Morning: parks and temples without the crowds
For a first moment together, leave the city before the heat. Lumphini Park and Benjakitti Park are pleasant from opening time: a walk by the water, pedal boats, a canopy walkway at Benjakitti. For a cultural visit, go early to Wat Arun: the temple opens at 8:00 and can be visited before the groups arrive. Dress accordingly (shoulders and knees covered).
Afternoon: the river
The Chao Phraya is the romantic setting of the city. There are several ways to enjoy it: the express boat, simple and very cheap, to hop from one bank to the other; a dinner boat or private cruise in the late afternoon (see the guide to shows and dinner cruises); or a trip to Asiatique The Riverfront, with its Ferris wheel and waterfront terraces. Use Asiatique's free river shuttle, which leaves from Sathorn pier in the late afternoon.
Sunset: the view from above
The two classic places to watch the city light up are the Mahanakhon SkyWalk, the highest observation deck in Silom, and Baiyoke Sky in Pratunam, with its revolving deck. Arrive an hour before sunset to watch the light change, and book your ticket ahead at weekends. For dinner with a view, read our guide to restaurants with a view in Bangkok.
Evening: a walk and dinner
After sunset, a quiet stroll through the old city or Chinatown suits a night out for two: our evening stroll in Bangkok offers three routes. For dinner, choose a waterside terrace and book: on Fridays and Saturdays, the good tables go fast. For a cocktail up high, see our guide to Bangkok at night.
A getaway for two from Bangkok
For a day or a night out of the city:
- Amphawa floating market: the market runs at the end of the week, in the late afternoon and evening; at nightfall, boats take visitors out to see fireflies. Staying overnight lets you enjoy it without rushing; check the opening days on the page.
- Bang Pa-In Palace: a royal residence with gardens, ponds and pavilions, to be explored at your own pace (by buggy or on foot).
Where to stay as a couple
The areas that suit best are the river districts (Silom-Sathorn, Charoen Krung) for hotels with a terrace on the water, or the old city (Banglamphu, Rattanakosin) to be near the temples. See our guide to where to stay in Bangkok and the guide to Silom and Sathorn.
Practical tips
- Season: from November to February it is drier and cooler (see best time to visit); in the rainy season, plan an indoor fallback.
- Public affection: Thais are reserved in public; a couple holding hands is fine, more demonstrative displays are frowned on, especially near temples.
- Dress: shoulders and knees covered in temples.
- Budget: the river and the parks cost next to nothing; views from above and waterfront dinners weigh more on the budget (see budget in Bangkok).
Going further
To plan your days together, read Bangkok in 3 days. For a special evening, the evening stroll and the restaurants with a view complete this guide.
