Valentine's Day in Bangkok: Dinners, Cruises and Romantic Ideas

Valentine's Day is not a traditional Thai holiday, but Bangkok has embraced it with enthusiasm: on 14 February, hotels, rooftops and river boats offer special menus, shopping centres fill with roses and hearts, and many couples choose the date to get married. February falls in the dry season, with pleasant evenings for dining outdoors. In 2027, 14 February is a Sunday. Each year's programmes are only published early in the year: this guide describes what happened in previous years, to be confirmed with each venue.

A dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya

The Chao Phraya at sunset, Bangkok

This is the classic romantic idea: dinner aboard a boat gliding along the river in the evening, between the illuminated temples (Wat Arun, the Grand Palace) and the Silom towers. Several companies and riverside hotels offer cruises with a buffet or set menu, often with music or Thai dance. On 14 February many switch to a special menu and sell out weeks ahead: book directly with the company or hotel, and check what the price includes (drinks, transfer from BTS Saphan Taksin station). For a simpler and cheaper ride, see our guide to the Chao Phraya River.

Rooftops and restaurants with a view

Rooftops are the other great tradition of the evening: see our selection of rooftop bars in Bangkok and restaurants with a view. On 14 February most places require a reservation, and some serve only a set menu that night. Follow the dress code (several venues turn away shorts and open sandals) and have a plan B in case of a storm: a rooftop empties fast when it rains.

A riverside atmosphere

Asiatique The Riverfront, seen from the river

Without a reservation, an evening stroll is still possible: Asiatique The Riverfront, with its Ferris wheel and waterside restaurants, is open every day until midnight, and ICONSIAM can be reached by a free shuttle boat from the river. For more ideas, see Bangkok for couples and the evening walk.

14 February, wedding day

Bangkok's district offices traditionally register many marriages on 14 February: you will see couples in their best clothes, sometimes group ceremonies, and queues. If you just want to watch, be discreet and ask before taking photos.

Practical tips

Booking: for a dinner cruise, a rooftop or a top restaurant, book at least two to three weeks ahead.
Alcohol: alcohol sales are banned on some Buddhist holy days, and the Makha Bucha full moon sometimes falls in February or March; see the alcohol rules and the festival calendar.
Weather: February is dry, hot in the afternoon and milder in the evening; see what to do in Bangkok in February.
Chinese New Year: it often falls around the same time, with big crowds in Chinatown; see Chinese New Year in Bangkok.
Hotel: it is high season and prices rise; book early, see where to stay in Bangkok.