It might seem like only yesterday when Bangkok was painted red for the Lunar New Year, but pink is the new black for the city as the hype for St Valentine's Day grows. While the obvious part of a romantic date night is, of course, a candlelit dinner and a rose bouquet, Guru By Bangkok Post has found loved-up spots where you can plan a more original date — as well as events for those flying solo or going through a break-up.
I'M IN LOVE
A massage of your eternal love
Want to do something meaningful without breaking the bank on the eye-watering price of roses? Join Ikebanabkk and learn how to create your own paper flowers for B1,200 per person. Those handmade unwithered blooms are for your Valentine's card decoration in the class to add a personal touch that symbolises the eternal flame in your heart. Visit fb.com/Ikebanabkk.
When: Feb 11
Where: Sataban Saengsawang Foundation on Nang Linchi 3 Alley
Valentine blooms
When: Feb 11-12
Where: Medium And More, Samyan Mitrtown
Tick-tock, time is running out! Have you secured your Valentine's gift and planned an unforgettable date spot? If not, Medium And More offers a chance to kill two birds with one stone in the name of love. Spend at least B800 at the art ’n’ craft store and enjoy a mushy time with your boo at their workshop weekend for free. Choose from cookie, cupcake and chocolate decorating classes. Visit fb.com/mediumandmore.
Not just another sweetheart
When: Feb 12
Where: Baan Dusit Thani, Sala Daeng Road
Skip the heart-shaped chocolates and treat your date or your fine self to a chocolate salami at Baan Dusit Thani. At Dusit Gourmet, couples will learn to make a traditional Portuguese dessert, chocolate salami, which costs B990 per piece to make. Visit fb.com/baandusithani.
Family Valentine's date
When: Feb 12
Where: Der Duck, Phutthamonthon Sai 1 Road
Ditch the clichéd couples-only St Valentine's Day celebration and turn it into a family affair with a fun play date at Der Duck. Bang Wa's family-friendly cafe and learning playground is throwing a "Der Duck Valentine's Day" party, where you and your little ones can get down with love-fuelled activities such as family portrait decorating and storytelling. The event gets wilder as your kids suit up in angel wings and halo crowns while shooting arrows of love and competing for prizes. The party costs B1,290 for a family of two adults and one child, and includes a three-course meal and lucky draw raffles. An additional fee for an adult is B100 and B500 for a kid. Visit bit.ly/3JU4Ts8.
Beneath the starry sky
When: Feb 14
Where: Bangkok Planetarium, Sukhumvit Road
What could be more romantic than staring into each other's eyes and getting lost in the stars? Sweep your significant other off their feet with a stargazing date at Ekamai's Bangkok Planetarium. On St Valentine's Day, the Planetarium Hall offers a special "Experience The Aurora" show for free, featuring a 360° dome ceiling that will transport you to a whimsical night under the vibrant northern lights. To make the experience even more memorable, love-struck couples can join crafty workshops, such as soap-making, decorating Valentine's cards and creating matching bracelets. Visit fb.com/bkkplanetarium.
An outdoor movie date by the pool
When: Feb 14
Where: The Pool, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon
"Netflix and chill" is so post-Covid. Get into the mood with a poolside outdoor movie night at The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon. The cinema will be set up by The Pool on the 6th floor amid lush and romantic ambiences. Snuggle up and relive the magic of the 90s romance classic Ghost, complete with popcorn and drinks, priced at B1,000 per couple. Reserve your love spot via standardhotels.com/bangkok.
You are my A-team
When: Until Feb 28
Where: Topgolf Megacity
Show everyone that you and your mate are a power couple in sports at Topgolf, which is running the "In Love With Topgolf". Every day throughout the month of love, pink golf balls are randomly dispensed at your hitting bay, and the first to nail a hole-in-one walks away with enviable prizes, like high-end golf gear. Who knows, you might end up with a romantic staycation to remember forever. Go to topgolfthailand.com.
SINGTLETON
Back in the game
When: Feb 11
Where: Live Lounge Bangkok, Sukhumvit 13
Single and ready to mingle? Join a speed dating sesh at Nana's Live Lounge Bangkok. Open up to real connections through a series of five-minute conversations in a room filled with eligible singles. The concept is straightforward: it's a "women rotating" speed dating event where women will step up and make the first move, while men will be seated at designated stations. At the end of each round, a bell will ring and you'll have a minute to fill out your scorecard, indicating whether you would like to see that person again. If two people check "yes", that's a match! The cost of commitment is B799, which includes free drinks and red roses for all the single ladies. Book your seat through eventpop.me/e/14224.
Going solo
When: Until Feb 14
Where: Everywhere
If you want to catch the love buzz without humans involved, Pokemon Go is the way to go. The game jumps on the St Valentine's Day bandwagon by rolling out an event during which the occurrence of pink-coloured Pokemon is increased. Instead of chocolates for St Valentine's Day, trainers will receive double Stardust when opening gifts, and Lure Modules, which are used to attract wild Pokemon to a PokeStop, will last for two hours instead of the usual 30 minutes. Your fluffy Furfrou can also get a new look with a heart trim by using 25 Furfrou Candy and 10,000 Stardust. Limited Field Research tasks will be available at PokeStops and you may even have a chance to catch a heart-shaped Pokemon Luvdisc. The event marks the debut of Mega Gardevoir and limited-edition Shiny Tapu Lele skins, hyped up in black and pink colourways. Visit bit.ly/3jCGlt2.
HEARTBROKEN
Soothe your broken heart
When: Feb 14
Where: The Rat, Seenspace Thonglor
Do soppy declarations of love make you want to vomit? We feel you, heartbreak during the season of love is a real drag. Madame Rouge is taking over The Rat to bring you the ultimate anti-St Valentine's Day experience with "Heartbreak Land". Six activities are designed to guide you through a journey of healing to mend your broken heart, each catering to different energy levels.
For those looking to unleash the negativity, there's "The Dungeon", where BDSM pros give you a chance to engage in a punishment play. Can't get the waterworks going? "Someone's Chopping Onion" is a dimly lit room where chopped onions and depressing tunes help you let those tears flow. And if you're ready to smash your heart out, bring your ex's belongings to "Smash Your Heart Out" and take your anti-romance rage to the next level.
If you're in need of some positivity, Madame Rouge is all ears at the "Not Even Remotely Qualified Therapy" while giving you sage advice. Do you crave affection? "Cuddle Puddle" is a comfy cuddle nook welcomed by Madame Rouge's sexy male and female dancers. And let "The Spirits Guide You" be your sanctuary, where a spiritual medium can offer guidance and insight on your journey to finding new love or self-love. Tickets are B500 for advanced purchasing and B600 at the door and can be purchased at megatix.in.th/events/heartbreak-land.