Dating may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Bangkok, but there are pretty much endless options for things to do with your partner — or would-be partner — in the city. From sporty pursuits, to quiet, romantic picnics, and from free concerts in the park to luxurious 5-star meals, the city offers every kind of date experience imaginable.
Though your idea of a great date might just be staring lovingly into your partner’s eyes until they start to become concerned about your mental health, why not try getting out of your routine and try one of these fun date activities instead?
Take a Walk in an Urban Forest
Getting into nature is always a great way to get conversation flowing away from the distractions of the city. Metro Forest, a project also known as PTT Reforestation, offers a chance to do just that inside the city. Located near the airport, this green forest offers a skywalk over to let guests enjoy views of the trees from above.
81 Sukhaphiban 2 Rd
Open daily 9am-6pm except Mondays
Enjoy Sunset on the River
There’s nothing quite as magical (or romantic) as watching the sunset over the Chao Phraya River. And thankfully, there are endless cafes, bars, restaurants, and walkways to enjoy it from. If you want to go high end, take your love to Sala Rattanakosin, where you can get excellent views of Wat Arun as well as the river. If you want a simple wooden dock with a cold beer and some noodles, try Jack’s Bar. Fancy a coffee as the sun sets? Try any of the cafes in Yodpiman River Walk mall.
Visit the City’s Green Lung
Fancy cycling around hidden green tropicals passageways wit your date? Head to Bang Krachao, also known as the “green lung,” a small enclave in Bangkok, easily reached by jumping on a longtail boat near Khlong Toei market, at Wat Klong Toei Nok for THB10. In just moments, you’ll be in a lush, green paradise. Once there, rent a bike and cycle around, discovering floating markets, incredible food stalls, temples, cafes, and more.
Stroll through the Farmer’s Market
The Bangkok Farmer’s Market has been running for a few years but it’s far more than a place to pick up some lettuce and asparagus. Full of coffee stands, pastry makers, and all sorts of prepared foods from falafel to sausages, they also provide tables where you can chow down on your bounty.
Afterwards, double back and see all the handcrafted clothing, jewelry, and other treasures for sale. The market is open most weekends but the location moves. Some of the most often used locations are Gateway Mall in Ekkamai and Habito Mall in On Nut. check their Facebook page to see where they will be.
Explore the City’s Old Town
Walk into the past by spending a day exploring Bangkok’s old quarter. Visit ancient markets, famous food stalls, stroll through the Grand Palace or check out an art gallery. Once you get tired, pop into this unusual cafe for one of their famous blue drinks or try a local honey-infused cocktail at this hip, award-winning bar.
Try Making a Feast Together
Is it just us or does everyone look kinda cute in an apron? Strap one on to your lady (or man) love and join a Thai cooking class. Offered all over the city, you can try a variety that lets you visit the market first to buy ingredients, one that lets you try your hand at ancient Thai dishes, or even an all meatless class at famed Khaosan Road-area school May Kai Dee.
We tried this cooking course inside an Old Town market where we made somtam, curry, and krapow and got to sit down and tuck in with a really friendly group of teachers and students.
Stuff Yourselves and Ride around in a Tuk Tuk
If you like eating Thai food but would rather not cook, a tuk tuk food tour, is a great way to pass a day and learn all about the food tastes of your love interest. Getting stuffed, seeing different neighborhoods, and dashing around in an open air car is sure to create some long-lasting memories.
Get Silly at a Theme Cafe
Bangkok has endless silly theme cafes, which can be a great place to break the ice with a new person since most of these places are pretty darn goofy. Things are bound to get informal in a hurry when you don a mermaid tail to eat a cupcake or drink a rainbow shake in a unicorn playsuit. From fake Italy to cafes that serve you via robot, you can get goofier with each one you visit. There’s even a death cafe designed to let visitors get comfortable with the idea that we’re all going to die. Yikes!
Rent a Swan Boat in the Park
For a little old-school romance while still minding your budget, head over to Lumpini for a hand-in-hand stroll before renting a swan boat for a pedal around the lake. Take in the sights, feel the sun, on your face and get to know each other a bit better as you chat and paddle.
Watch the Crowds Stroll By
People watching is a classic city activity and one that can be done anywhere, grab a cafe table, barstool, or park bench and get an eyeful of what your fellow humans are up to. Ask your date to try and guess things about the people who walk by or invent weird backstories about who they are and where they’re going.
Get a Massage Together
Whether you opt for a fancy private room and full body massage for two in one of the city’s top hotel spas or just pull up a couple of chairs in Silom for a side-by-side foot rub, a massage for two is a great bonding experience and an indulgent thing to do together. A foot massage also offers an opportunity to chat but, hey, if your date’s boring, you can always pretend the massage was so relaxing that you fell asleep.
Lounge and Listen to a Concert in the Park
During the dry season, Lumpini Park often hosts concerts in their bandshell and they are always well-attended. Some people just happen to walk by and plop down to hear a few bars of an orchestra or a few songs by a big band while others arrive early for seats in front and pack elaborate picnics. Either way, these are a great thing to do on a date.
See an Unusual Film in an Unusual Place
Sure Bangkok offers megaplexes galore, there’s one in each of Bangkok’s endless malls, but there are also several little art house cinemas and cafes that show unusual lineups of films where you can enjoy some food, drink, and vibes while you watch.
Cinema Winehouse in old town shows movies on the wall, Jam Cafe in Surasak has a dedicated upstairs room for their Wednesday film series, and Friese Green in Asoke is always showing something unusual. Check out our list of unusual cinemas here.
Take a River Ride
There are plenty of ways to get a ride on Bangkok’s main river. From the simple: jump on a longtail commuter boat, ferry, or tourist ferry to the fancier: renting your own longtail for the day, taking a dinner cruise, or jumping on the ultra-luxe Suppaniga Dinner Cruise. You can also try to get your own private longtail ride on the cheap by using this unusual little trick.
Hotel Bonus Round!
If your date went extra well and you and your new love want to extend the evening, check into one of Bangkok’s theme hotels, like this one that looks like a prison. Whether you choose a simple discreet curtain hotel (so-called because the curtain hides your car since these hotels are favored by those engaging in extramarital activities) or a theme hotel featuring cartoon characters, vintage cars, or a safari motif, you can rest assured knowing that your date was a total success.
