Celebrating Valentine’s Day with Your Thai Date

Well, how about that—it’s already February! That means Valentine’s Day is just a few sleeps away. Are you and your Thai date ready for Love Month? We sure are!

We usually associate V-Day with roses, chocolates, and romantic dates. But, did you know that the holiday’s history remains a mystery? That’s right—no one really knows how the whole shebang came about. However, most of us know that Valentine’s Day is a mix of Christian and ancient Roman elements. Others have other claims on its origins: some believe it’s a commemoration of St. Valentine’s burial. In contrast, other people say that the holiday’s purpose was to Christianize Lupercalia, a pagan celebration dedicated to the Roman god Faunus.

On to the present, Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love. Thailand is no different in embracing romantic vibes on the 14th. 

In the Land of Smiles, วันวาเลนไทน์ (pronounced as Wan Valentine) usually begins with people rushing to stores early in the morning to shop for gifts. So, if you don’t want to do last-minute buys, we recommend you do your shopping a few days (or weeks) in advance to avoid crowds and limited stocks.

Some couples get married in the Bang Rak district (in true Thai fashion) since the name translates to “love district.” Unfortunately, you may want to want to nix that idea if you’re planning to tie the knot. Why? Bangkok officials have hit the pause button on issuing marriage licenses to couples to prevent COVID-19 from spreading. And since the pandemic’s not slowing down anytime soon, that may be a good idea. If you two have wedding plans, try to consider this piece of information. Health is a top priority nowadays!

So, how can one celebrate V-Day with their Thai date? We’ve got a few ideas you may want to entertain.

Valentine’s Day Date Ideas for Your Thai Date

Visit Trimurti Shrine

Judging by its name, you’d think that Trimurti Shrine isn’t the best place to visit on V-Day. The truth is, it couldn’t get any more Thai than that. 

Trimurti Shrine is right along the ever-busy Ratchadamri Road. Its neighbor is the bustling CentralWorld Plaza. Does its location sound romantic? No. But take the crowd out of the equation for a moment. Instead of sparks, expect a spiritual experience during your visit. Sure, offering flowers and prayers may not seem much, but it means something to locals. Many believe visitors who pray there will have their prayers and wishes come true.  

Your Thai date will appreciate you for doing something traditional. It’s not the grandest gesture on earth, but it’s meaningful.

Go on a getaway from the city

Want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Get yourselves on the road and go on a trip! V-Day is the best excuse for a short vacation.

See the beach above? That’s Ban Thai beach, a sandy piece of paradise within Koh Samui—Thailand’s second-largest island. If palm beaches, clear waters, and picturesque mountains are your thing, the island’s calling your name. You can reach Koh Samui by taking a ferry or plane, so choose whatever option you like.

If you want to party, we suggest going to Pattaya. The city’s nightlife is enough to draw foreign and local party animals. Friendly reminder: always keep your guard up! As fun as parties sound, they can get out of control if left unchecked.

Do you prefer somewhere more peaceful? Try making your way to Koh Lipe instead. The island’s laid-back establishments and atmosphere make it the best spot for a relaxed Valentine’s vacation.

Share a meal

No Valentine date is complete without getting something to eat. Not only does it feed your stomach, but your soul too. Don’t believe it? Let research convince you otherwise.

Psychologist Paul Rozin notes that food sharing is a socially intimate activity. Who knew something seemingly simple holds a deeper meaning? In this case, research does. According to Rozin, sharing food is a big step. But hold your horses: that doesn’t mean you’re altar-bound with your Thai date. If you let someone eat off your plate without resistance, you know you’re comfortable enough with that person to let them do that. 

Since it’s V-Day, go out and eat in a great restaurant! You deserve a nice meal with your special someone.

Plan a surprise and do something different

Are you tired of the usual sit-down Valentine’s Day dates? Surprise your Thai date by doing something different! The question is, how can you pull a surprise off?

First, ask your date’s friends about likes and interests you didn’t know about. Their answers make good jump points for your surprise since she doesn’t know what you’re up to. If you’re short on time, go for something you two haven’t tried before. The unfamiliar can be intimidating, but it’ll be a lot less stressful with your date around. Let’s say both of you haven’t tried wall climbing yet. Use that as an opportunity to make your Valentine’s date more exciting and challenging.

If all else fails, just simply spend the day together

Don’t have any Valentine’s Day plans? Don’t worry—we’ve been there, and we know that feeling all too well. If you’re extremely short on time and in the idea department, what you can do is just enjoy your Thai date’s company.

It may not be the grandest gesture, but the thing is, time is pretty invaluable. There isn’t any material thing that can replace its worth, so yes—quality time is a pretty big deal. There’s nothing wrong with not having super romantic Valentine gestures, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. 

Like what the GIF above suggests, it’s not a bad thing to just stay still and get lost in the moment with your date. Sometimes, the solace outweighs any grand gesture on the planet.

Valentine’s Day with your Thai date doesn’t stop at bouquets and other gifts. What makes the day special is (as cheesy as this sounds) the love you two have for each other. You are each other’s Valentine for a reason, yes? Celebrate your love this Love Month! You deserve that.