romance in bangkok
A WALK IN THE PARK
The lumpini park It is one of the green areas of the city located in the center of this chaotic metropolis, in the heart of business. From early in the morning, Thais go to the park, known as the Bangkok's Central Park , to do collective aerobics or simply to breathe fresh air.
One of the star activities carried out in the park during the “coldest” months, between December and February , are picnics in the open air on the grass when the temperature drops to 25 degrees and the Thais live outside the shopping centers where they take refuge from the heat and rain.
The pleasure of a Thai massage
Every Sunday you can enjoy live, and for free , of the concerts of the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra from 5.30 pm with numerous groups of classical music and popular songs. Some attendees take the opportunity to have a picnic dinner, but you can also get food for all tastes at the street stalls located in the park to enjoy the afternoon outdoors.
The park is very well connected by public transport and can be reached by MRT subway to Lumpini (exit 1) or Silom (exit 3) station. Also by skytrain to Saladaeng Station (Exit 5) .
Try the street food of Lumpini Park
BY BICYCLE THROUGH THE HIDDEN FOREST
bang krachao is a vast green space located on the other side of the chao phraya river , near to klong toey area and known as “the lung of Bangkok” due to its unusual forest shape. Here coconut trees and miles of elevated bike paths wind through the jungle in this oasis protected by Thai law, in contrast to the overcrowded city of skyscrapers.
To get there, you can go directly by taxi or take the MRT subway to Klong Toey and move to the pier of the same name with a taxi or a motorcycle taxi. Once here we will take a small boat to cross the river where we can continue on foot or rent a bicycle to explore the dikes and paths that pass through small towns, large trees and lakes.
bang krachao
We can also take advantage of the visit knowing also the nam phueng floating market located just six kilometers. Unlike other similar markets, few tourists know about it and it has maintained its traditional form offering a large collection of clothing, food and cosmetics prepared with organic products. Along the canal there are tables available for lunch.
Buying in a floating market: quite an experience
AN AROMATIC MASSAGE FOR TWO
A visit to Thailand is not complete without a massage or relaxing treatment. Thai massage has been part of the culture for centuries and is performed using the thumbs, elbows, knees and feet, although sometimes the masseuse rotates your body as if doing a yoga stretch session.
To perform a traditional massage, no type of oil is used, but over time massage rooms have evolved to meet the demand, making use of them to increase the therapeutic and relaxing benefits.
One of the best known salons for it is probably the massage parlor **Divana,** located at the BTS Asok transport stop (exit 6) where there are up to 10 treatment rooms. The menu is extensive; from aromatic massages, caviar, collagen to crystal treatments from 1,100 THB (27.70€).
The pleasures of a Thai massage
The massages in the traditional massage school of the wat pho temple , located next to the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha Temple , they have a lower price: from 420 THB _(€10.50) _ for an hour of Thai massage to 520 THB _(€13.10) _ for an aromatic massage.
The Wat Pho temple also has a massage school where locals and foreigners can learn the techniques of Thai massage. Duration and difficulty can range from a five-day introduction to a month-long course in therapeutic massage.
Throughout the city we will find small Less atmospheric and well-known massage parlors in practically every neighborhood , where you can enjoy a Thai massage for 250 THB _(€6.30) _ an hour and they stay open long into the night.
In the temple of Wat Pho you can learn to give massages
A DINNER CRUISE ON THE RIVER
Some say that one cannot miss the Seine when in Paris, the Thames in London, or the Chao Phraya River when visiting Bangkok.
The Chao Phraya is the backbone of Bangkok and has a life of its own with numerous houses, temples and hotels built on both sides of its waters. The river has five lines of public boats to move from one side of the city to the other during the day and get to know the canals of the “Asian Venice” . However, it is at night when the river exhibits all its magic.
A dinner on the Chao Phraya
On the river piers there is the possibility of rent a small boat to navigate contemplating the panoramic scene of the illuminated city on our own, or we can join one of the tourist boats to make the crossing on an open terrace with an exquisite buffet dinner, drinks and live music.
On these organized cruises, which usually depart from Sathorn's central pier, you can enjoy views of the city's historic temples and monuments, such as the buildings of the Royal Thai Marina, the famous Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or the Rama VIII Bridge.
Dine with the Chao Phraya in the background... or in it
DRINKS AT THE TOP OF THE CITY
The terrace of the ** Banyan hotel **, located 61 floors above the city and known as moon bar , is probably one of the best ways to end a busy day with 360-degree views of Bangkok's glittering skyline.
Located in the sathorn street , an area of tall skyscrapers near the tourist area of Silom, is one of the best-known rooftops for the feeling of looking at the city from the sky. The bar is designed with very low railings, which means that we can enjoy an uninterrupted visit to the city. It is best not to be afraid of heights.
The bar does not need a reservation and there is no entrance fee. Beers range from THB250 _(€6.30) _ while cocktails start at THB350.
Another alternative for the more bohemian romantics are the panoramic views of the historic center of the city from the roof of the River View Guest House. It is located near the Hua Lamphong railway station, just a 10-minute walk from Chinatown and the Temple of the Golden Buddha.
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On the heights of Bangkok
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