Krabi photo spots – the best places for photography and drones

These places belong on every Krabi photo list:

In the tropics the midday sun is almost directly overhead. The light is harsh, shadows are deep and cliffs look flat. For aerial water colours the high sun can actually be ideal, making the turquoise glow – but for landscapes and portraits, morning and late afternoon are far more beautiful.

The golden hour before sunset turns the limestone walls of Railay and Koh Poda warm orange. In the morning the light comes from the east, ideal for east-facing scenes such as Koh Poda’s beach.

Drones in Thailand generally have to be registered with the relevant authorities, and there are rules on altitude, distance from people and no-fly zones. National parks may also require a permit. The rules change from time to time – check the current situation before you travel.

Fly considerately: not over crowds, not near wildlife or sacred places, and always within line of sight. Take extra care in wind over the sea – take-offs and landings on a rocking boat require practice.

If you don’t want to deal with registration, batteries and launches from a rocking boat yourself, simply add our 4K drone package. Our pilot films your boat at sandbars, lagoons and among the karst towers – while you enjoy the day instead of standing behind the controller.

You don’t need expensive gear for underwater pictures. An action cam or a phone in a tested waterproof case is enough for great memories. Photos work best in shallow, clear water with a high sun – for example at the Koh Hong rocks, at Chicken Island or in the Koh Rok channel.

Approach fish slowly, shoot slightly from below towards the light and keep your distance from coral. A wrist strap stops the camera from sinking.

The most beautiful sunsets are seen from the water off Koh Poda and off Railay West. Depending on the season, the sun sinks over the open sea or behind island silhouettes – your captain positions the boat so that rocks and sun fit into the frame together.

A small boat is the best tripod for unusual perspectives. Shoot islands from the water with the camera just above the surface, or use the bow as a foreground. For split over-under shots, an action cam with a dome port is ideal – best in calm, clear water while snorkelling.