Thailand is an amazing place to get drone shots. You can find beautiful beaches, old ruins, and views that will blow you away. But it's important to know where you can fly and how to follow the rules.
This guide will show you 9 great spots in Thailand for drone flying. I'll also explain what paperwork you need for each place and how to get it.
- Phuket
Phuket is Thailand’s biggest island, and lots of people love to visit. Drone fans enjoy it there, too. You can find many great spots for aerial photos, from the curved Kata Beach to the steep cliffs at Nai Harn. It's also easy to travel around Phuket, with good roads and lots of places to take off.
Since Phuket is a popular place, the rules are a bit stricter. First, you have to register your drone with CAAT (Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand) and NBTC (the phone and internet people). These are the rules for the whole country, no matter where you fly. In Phuket, you also need to know about the large no-fly zone around the airport. It goes 9 kilometers in every direction, so don't fly there. Always remember that you can’t fly over people or close to resorts. Keep at least 30 meters away. If you take off from someone's property, ask them first. If you're careful and follow the rules, Phuket will give you amazing photos.
- Krabi
Just across the water from Phuket is Krabi. This place has dramatic limestone cliffs and beaches that look like a picture. Railay Beach can only be reached by boat, and it feels like a secret spot hidden by the cliffs. Ao Nang is easier to get to and just as pretty for photos.
Like always, you first need to register with CAAT and NBTC. Then, check the airspace. Krabi Airport has an area where you can’t fly. Something important to know: a lot of Krabi’s beautiful coast and islands, including parts of Railay, are in Hat Noppharat Thara National Park. This means you need a special permission slip from the park people, along with the usual papers. You can try emailing them, but going to their main office in person is often the best way to get it. Also, temples, like the famous Tiger Cave, usually need their own permission. Krabi’s views are amazing, but getting the right permits is very important.
- Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga Bay can make you feel like you’re in a dream. Imagine villages that float on the water, under pointy cliffs, and viewpoints that seem perfect for drone shots. You really need to understand the rules here. Almost the whole bay is Ao Phang Nga National Park. So, with your CAAT and NBTC papers, you’ll need another permit just for this park. Plan to visit their office to ask for it. What about flying over James Bond Island? Drone flights there are very controlled, and you can get big fines if you break the rules. Instead, try flying in places where it's allowed, like Koh Panyee or viewpoints like Samet Nangshe. The views are just as great, as long as you have the right permissions.
4. Koh Phi Phi
You'd know Koh Phi Phi anywhere; it looks like a movie. The bright blue lagoons and tall cliffs, especially around Maya Bay, attract filmmakers and drone pilots. Because it’s so famous, the rules are very strict. Like parts of Krabi, Koh Phi Phi is part of Hat Noppharat Thara National Park. You have to get that special park permit, along with your regular CAAT and NBTC registrations. Don’t fly without it – they check often. Ask for the permit from the park people. You can go there in person or contact them by email or phone. Plan ahead, get your paperwork in order, and you’ll get amazing footage.
- Khao Sok National Park
Let’s go inland to Khao Sok National Park. Cheow Lan Lake winds through old jungle and tall limestone cliffs, often covered in morning mist. It’s out of the way, very wild, and gives you a different view of Thailand. To fly here, you need your CAAT and NBTC papers, plus a Khao Sok National Park permit. The good thing is, people say this permit is usually easy to get if you go to the park's visitor center. Make sure you have time to travel to the park and get the permit. If you have the right permissions, Khao Sok offers peaceful and dramatic aerial shots.
- Chiang Mai
Up north, Chiang Mai has mountains, rolling hills, and green rice fields. The countryside outside the city has lots of space for drone flights. Just remember that the Chiang Mai Airport’s no-fly zone goes out quite far. You’ll need your CAAT and NBTC registration. If you want to film the views from Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand's highest mountain, you’ll need a park permit. Contact the Doi Inthanon park office to ask for permission for your drone. In Thailand, you usually need permission to fly near temples. Explore the mountains, follow the rules, and the north will reward you.
- Phetchaburi
Want something different and less touristy? Check out the salt flats of Phetchaburi. These big, colorful pools of water look amazing from the air, especially when the sun rises or sets. It’s not as crowded here, so you might have an easier time flying. You still need to register your drone with CAAT and NBTC. There probably aren’t as many local rules as in national parks or cities, but always fly carefully. If you want to see unique beauty and a different side of Thailand, Phetchaburi is a great choice.
- Ayutthaya Historical Park
Ayutthaya Historical Park used to be a grand capital city. Now, it's a UNESCO World Heritage site with old temple ruins and Buddha statues. It’s very beautiful, but you need to be respectful and follow strict rules. Getting your CAAT and NBTC papers is only the first step. To fly a drone in the historical park, you’ll likely need special permission from the Fine Arts Department or the park people. This takes time, so you need to apply early. Contact the Archaeology Office well before you visit to learn what you need to do and how to apply. Flying here is special and only allowed with approval because this place is culturally important.
- Bangkok
You mostly can’t fly drones in the center of Bangkok because the airspace is very restricted and it’s close to the Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports. But the areas just outside the city have some possibilities. Places like Bang Krachao, Bangkok’s ‘Green Lung,’ or the Ancient City (Mueang Boran) might be good for filming. You still have to register with CAAT and NBTC. Places like Ancient City will probably want you to get permission from their office before you fly. Always check and ask for permission locally.
Fly Safe and Be Respectful
Thailand’s beauty from above is amazing, but fly legally and be respectful. Register your drone, know where you can’t fly (especially airports), and get the permits you need.
Important: Rules Can Change!
Drone rules in Thailand can change. This guide is based on current information. To know the latest rules, including no-fly zones, registration, and permits, check with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). Always check for local rules, too. It's your job to fly your drone safely and legally.