The Top 12 Things to Do in Bangkok for Couples

Want some romantic things to do with your loved one in Bangkok? In this tropical metropolis, you could have a special night out with a luxurious dinner cruise aboard the Chao Phraya River. Additionally, immerse in its exotic culture, like taking a stroll in the photogenic temples, and watching a thrilling Muay Thai match!

Read further to see our specially handpicked top 12 things that promise to deepen your connection and create moments of joy and intimacy with your partner in Bangkok.

1. Take the Manohra Dinner River Cruise along the Chao Phraya River

If you're looking for a romantic evening in Bangkok, a luxurious dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River is the way to go. Dine on typical Thai cuisine and cheer up your partner in a laid-back atmosphere with the city's illuminated icons and skylines.

Since almost all boats follow the same route, only your dining experience will vary. The antique Manohra Cruises for just 20–30 guests are the best for a quieter and more exclusive experience. The exquisite Thai fine dining prepared by Anantara's chefs would also enhance your romantic moments.

Instead, the large modern cruises (100+ passengers) would offer buffet dinners with live shows, such as the Saffron Cruise, Chao Phraya Cruise, and Wonderful Pear.

Check out the 10-day romantic Thailand trip that includes the Manohra Dinner River Cruise.

2. Capture the Instagram-Worthy Pictures at Wat Arun

Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn) is one of the prettiest spots to watch sunrises/sunsets in Bangkok.

As an architectural masterpiece, you would admire its intricate spire-like towers which are decorated with porcelain and coloured glass. Climbing up several steep steps, you would be rewarded with eye-catching vistas of the Chao Phraya River. Wearing traditional Thai dresses for photos together is another immersive cultural highlight inside.

If climbing the steep steps is overwhelming for you, overlook it from the riverside restaurants, just opposite the Temple, or a private sunset longtail boat ride.

Find out more exclusive experiences in Bangkok on our 2-Week Thailand Getaway Tour for Couples.

3. Check out Bangkok's Top 1 Attraction: The Grand Palace

Your Bangkok trip is not complete without the Grand Palace, which showcases the best of cultural heritage and architecture. You would be impressed by the elegant murals, intricate decoration on buildings, and captivating Emerald Buddha.

For an enriching experience, we highly recommend taking a guided tour (like ours). Besides offering fascinating insights, your guide can help you navigate the palace grounds smoothly and point out the best spots for some amazing photos.

From our experience, the Grand Palace gets pretty crowded during peak travel months (November to March). To escape the hustle and bustle, aim to arrive early and avoid weekends. Exploring in the cooler hours, like the early morning, is also helpful to avoid the heat since shady spots can be limited.

Read further about how to plan your first trip to Thailand.

4. Dine with Sunset at a Riverside Restaurant

Don't miss riverside restaurants if you're on a quick mini-moon or celebrating a relationship milestone in Bangkok. Sip a drink at the sunset, savor typical Thai food, and soak in the intimate hours along with illuminated river views.

For one-of-a-kind dining experiences, book Michelin-starred local restaurants near Wat Pho Pier, which offers perfect sunset and night views of Wat Arun. Rongros, Sala Rattanakosin, and Chakrabongse Dining stands out for their excellent food and views. Booking in advance is essential to guarantee a table, particularly the waterfront one.

5. Take a Street Food Adventure in Chinatown

Chinatown is a great place to experience the diverse cultures and take in the bustling life of Bangkok. Night food tours are frequently recommended to first-timers.

Start your foodie adventure from street vendors of the massive neon sign-lined Yaowarat Roads. Order some typical Thai food like satay (roasted meat with peanut sauce) or mango sticky rice, see how they are cooked on the spot, and taste them on a plastic stool as locals.

In this foodie paradise, you could also find Michelin-star food in back alleys, like Lim Lao Ngow for fish ball noodles, Patonggo Savoey for dough sticks, and Khao Gaeng Jek Pui for Thai Curry.

Your foodie adventure could also be combined with a thrilling tuk-tuk ride. Traversing through the historical areas with the illuminated ancient temples and modern skyscrapers adds an immersive touch.

6. Care for Elephants and Stay at Special Floating Resorts in Kanchanaburi

If you would like to take an elephant sanctuary around Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is one of the best destinations. For ethical experience, you could choose Elephant World and Elephant Haven. To get up close to elephants, you could feed, walk with and bathe them together.

