Snap it up at the best photobooths in Chiang Mai (and where to find them)

What is it?

This viral photobooth made waves in Bangkok before landing in Chiang Mai at Goofy Juice. Expect a bit of a queue, but it works in your favour since you can grab a smoothie while you wait and plan your pose well before the shutter shuts. Inside, you’ll find a range of black-and-white and colour filters, with frames decked out in hearts, polka dots and gemstone stickers.

Why we love it

If whimsical was a photobooth, this would be it. Every frame feels thoughtful in design, as if they know their audience (spoiler: they totally do).  With six shots instead of a usual four, if  every shot turns out good, you’ll find it hard to choose a favourite. The added video clip function also captures the moment without the awkward rushing between poses, conveniently emailed to your phone for instant social media gratification.

Time out tip

Grab the bunny ears outside the booth before you head in. The free, floppy ear props and soft white fur take the cuteness up a level and make the photos even more fun, and more importantly, less serious.

In front of Goofy Juice at 21/11 Nimmanahaeminda Road. B140 per strip. Open 10am-6pm

What is it?

If you're a photobooth enthusiast you've probably already heard of DOTLSD. They're everywhere in Chiang Mai and now they've taken over an entire section of the 5th floor at Maya – right next to the cinema. Phone booth themed frames, see-through film strips, student ID styles and more, lined up across an overwhelming number of booths to choose from.

Why we love it

The variety is unbeatable – and we don't just mean the frames. From the moment you arrive there's an accessories station stocked with old film cameras, faux glasses, headbands and novelty hats that make posing infinitely easier and more fun for people who never know what to do with their hands in a photobooth. The brand itself pops up all over the city and can even be hired for special events (weddings, birthdays and all that jazz) with paid and free-for-all shooting options if you want to go all out.

Time out tip

After taking your photos, stop at the cutting station outside where metallic pens and a staff-assisted keychain service let you decorate your strips and carry the memories around with you. Worth the extra spend.

5th floor at MAYA Lifestyle Mall. Prices vary based on the booth. Open 10am-9pm

What is it?

Set just outside a popular café of the same name, this photobooth is separated from the bustle of Nimman by a curtain – giving you your own little moment to pick filters and frames at your own pace. Standout frames include an underwater goldfish theme and their own version of a gemstone frame. The selection rotates regularly so there's always something new.

Why we love it

The value is hard to beat. While most booths charge a flat rate per strip, this one offers close to a 50% discount for consecutive sessions. It also gives you the raw images and videos without the frame overlay as an extra – so if you're feeling particularly photogenic that day you'll have plenty of options to work with.

Time Out tip

Don't leave without grabbing a drink at the café itself. Path is well known for its clean minimal aesthetics and the Dubai chewy cookie alone is worth the detour.

Path Nimman at 44 Nimmanahaeminda Road. The first strip is B120 and consecutive ones are B70 each. Open 9am-9pm

What is it?

SKILL Art Training, a creative learning space for young artists in Chiang Mai, has set up a ‘photobooth’ that’s a little more handmade – at Jing Jai Market every weekend. Look out for teenagers perched on stools, with samples of their work displayed and an offer to hand-draw your photos into illustrated portraits. Each student has their own style so browse the samples before choosing your artist, airdrop the photos you want recreated and come back later to collect.

Why we love it

It's genuinely one of a kind. No two drawings are the same and once yours is done it's the only one that exists. Each student interprets your features differently which makes the result interesting rather than predictable – and these are illustrations, not caricatures, so you'll still recognise yourself.

Time Out tip

Get creative with what you send them. These can be photos taken at any time, so consider asking them to combine a shot of you with a long-distance friend or a favourite photo of your pet that couldn't make the trip to the market.

Jing Jai Market. Starts at B100 per person. Open Saturday-Sunday from 6am-3pm

What is it?

Best known for its Kyoto aesthetics and matcha drinks, The Baristro Asian Style has a photobooth tucked inside the café that most people walk straight past. Provided by DOTLSD but styled to match the café's concept entirely – wooden background, a singular stool and stripped-back vintage filters in black and white.

Why we love it

It captures something close to the old-timey photobooth feel that's genuinely hard to find in Chiang Mai. The vintage aesthetic is convincing, the quality is better than the real thing and, unlike actual vintage booths, you can still see how you look before it takes the shot.

Time Out tip

This one is more spacious than most – bring friends and fill the booth, or use the extra space to take some solo profile shots if you're feeling grand.

The Baristro Asian Style at 200 Suthep Road. Prices vary based on frame. Open 8am-6pm

What is it?

Three themed photobooths inside Moshi Moshi at Maya Lifestyle Shopping Centre – one Sanrio, one Disney and one ‘Back to the ’90s’ themed. The Sanrio booth features Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll and friends while the Disney version brings out the princesses alongside Mickey and Minnie. The 90’s option is subtler, with soft pastel frames for those who want the aesthetic without the cartoon characters.

Why we love it

It's impossible not to smile in these booths. Taking photos alongside your favourite childhood characters – even if they're just on the frame – brings out a kind of joy that's hard to explain and easy to justify. Plus, inside the booths they have a step stool for the little ones so they can also partake in the photobooth fun.

Time Out tip

Make sure you grab the headband and accessories next to the photobooth before stepping in. That way you can wear bunny ears matching Officer Hopps or opt for cat ears to pair with Hello Kitty. 

Moshi Moshi at MAYA Lifestyle Mall. B149 per strip. Open 10am-10pm