Many hopeless romantics – partnered, single, or happily undecided – find themselves more than content with the endless charms of Thailand’s capital city. But it always pays to have a few nearby escapes on standby for when you need to sweep someone off their feet or fan the flames of your relationship on a long weekend away. When that time arrives, this handpicked list of romantic getaways near Bangkok will point you in the right direction.
If Southeast Asia had to crown a ‘city of love’, we think that Bangkok would make a more than worthy contender. This restless metropolis has always had a deeply romantic streak, perhaps not in the buttoned-up, pretty pink Parisian way that has come to define the very aesthetic of modern love, but in a way that is a little more rough around the edges. Instead of croissants and coffee on the terrasse, romance in Bangkok tastes like a shared plate of pad Thai from a street food vendor at midnight: sweet and salty, with just the right amount of spice. It moves on musical tuk-tuks along the Chao Phraya River instead of bicycles by the Seine, and gets down on one knee with Wat Arun gleaming in the distance instead of the Eiffel Tower. It’s wild, unpredictable, and completely intoxicating.
For many well-seasoned travellers, LGBTQ+ travellers in particular, this isn’t exactly breaking news – they have long been aware of the Thai capital’s ‘game’ when it comes to the art of wooing (as the wet and wild crowds of Songkran remind us each April) – and with the Kingdom finally legalising same-sex marriage at the turn of 2025, that reputation feels even more firmly rooted.
Still, even the most romantic cities need their intermissions. Bangkok may have all the credentials required to be a ‘city of love’, but every couple, no matter how strong the chemistry, reaches a point where they desire a change of scenery, a quiet place beyond the buzz. Once you’ve mingled, matched, and made things official with someone in this big, love nest, the question soon becomes where to take that connection far beyond the bar where you met. Luckily, Bangkok sits within easy reach of some of Thailand’s most spectacular getaways, from queer-popular coves to ancient towns, each perfect for a long weekend away.
Koh Samet
Ask any cosmopolitan, fun-loving gay person in Bangkok to recommend a few easy getaways near the city, and odds are they’ll mention Koh Samet. For decades, this little island in the Gulf of Thailand has been a gathering point for queer locals, expats, and clued-up holidaymakers seeking sea and sand without having to venture too far from the capital – it’s around a three-hour drive to Ban Phe pier in Rayong Province, followed by a short ferry or speedboat ride that can have you on the island in as little as 15 minutes. Its proximity to the city and coastal, rainbow-tinged spirit has even led some American visitors to playfully dub it ‘the Fire Island of Bangkok’, and anyone who’s experienced the original will know that’s no small compliment.
You’ll find most of Koh Samet’s LGBTQ+ community condensed around Ao Tubtim (or Tub Tim), the island’s unofficial gay beach, where they mingle, sunbathe, and peacock in their finest swim briefs from sunrise to sunset. For nightlife enthusiasts, there are plenty of charming bars scattered around the island, but if you’re in the mood to dance, all roads lead to Silver Sand Bar. Set right on Ao Phai beach, this open-air bar transforms into the island’s busiest gay-popular venue on weekends, drawing crowds that rival Bangkok’s most well-established nightclubs.
Ayutthaya
If Koh Samet is Bangkok’s naughty beachside fling, then Ayutthaya is its brooding romance of yesteryear. Just an hour and a half north of the capital by train or car, this former royal capital offers a different kind of romantic escape, one rooted in history and spirituality. Once the seat of Siam’s empire, Ayutthaya today is a UNESCO World Heritage site, dotted with ancient temples and crumbling ruins that feel a world away from the modernity and glitz of the capital city, despite being close enough for a day trip. As one of the most evocative romantic getaways near Bangkok, Ayutthaya proves you don’t need to travel far to feel transported.
Those with more time to spare can stretch their adventure with a stay at Sala Bang Pa-In, just a short drive away. Resting along a quiet stretch of the Chao Phraya, with water lapping on either side, this ‘Scandi-Thai’ hideaway offers city-hardened travellers a beautifully designed base from which to discover Ayutthaya on a romantic weekend away.
Kanchanaburi
Two hours west of Bangkok, the lens shifts from ancient Siam to the 20th century in the scenic Kanchanaburi province. The region’s eponymous main town is best known for its sobering World War II landmarks – the Bridge on the River Kwai and the Death Railway – which draw in history buffs from around the world. But in case you’re thinking, “that doesn’t exactly scream romance,” rest assured, these sites only begin to scratch the surface of what makes this province so special.
Beyond its history, Kanchanaburi is also one of the most scenic escapes within easy reach of the capital, home to several national parks that feel tailor-made for OutThere travellers wanting to indulge in nature at its most unfiltered. Chief among them is Erawan National Park, which is home to the iconic Erawan Falls: seven tiers of cascades and emerald pools that practically beg to be the backdrop for that all-important couples’ photo.
Hua Hin
When it comes to seeking romantic getaways near Bangkok, few destinations deliver quite like Hua Hin. Its reputation dates back to the 1920s, when Rama VII built a summer palace here and established it as the royal family’s seaside retreat. Today, affluent Bangkokians, including queer Bangkokians, follow the royal lead by spending their weekends exploring its golden beaches, buzzing night markets and, in one of its more surprising twists, its nearby wine country.
Just a short drive inland, Monsoon Valley Vineyard produces award-winning Thai wines (yes, your eyes aren’t deceiving you) and offers visitors the chance to tour the vines, taste local varietals, and linger over lunch with panoramic views across rolling hills. Should you be a little tipsy by the end of your visit, get yourselves a room at The Standard on Hua Hin Beach. This elevated, design-forward resort has been somewhat emblematic of the town’s ‘comeback’ as a popular beach escape, particularly among Bangkok’s young and chic crowd, who appreciate its bold design and a playful, inclusive spirit. If it can revitalise a town, who knows what it could do for your love life!
*This article is in collaboration with www.GoThaiBeFree.com.
Photography courtesy of Sala Bang Pa-In
