Holidays in Thailand: Discovering the Romance While Celebrating Valentines Day

Marc Tubelleja (Curious Bear) 6 min read

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Valentine's Day in Thailand is called “Wan Valentine” in Thai, and it is a big day for everyone! 🥳 There are high expectations, especially if they have a Farang partner. But there is no anxiety for most because the land of smiles is the perfect place for dating and romance 🎉

The best thing to do is make someone feel special on this day with a shower of affection- maybe literally. But don’t just try to make it a day for the bedroom; unlike Christmas Day, New Year's Day, or Chinese New Year, it is the gift(s) that count! Gold may somehow knock some of them off their feet, but you would be surprised how far a fuzzy Teddy Bear goes 🥳

Stay with me as I share some of my experiences 🎉 and how to celebrate Valentine's Day in Thailand 🥳

  Holiday Trivia

Valentine's Day is such a popular event in Thailand that Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Resort held a competition in 2014 where 34 couples hugged for over 25 hours and made a Guinness world record.

What is Valentine’s Day like in Thailand?

Valentine’s Day in Thailand is like in the West: a day of romance, gifts, and excitement. The Land of Smiles becomes the Land of Hearts and Flowers every February 14th! 🎉 Gift-giving is big because Thais don’t have Christmas, so most people expect something special on this day. But this doesn’t always mean something expensive; a big stuffed toy is almost as good as a baht of gold 🥳

The other things that also impress are special foods and romantic places, which are everywhere in Thailand 🎉 Valentine’s is also one of the few times someone could get away with small public displays of affection. Likely, the only day someone doesn’t mind hearing a bit of bad Thai. That’s a chance to try for most farangs to sweet talk with a bad accent and get a big smile 🥳

 Holiday Fact!

Valentine's Day is a significant event in Thailand. There are a lot of places to take your loved ones, such as shopping malls, romantic beaches, dreamy temples, or restaurants for a romantic dinner together.

What Do Most People Like on Valentine’s Day?

#1 Beach Sunsets are Always a Winner

Thailand has some of the best beaches in the world, and they are all within easy reach from somewhere. Even from Isaan or Chang Mai, I got to the romantic beach in a few hours at a low cost 🥳 And if you plan to go to the beach with your Thai partner anyhow, this is the day. You can have a secluded getaway or blend in on the sand where many people go. Some of the best places set up tables and decorations, and you can have that romantic dinner there 🎉 

#2 Romantic Gifts

There are times that your partner may have been looking in the windows of gold shops. So, you may think a bracelet and a necklace would be the perfect gift 🥳 Gifts like these might be in your plans, but just like any trip, timing is everything. Some people also went crazy over a sweet and funny gift too 🎉

A big soft animal toy may get rave reviews, and your partner's friends and family will truly see how thoughtful you are. However, be cautious if you are thinking about chocolate 🥳 This isn’t a sure thing like in the West because often, some people don’t like it, and it melts fast. Flowers, though, are the same classic gift as back home anywhere.

#3 A Buddhist Temple Visit Will Work Wonders

For me, this is how someone can show respect for their Thai partner’s culture. By asking for a blessing, they would really like it 🎉 If you are in Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok), then the place to go is the Trimurti Shrine at Central World (BTS Chit Lom). This shrine is not blessed with a very romantic setting, but the God of Love is there for both of you. Your Thai partner should be thrilled when you make a traditional offering and say prayers with togetherness and love 🥳

#4 Fun Shopping at Any Market

On Valentine’s Day, the flower market will make someone happy the most. Nearly every marketplace in Thailand will feature special floral arrangements, and many will have western-style bouquets of roses 🎉 For example, in Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok), I always go to a place called the Pak Klong Talad market (Sanam Chai MRT) to get flower gifts for my partner. The sheer size and variety there will undeniably make anyone swoon for you. The flowers prove to be extra good at that point 🥳

#5 Romantic Dinner is Better than Gold

A unique and different food experience just made my partner wildly happy. So, I suggest taking your partner to a moderately upscale place that gives a nice presentation of everything 🎉 This time, anyone will no longer be as concerned with the taste.

Instead, your partner may love you more for going out somewhere that you will be remembered for your company and not just the food. Heart-shaped rice forms, colorful salads, and a creative cocktail for two will surely make it perfect! 🥳

  Holiday Trivia!

Unlike any Western country, Christmas is not an official holiday In Thailand; that's why they celebrate Valentine's Day joyously.

How Do You Sweet Talk a Thai Partner in Thai?

Let me share with you how to sweet talk a Thai partner on Valentine’s Day 🎉 During this day, if you want to express your love, you can say “Phum rak Kuhn.” When you say this, it can lead to a heartwarming moment. If your partner appreciates it, you can add “Tirak” (sometimes written “Tilak”) to tell them they are your darling. All this is "Pak Wan," or sweet talk.

You may also want to quote the old song, "Waan Jai," which literally means “sweetheart” 🎉 On this special occasion, you can say “Suk san Waan walentaay” to wish them a Happy Valentine’s Day 🥳 "Faen" means loved one, and if you really want to express your affection, "Phlawt rak" means “in love” 🎉

If you are far away, "Kit theung terak" would be a great message. It will surely evoke a heartfelt response. "Jai" means heart, and "waan jai" is another nice sweet thing to whisper in their ear 🥳

Best Thing to Do for Your Thai Love

Surprising my Thai partner on Valentine's Day in Thailand was the best thing ever 🥳 In any case, you should treat them right and show them that you care for them more than anybody.

The beautiful thing is that they are all relatively easy to please. A little thought to making your Thai partner feel good goes a long way as long as you are sincere 🎉 A sunset, a blessing, a big fuzzy toy, dinner, flowers, and a few sweet words in Thai will make this special day really memorable for both of you 🥳

Remember that most Thais, girls or guys, may crave attention; this is your chance to show what you, as one of the in-love Farangs in Thailand have for them. Cupid’s arrow will definitely go straight to the heart with your good aim 🥳