After close interactions with elephants, a relaxing floating house stay would surprise your partner! We strongly recommend the floating resorts (commonly with 10-18 rooms built on rafts) in the National Park area to truly live amidst nature.

During your stay, you could take a dip in the river, hike in the nearby ethical villages/ national parks, and cap off your day with a sunset riverside dinner.

The Float House River Kwai Resort is one of the most luxurious resorts, while the 4-star Float House Jungle Rafts features totally electric-free experiences to maintain a true eco hideaway in nature.

7. Ayutthaya Sunset Tour with Heritage 100's Years Boat

To discover more historical gems near Bangkok, Ayutthaya tops on history buffs' bucket lists. Unlike driving from/to Bangkok, taking a 100-year-old heritage boat is more relaxing and reveals the rustic views along the waterways.

Arriving at Ayutthaya around 15:30, you could perfectly beat the heat when visiting its iconic temples, like Wat Mahathat, Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, and Wat Chaiwatthanaram.

Most impressively, take a sunset longtail boat ride to see more hidden temples and villages from the river in a calm atmosphere that you probably wouldn't experience on a regular day tour.

Learn more about our history and culture tour to Northern Thailand, including Ayutthaya.

8. Embark on a Jungle Adventure in Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai National Park is an ideal paradise for active couples, whether you like an off-the-beaten hike or spot wild animals in the dark inside lush forests.

Usually, a day trip just allows for a short hike inside the Park and the Haew Suwat Waterfall trail is one of the most popular routes. Most trails are available except the steepest Haew Narok Waterfall, which is closed from July to August (the wettest time).

If you prefer more diverse experiences at a slow pace, a two-day trip is essential. With 2 days, you could go on more trails for a deep exploration of the Park, watch thousands of bats streaming out of their cave as dusk falls, and take a night safari to spot nocturnal animals hunting, feeding, and playing in the dark jungle.

For a romantic stay, Intercontinental Khao Yai Resort is known for its luxury train-theme rooms surrounded by jungles and mountains.

9. Escape from Crowds at Jim Thompson House

Whether you are a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Jim Thompson House never disappoints you.

Step into this traditional Thai teakwood building, listen to the story of Thompson's legacy and love for Thai craftsmanship and appreciate his remarkable collections of antiques. Its lovely garden offers a serene sanctuary away from the bustling streets of Bangkok as well.

10. Unwind in Private Couple Massages or a Spa in Bangkok

After energetic sightseeing, give yourselves a break from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok and indulge in a day of head-to-toe pampering at spa or massage treatments. Step into the serene sanctuary, indulge in a side-by-side massage/ spa and unwind in your private relaxation area with a cup of herbal tea.

In Bangkok, we highly recommend Banyan Tree Spa Bangkok for a luxury spa with a panoramic view of the city's skyline. Or you could spend your leisure hours in more local Oasis Spa (Sukhumvit 31) at the best value rate.

11. Enjoy Fine Dining with Lit City Panorama at Vertigo Rooftop

If you're looking for a unique date night experience, why not treat your partner to dinner on a rooftop with a 360-degree cityscape view in Bangkok? You could check out Vertigo Rooftop Restaurant and Sirocco Restaurant.

Early booking is necessary to guarantee the seats, especially during Christmas and New Year. With their amazing night views, you'd better prepare for people just milling around for photos. If you prefer a truly undisturbed romantic dining experience, a sunset dinner in a riverside restaurant is a better alternative.

Too hectic to book the rooftop restaurants yourself? Take our Bangkok night tour hassle-free.

12. Watch an Adrenalin-Pumping Muay Thai Match

Attending a Muay Thai match in Bangkok offers a chance to witness Thailand's national sport up close.

The dance ritual as part of their warm-up routine, the electrifying knockout series, and the cheers of fans, all contribute to an unforgettable cultural experience. After the match, you could even capture free photos with the fighters in the tunnel for a memorable souvenir.

Matches are typically held in large stadiums or arenas and the best choice is undoubtedly the Rajadamnern National Boxing Stadium, the world's first-ever combat sports stadium. You are likely to enjoy the most exciting world-class matches on weekends there.

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