About this tour
When Charlie from our BugBitten team tried this, we got the full Thai cosplay treatment at Wat Arun — hair done up, makeup applied, then dressed in a traditional costume for a professional photo session in front of Bangkok's most photographed temple. It's a two-hour slot that's equal parts beauty parlour and Instagram pit stop. The vibe is touristy but earnest; you're sharing the temple grounds with the usual Bangkok crowds, though the experience itself feels fairly intimate. Perfect if you want tangible proof you visited one of Thailand's most recognisable landmarks — and looked good doing it.
Highlights
- Hair and makeup team styled us without fuss or pushback
- Costume choice was decent — felt authentic, not cheap-looking
- Photographer knew the temple's best angles and light timing
- Props added personality — fans, flowers, thrones for different shots
- Digital files delivered same day; no hidden edits or watermarks
- Guides patient with posing directions, no awkward rushing
- Temple backdrop genuinely stunning, especially late afternoon
What to expect
You'll rock up to a prep area near the temple where the hair and makeup crew gets you ready — this takes about 40 minutes and involves actual styling chairs and decent products. Then it's into the costume. The fit varies depending on sizing, but ours felt secure enough to move around in. From there, you're shepherded to Wat Arun's grounds for the shoot itself. The temple is busy with regular tourists, so you're not alone, but the photographer positions you in specific spots and works quickly. Expect to hold poses for 10–15 seconds at a time while they capture a few angles. The whole thing is brisk but not rushed.
The photographer has a sense of what works — they'll suggest sitting positions, where to hold your hands, whether to look at the camera or off into the distance. It doesn't feel stiff once you get into it. Afterwards, they show you the best shots on a screen and send the edited files over within a day or so. No upselling, no "premium package" nonsense.
What travellers say
- Professional-quality photos delivered same day, no upsell tactics
- Hair and makeup applied with genuine skill and attention
- Costume options look authentic, not tacky or ill-fitting
- Photographer directs you confidently; poses feel natural, not awkward
- Temple backdrop is genuinely iconic and photogenic
- Low barrier to entry — suitable for all fitness and experience levels
- Temple entrance fee and guide tips add unexpected costs on the day
- Crowds of regular tourists mean shared space, not private moments
- Two hours is tight if you're slower with hair, makeup, or posing
- Outdoor humidity and heat test makeup durability during shoot
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This genuinely delivers if you want a keepsake photo from Bangkok that's more stylised than a phone selfie. The hair and makeup crew know their craft, and you actually feel put-together rather than painted over. The costume rental is hassle-free, and having a professional shoot takes the pressure off trying to get good angles yourself. Suits anyone after a fun, non-physical activity — no climbing, no heavy walking.
The temple entrance fee (around 50 baht) isn't included, so budget that separately. Tips for guides aren't factored in either. The temple itself will be crowded with regular visitors, so you're not getting a private moment — just managed ones. If you're self-conscious about dressing up or posing, this won't be your comfort zone. The two hours is tight if you're slower to get ready or want to explore the temple itself afterward. Not great for very young kids unless they're happy in costume and still for photos.
Wear comfortable shoes you can slip off easily (you'll remove them for some shots). Bring sunscreen for your face before hair/makeup — the stylist will work around it. The shoot happens outdoors, so weather matters; humidity will test the makeup, and rain stops play. Public transport is nearby, so no need to splash out on a private driver. Groups are small, usually five to eight people max per session.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.