Weekend Muse: where to go on a date in Bangkok

Ah, February.

The month of love, of romance, and of utter anxiety. Whether or not you’re in a relationship around Valentine’s season, at least a small part of your mind will be toying with ideas about where to (potentially) go on a date. Or, you know, to actually find yourself a date first.

Luckily, you’re never short of options for a great date in Bangkok. With an enchanting river, spectacular skyline views, a buzzing bar scene, and a dizzying array of dining options — really, who needs Paris? And as cities go, Bangkok also makes a pretty good wingman (or, of course, wingwoman). It’s effortlessly cool, inherently stylish, and its many quirks and eccentricities make for great ice-breakers.

But where to go exactly? Browse this round-up of the top 10 locations to go on a date in Bangkok that will probably work every time. If you know what I mean.

[Feature image: Cru Champagne Bar; Hero image: Rongros.]

Riverside dinner at Rongros

Relatively new on the riverside dining scene, Rongros is quite possibly the most romantic spot for a couples’ dinner. It’s small and cosy, has an open-air rooftop, serves beautiful Thai food and cocktails, and looks across at a stunning view of the glistening Temple of Dawn. What more could you want?

Rongros. Maha Rat Road, Bangkok 10200 (Open: 11am-3pm, 5pm-10pm). Tel: 02 106 2198.

A wander around Lhong 1919

Spend a relaxing afternoon at this spacious converted Chinese mansion dipping in and out of the mini art exhibitions in each room and tucking in to a charming lunch at Rongsi Pochana. Then, just hang out and watch the boats go by. 

Lhong 1919. Chiang Mai Road, Bangkok 10600. (Open: 8am-8pm).

Sunset strolling at Chulalongkorn Centenary Park

A gorgeous and relatively new green space to get some fresh (well, fresher) Bangkok air. It’s even more beautiful around 5 or 6 in the evening when the low sun turns the whole park a lovely golden hue. Sunsets? For a date? Groundbreaking. (But seriously, what could be more romantic?)

CU Centenary Park. Soi Chula, Wang Mai, Bangkok 10330 (Open: 8am-10pm).

Sky-high tipples at Cru Champagne Bar

There are few sexier places than a rooftop bar, and one that specialises in champagne can only be an absolute winner. Dazzle your date with Bangkok’s impressive skyline view and get all tipsy together with the huge range of bubbly they serve there.

Cru Champagne Bar. 54/F Centara Grand at CentralWorld, Bangkok 10330. (Open: 5pm-1am).

Firefly-lit dinner at Wang Hinghoi

For an enchanting and very unique dining experience in Bangkok, try this environment-conscious restaurant on Sukhumvit. Incorporating the beauty of nature into the ambience, the restaurant is tucked in a secret garden and will have you seated in a beautiful room lit up with fireflies. It’s now or never though: when they opened in 2018, the restaurant had only planned to be open for 18 months — the same as the lifespan of a firefly. Time’s ticking!

Wang Hinghoi. Bang Kapi, Bangkok 10310. (Open: 7pm-12am). Tel: 091 979 6226.

Play fairytale at the Gardens of Dinsor Palace

Surrounded by swans, white peacocks, and fountains, this is a fairytale wonderland that’s perfect for getting lost together. There’s a gorgeous restaurant that serves delicious food and afternoon tea, but its really the enchanting feel of the garden that makes it one of the most magical places for a date in Bangkok.

The Gardens of Dinsor Palace. Sukhumvit Rd, Bangkok 10110. (Open: 1oam-11pm).

Wholesome cycling at Bang Krachao

A little cycle through the green forests and floating markets of Bang Krachao makes for a charming half-day out together. Getting out of the hustle and bustle of the city means you’ll definitely get more quality time together. 

An art gallery romance at MOCA

With some of the best modern art exhibitions in the city, MOCA is a fantastic indoor place to walk around and explore together. They’ve also currently got on a perfectly date-worthy light exhibition titled ‘Raining’. And we all know the romantic effects of rain…

MOCA. Kamphaeng Phet 6 Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900. (Open: 10am-6pm. Closed Mondays).

Draw each other at Paint Bar Bangkok

Want to do something cultural but also want to get a little tipsy? Do both at the same time at Bangkok’s only paint bar. You’ll have the guidance of an instructor and a particular theme to work around, but more than anything else, it’s a sure way to chat in a casual but fun setting and get a few laughs together. 

Paint Bar Bangkok. 6/F Piman, Soi Sukumvit 49, Bangkok, Thailand 10110 . (Open: Tues-Fri 2pm-10.30pm. Sat 10am-10.30pm. Sun 10am-6pm. Closed Mondays.) Tel: 085 066 5891.