Valentine’s Day gets romanticized in films and songs and cultures around the world. But what they don’t show you is the stress and pressure that come with planning what society has (unnecessarily) turned into a very significant day of the year. As February 14th nears, we thought we’d lend a hand to partners everywhere who still haven’t quite gotten round to finalizing their plans just yet.
This year, ditch the highly predictable Michelin-starred hotel restaurant and opt for these fun couple activities instead that are perfect not only for this Valentine’s Day, but also every other day. Because why should you wait for a special occasion to celebrate your relationship?
Sign up for a workshop to perfect your skills or pick up a new one
You watched “Chef’s Table” together on Netflix and talked about wanting to perfect your pasta. They’ve mentioned wanting to try their hand at ceramics. Whatever common interest it is that the both of you share, there’s no better time than now to cross it off your to-do list. The perk of living in a big city like Bangkok is that you’ll be able to find workshops for all sorts of activities (pasta making, pottery, painting, wine tasting and more) in all sorts of levels (there’s no need to be intimidated!). Who knows? Maybe you’ll even be able to walk home with a gift for them at the end of the class.
Explore Bangkok’s urban oasis, Bang Krachao
Though Bang Krachao is visible from the higher floors of riverside apartments, it remains largely unknown to most people—even with the recent opening of the high-end RAKxa Wellness Center that’s made international headlines. Escape city life this Valentine’s Day with a tour of the jungle-clad island. At Klong Toey Pier, you’ll be able to find shuttle boats that cross over to Bang Krachao.
Once you get to the other side, you’ll immediately notice all the bike rental signs (although walking is an option, we highly recommend bike rentals as it’ll allow you to explore a larger portion of the island in a shorter amount of time). The bike lanes lead to numerous areas that promise a fun-filled day of activities. Visit the floating market to enjoy local foods and peruse the wide range of handcrafted goods.
The Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park and Botanical Garden will make clear why the island has been coined ‘the green lung of Bangkok.’ On the eastern coast, the eco-friendly Bangkok Treehouse resort is perfect for a pitstop or even overnight stay, with plenty of cute coffee shops nearby for you to cool down in.
Get competitive with a game of mini golf
There’s a reason why there’s a mini golf scene in every rom-com movie: it’s the perfect date activity. For new couples, it’s a chance to get to know each other in a fun and friendly way. For those in long-term relationships, nothing excites quite like the spirit of competition.
The Turn is conveniently located right next to the Phra Khanong BTS station. Once there, pick your club and golf ball and get ready to tackle the 18-hole course, with each hole progressively getting tougher and more creative than the last.
Soak in the culture with a walk in Bangkok’s Old Town
Some of the best dates are where enjoyment is derived simply from being in the company of the other. The Talat Noi neighborhood by the river is the perfect opportunity for such a date. Start at Warehouse 30 and ATT19 where there’s always a steady rotation of exhibitions. From there, head north to River City and onto Talat Noi, turn off Google Maps and allow yourself to get lost in the alleyways.
You’ll stumble across hidden gems like historic facades, a gallery or a busy new café tucked between two old buildings. From Talat Noi pier, you can also take a boat to Lhong 1919 on the other side of the river. The 19th-century style mansion was renovated as a multi-functional complex of restaurants, stores and a Chinese shrine.
Upgrade from a riverside hotel dinner to dinner on the river
Temples, shrines, monuments, hotels and condominiums line the path of the Chao Phraya River, making the sunset view on the ‘River of Kings’ a spectacular and unique one. Take a romantic cruise along Thailand’s major river with the Namthip boat, a traditional Thai rice barge that has been renovated into a luxury cruising vessel with modern day amenities.
Writers: Uracha Chaiyapinunt and Noah Sumayao
