some of the photographs we’ve experienced over the past 10 days.

We say goodbye to Chiang Mai this morning, and head back to Bangkok for connecting flights. You’d be encouraged to stay a few days extra in Bangkok, or experience another of the popular destinations in Thailand.

For those of you staying on for the 4-day Tropical Thailand extension, we will embark on a flight south to Phuket in the early afternoon. (B)

TROPICAL THAILAND 4 DAY EXTENSION

Day 1 | Chiang Mai - Phuket

We arrive in the beach lovers paradise of Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, in the middle of the afternoon. After we check into our resort hotel, we’ll have a little free time before we head into town for dinner.

Phuket is famous for its seafood restaurants, and there are no shortage of great choices for a fantastic meal, with daily fresh catches ready to pick from. After dinner, we’ll take in one of the other things Phuket is famous for — its nightlife. When the sun is down, the city comes alive and heads to Walking Street. There’s plenty to see and hear, and photograph at night in Phuket. (B)

Day 2 | Phuket + Islands

After breakfast, we’ll head to a marina where we meet our private speedboat for a day of island hopping. We will visit 3 or 4 different islands in the Andaman Sea, depending on the tides and the weather. Each location will have its own special appeal, with loads of time to explore and photograph the beauty that beaches in Thailand are famous for. Dinner back at the hotel or nearby. (B)

Day 3 | Phuket Old Town

We’ll have a light morning, with opportunities to enjoy the resort or nearby beaches. After lunch, we head to the south end of the Island to explore Phuket Old Town. You’ll really see the Portuguese influence in the architecture, from when this part of Thailand was settled by explorers looking for tin and other treasures.

Old Town is filled with beautiful old buildings full of character and color. Every street has dozens of shophouses, each one more interesting than the next. Some are cool cafes, suitable for a small respite from the southern Thai sunshine.

After exploring the town, we’ll have our Farewell Dinner at one of the best, and most famous restaurants in Phuket, housed in what was once the Governor’s mansion. (B) (D)

Day 4 | Phuket

During breakfast, we say farewell to our guests and use the opportunity to exchange contact information and share some of the photographs we’ve experienced over the past 13 days.

We say goodbye to Phuket this morning, and prepare to head back home. You can return to Bangkok for connecting flights, or you can fly internationally from Phuket.

You’d be encouraged to stay a few days extra and experience another of the popular destinations in Thailand. (B)

(B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner, (E) Excursion

 

May all who come as guests... leave as friends®

 

Thailand Chiang Rai Phuket Photoworkshopadventures

OPTIONS AND BENEFITS

Pricing

All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Please select single occupancy for a private room. For your convenience, we offer optional early arrival and late departure accommodations so you can extend your stay before or after the trip. We typically stay in boutique hotels in the 4-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels which offer cultural, historic and/or authentic features. Depending on the size of the group, smaller boutique hotels may have limited room inventory. In some countries or in remote locations, we may be limited to lodges or branded chain hotels. Breakfast is included only if included in our room rates.

Private Guided Adventures

We offer amazing private guided photo adventures, cultural tours and vacations for individuals, couples, families and groups. We can customize any of our published adventures, as well as others, to meet your individual needs, schedule, budget and interests. This may include the finest 5-star accommodations, business-class travel, and private guides and fixers who are able to make the impossible possible. If you are not interested in a photo-centric vacation, but you love our approach to private travel, we will be happy to design and deliver an amazing adventure focused on travel, culture and cuisine. Click here to request a quote. Feel free to call us at 1-888-834-0288 or contact us for more information.

Travel Insurance

We offer travel insurance through the internationally recognized Travelex Travel Insurance Company, as well as evacuation and medical transportation insurance through MedJet, one of the best in the industry.

The cost for travel insurance can be as low as 4% of the total trip cost, depending upon age and other factors. Knowing you have trip cancellation coverage can make a big difference should you have to cancel for some unforeseen reason. Travelex Insurance Services is a BBB Accredited business with an A+ rating. Click here to learn more about why you should consider travel insurance.

Rewards Program

Start earning points today and SAVE $200 - $900 off future trips!
Simply register for one of our amazing photo adventures and begin earning points today!

How The Program Works
For every adventure reservation you make with Photo Workshop Adventures, you earn valuable points which you can redeem on your next trip. This is a great way to save up to 8% off future trips. Our Rewards Program is designed with three tiers: Orange, Gold and VIP Members. Points may be applied towards balance payments on your next trip, or you may choose to accumulate points for a free trip in the future.

ORANGE REWARDS
All guests begin with our Orange Rewards Program (Level 1), which earns 4 points for every dollar you spend. You begin earning points immediately after your first trip. A $5,900 spend earns 23,600 points with a value of $236 USD.

GOLD REWARDS
With our Gold Rewards Program (Level 2), you earn 6 points for every dollar you spend. Orange Members who reach 120,000 accumulated lifetime* points (approx. 4-6 trips), automatically move up to Gold Rewards. A $5,900 spend earns 35,400 points with a value of $354 USD.

Additional Gold Benefits:

  • Earn up to double points during promotional events
  • Advance notifications for upcoming adventures and special offers

VIP REWARDS
With our VIP Rewards Program (Level 3), you earn 8 points for every dollar you spend. Gold Members who reach 350,000 accumulated lifetime* points (approx. 8-12 trips) move up to VIP Rewards. A $5,900 spend earns 47,200 points with a value of $472 USD, (8+/-% discount).

Additional VIP Benefits:

  • Earn up to double points during promotional events
  • Advance notifications for upcoming adventures and special offers
  • Ability to Gift or Transfer points to others
  • Receive complimentary airport transfers at the destination location*

Redeeming Your Points
Redeeming your points couldn’t be easier. You can always log in to your account to check your points balance. When you are ready to book your next trip, register and pay your deposit. When you go to pay your balance you will be given the option to apply your points and receive a discount.

THINK ORANGE Magazine

Subscribe to our Think Orange Magazine and eNews. THINK ORANGE is a wonderful mix of stories and tips related to travel, photography, adventure, culture, art, technology, cuisine, lifestyle, people and more. Our objective is to immerse you in a world you may only fantasize about. Raise your awareness and inspire your creativity. Perhaps even help make you a better photographer. We deliver similar experiential experiences that our guests enjoy on our photo adventures. Like all of our adventures, our blog is “photo-centric”, while also allowing you to experience all the nuances and cultural aspects of travel and adventure. Welcome to our world. We hope you enjoy. Our eNews is a great way to receive information about upcoming photo adventures, exciting new destinations, photography tips, special offers and more. Subscribe today!

Gift Cards

Give someone you know a Gift Card, good toward any of our Photo  Adventures, Photo Tours, Private Guided Tours, Online Courses, Prints or Merchandize. Our beautifully personalized eGift Cards and Certificates are delivered to you electronically. They are fully transferable and have a 2 year expiration date. They are available in any amount from $100 to $5000. It makes a great gift for anyone who loves photography, travel or adventure. Order now, or email for more information.

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