Bangkok is one of the most travelled-to destinations in Asia, and a popular choice among couples – it’s a perfect combination of culture, nightlife, and cuisine. Yes, there is more to Bangkok than seedy bars and adult-themed shows.
As a couple visiting Bangkok, there are plenty of memorable nighttime experiences to go for. We have handpicked the best ones for you.
1. Rooftop Bars – A Dinner Date In The Sky
A rooftop bar provides the perfect setting for a dinner date. There are quite a few of these sky bars in Bangkok, but the Lebua Sky Bar is the most popular. Located on the 64th floor, it’s the world’s highest open-air bar and the shooting location of the movie, The Hangover.
People flock to this bar for its elegant ambience, jazz sessions and sweeping views of the Bangkok skyline. The illuminated bar, which keeps changing colour every few seconds, serves up some mouth-watering cocktails – out of which the signature Sunset 63 is a hot favourite.
Other famous sky bars in the city include Vertigo, Moon Bar, and the Octave rooftop bar. Pick any one of them to enjoy a romantic evening in the skies.
Cost: Rs 600-1200 for a drink at the Lebua Sky Bar
2. A Romantic Dinner Cruise
A dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River is a five-star experience on the move. The cruise boat is decked up with lights, both on the inside and outside. The interiors remind you off a plush cosy restaurant, and a live band plays groovy music as you are treated to a mouth-watering buffet with an array of dishes. You can also dine on the deck and gaze at the riverside attractions.
The Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) across the river shimmers golden in the night. The boat also passes along the lit-up Grand Palace and goes under the Rama VIII bridge.
Cost: Rs 2,350 per person
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3. Shopping At Night Markets
Shopping at Bangkok’s numerous night markets can be a unique experience. These markets are filled with multiple stalls selling souvenirs, handicrafts, jewellery and clothing. The markets near the Asiatique Riverfront have more than 1,500 stalls. Bargain hard, and buy some funky accessories from here.
Besides shopping, you can eat some of the best street food in these markets. They sell everything, from noodle soup to barbecued meat. If you are the adventurous kind, try some fried insects like scorpions and cockroaches. Desserts like coconut ice-creams sold in these markets are absolutely delicious.
The famous markets in Bangkok are Chatuchak, Asiatique and JJ Green market.
4. Siam Niramit: An Epic Saga Of Thailand
Learn the rich history of Thailand through Siam Niramit, a spectacular 90-minute cultural show. The epic story is told in the form of dance and musicals. It’s held at the Ratchada Theatre – a massive 2000-seater that, according to The Guinness Book Of Records, is the world’s highest stage.
The first thing you’ll notice here is the ultra-grand stage design and the impressive set-pieces. The show’s performers include real elephants and goats, along with various artists in outlandish costumes.
The special effects almost transport you to the place, making it a complete visual treat.
After the show, you can go for an international buffet dinner, or purchase souvenirs and Thai crafts from the show.
Cost: Rs 3,000 per person for a standard seat
5. An Evening At A Jazz Bar
If you’re looking for a quiet evening away from the noisy night clubs, then Bangkok has many classy jazz bars for you to visit. They are known to feature talented local and international artists. The interiors are cosy and the ambience is mellow, making them perfect to enjoy a relaxed dinner listening to some soothing music. Popular jazz bars here include the Saxophone Pub, Brown Sugar and Bamboo Bar.
6. Calypso Cabaret: The Longest-Running Cabaret Show In Bangkok
Enter the world of glamour and over-the-top drama at the Calypso Cabaret, considered the best cabaret show in Bangkok. Gape in awe as ladies in jazzy costumes sing, dance and mock celebrities from different eras – right from Elvis Presley to Lady Gaga. But look a little closer and you’ll notice that the ladies are actually ‘ladyboys’ – Thailand’s much-respected third gender.
The cabaret happens at Asiatique Riverfront near the popular night market. Tickets to the show include a free drink of your choice. There’s also a show and dinner package, if you’re so inclined.
Cost: From Rs 1,800 per person
7. Go For A Movie Date
What makes a movie date in Bangkok special? Theatres like the ultra-luxury Embassy Diplomat, which offer an experience unlike any other. They have private screening rooms with sofas that come with blankets and pillows. The lighting is of your choice and you get access to the control panels. It’s like watching a movie in your living room – but on a (much) bigger screen.
Embassy Diplomat also offers a personalised butler service. Refreshments come in the form of snacks and drinks, including wine and champagne.
Cost: Rs 1,800 per person
8. Fine-Dining At A Fancy Restaurant
Want to impress your special someone with a fancy dinner date? Bangkok has a variety of options, each unique in its own way, serving everything from international cuisine to Thai specials.
Some of the popular ones include Iron Ferries, known for its unique design and ambience, and Nahm for authentic Thai food. If you’re looking for French cuisine, then Savelberg, run by a Michelin-star award-winning chef, is the obvious choice.
9. Night Bike Tour
A unique way of experiencing Bangkok in the night is a bike tour. The tour takes you along the city’s narrow alleyways, through traditional settlements, and around temples bathed in lights.The other highlight of the trip is the night market – a flower market which hails from the 1700s. Soak in the fragrances and colours as you ride through them.
Cost: Rs 2,400 per person
10. Party At Khao San Road
Nightlife in Bangkok is synonymous with partying; after all, there’s no shortage of clubs here. But nowhere is the party scene as crazy as it is on Khao San Road, nicknamed the liveliest street in town.
This is a heady cocktail of lights, music, street-dancing and lip-smacking street food. Buy bucketloads of booze, gulp them down with strangers, and dance your way through the streets. Or, you could just walk along and soak in the pulsating atmosphere.
