Thailand’s story sweeps from the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya kingdoms to modern Rattanakosin Bangkok, with gilded temples, serene Buddhas, and a cuisine that’s equal parts comfort and thrill. For couples, it’s a land of contrasts: golden spires by day, shimmering river lights by night, and jade islands rising from the Andaman Sea.

You’ll taste regional flavors from Bangkok’s Michelin-rated street stalls to Phuket’s Sino-Portuguese shophouse kitchens. Expect aromatic curries, wok-fired noodles, herb-laced salads, and tropical fruit at peak sweetness. Pack respectful temple attire (shoulders/knees covered), carry small bills, and consider an eSIM or airport SIM for easy navigation.

Weather varies: the Andaman coast (Phuket) is driest Dec–Apr, while Bangkok is warm year-round with afternoon showers in the monsoon months. Use BTS/MRT in Bangkok to dodge traffic, Grab/Bolt for cabs, and boats for riverfront breezes. This itinerary blends romance with value—affordable eats, smart transport, and a few worthy splurges.

Bangkok

Bangkok dazzles with layers: the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, canal-side wooden homes in Thonburi, and neon markets where woks flare late. It’s a city that rewards curiosity—duck into alleys for sesame-scented noodles, then ride the river past glowing temples at dusk.

• Top sights: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, vibrant Chinatown (Yaowarat), and the Jim Thompson House.
• Why couples love it: sunset temple views, intimate canal rides, and a romantic Chao Phraya dinner cruise.
• Food to try: pad thai at Thipsamai, tom yum at Pe Aor, royal Thai recipes at Krua Apsorn, and mango sticky rice almost anywhere ripe and fragrant.

Where to stay (Bangkok): For great value and location, consider Lub d Bangkok Siam or Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel. For a riverside treat, look at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort or the classic Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok if you decide to splurge one night. Browse more stays on Hotels.com Bangkok or apartment-style options on VRBO Bangkok.

Getting there: Fly into BKK or DMK. Compare fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. From BKK, the Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai (25–45 minutes, budget-friendly) connects to the BTS.

Day 1: Arrival, River Breeze, and Night Lights

Afternoon: Land in Bangkok and ride the Airport Rail Link or Grab to your hotel. Ease into the city with an iced Thai coffee at Gallery Drip Coffee near BTS National Stadium or Blue Whale Café (butterfly pea lattes) near Wat Arun if you’re riverside.

Evening: Toast your first night on a romantic river cruise. Book The Newest Luxury 5-Star Bangkok Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise (2 hours, usually 8–10 p.m.)—live music, Thai and international buffet, sweeping views of Wat Arun and the Grand Palace.

Late: If you want a stroll, wander Asiatique’s riverfront promenade for crafts and dessert crepes. Or grab a quiet drink at a riverside terrace with temple views.

Day 2: Royal Bangkok and Hidden Canals

Morning: Cover the big three with a guide on Bangkok Royal Road – Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun. You’ll learn royal history, temple etiquette, and artistic motifs that make the murals and stupas come alive.

Lunch: Sit down at Krua Apsorn (order the crab omelet and stir-fried lotus stems) or Roti Mataba by Phra Athit for flaky roti and massaman curry.

Afternoon: Drift through old Thonburi on a long-tail boat with the Bangkok Canal Tour: 2-Hour Longtail Boat Ride. You’ll pass stilt houses, neighborhood temples, and monitor lizards sunning on the banks—Bangkok’s quieter, romantic side.

Evening: Dine riverside. Try Sala Rattanakosin Eatery & Bar (Thai dishes with Wat Arun glowing across the water) or Supanniga Eating Room Tha Tien (heritage recipes; ask for a table with river view). End with coconut ice cream from a nearby street cart.

Day 3: Markets, Street Food, and Night Tuk-Tuks

Morning: Take the classic market combo: Half-Day Railway Market and Floating Market Tour. Watch vendors fold awnings as the train slides through Maeklong, then sample boat noodles and grilled bananas at Damnoen Saduak.

Afternoon: If it’s a weekend, head to Chatuchak for ceramics, linen, and cold coconut. Weekday? Visit Jim Thompson House for teak architecture and silk lore, then split a mango smoothie. Consider a couples’ massage at Health Land (clean, affordable, popular—book at reception).

Evening: Eat your way through the city on Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food Tuk-Tuk Tour, an award-winning ride that hits hidden stalls and a hushed temple after dark—great for adventurous couples who love street food and stories.

Phuket

Phuket pairs powdery beaches with a colorful Old Town of Sino-Portuguese facades, cafés, and night markets. Offshore, limestone towers break the horizon, hiding lagoons, sea caves, and coral gardens perfect for snorkeling hand-in-hand.

• Top sights: Promthep Cape sunset, Big Buddha, Phuket Old Town Sunday Walking Street, and the bays of Kata, Karon, and Kamala.
• Why couples love it: island-hopping, calm mornings on soft sand, and dramatic Phang Nga Bay sunsets.
• Local eats: crab curry with rice noodles, smoky satay at Lock Tien food court, and Phuket-style Hokkien noodles.

Where to stay (Phuket): For budget-smart social vibes near Patong Beach, check Lub d Phuket Patong. For value with resort perks, see Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket. For a romantic splurge, The Shore at Katathani offers private-pool villas, while JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa is serene on Mai Khao Beach. Browse more on Hotels.com Phuket or VRBO Phuket.

Getting there from Bangkok: Fly BKK/DMK → HKT in ~1h25m (door-to-door ~3–4 hours). Typical one-way fares range ~$35–$90, depending on dates. Compare on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. At HKT airport, Grab/Bolt taxis to Kata/Karon/Patong often run 700–1000 THB.

Day 4: Fly South and Stroll Old Town

Morning: Depart Bangkok on an early flight to Phuket. Grab a quick station breakfast—On Lok Yun’s old-town toast and Thai coffee if you’re nearby—or pick up pandan custard buns at a BTS bakery.

Afternoon: Check in, then wander Phuket Old Town. Pop into Campus Coffee Roaster for a cold brew, admire pastel shophouses on Thalang Road, and sample satay at Lock Tien food court.

Evening: Chase sunset at Promthep Cape or Karon Viewpoint. For dinner, book One Chun Phuket Town (Southern Thai staples; try crab curry and moo hong pork) or Tu Kab Khao (wok-tossed Hokkien noodles). Finish with coconut ice cream from a street cart.

Day 5: Phi Phi Islands—Emerald Lagoons and Snorkeling

Full-day tour (no need to split): Set out on the award-winning Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip w/ Seaview Lunch by V. Marine. Expect clear water, snorkel stops, Maya Bay viewing area (if open under current rules), and a scenic lunch with sea views. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard, and small cash for park fees and coconuts.

Back on shore, enjoy a simple noodle dinner near Kata (Red Duck for curries or a beachside barbecue stall). Treat yourselves to a foot massage before bed.

Day 6: Phang Nga Bay in Style—Caves, Kayaks, and Sunset

Full-day tour (no need to split): Sail into a dreamscape on the Luxury Boat to James Bond Islands with Lunch and Sunset Dinner. Lounge on daybeds, kayak through sea caves, and photograph the needle-like islet from “The Man with the Golden Gun.” The golden-hour dinner is made for couples—bring a light jacket for the evening breeze.

After docking, keep it low-key: a banana roti on the walk back, or a quiet night swim if your hotel pool is open late.

Day 7: Morning with Gentle Giants & Departure

Morning: Share a meaningful finale with A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, an ethical, observation-first experience on 30 acres of lush forest. Learn each rescue’s story while watching them roam, bathe, and snack—no rides, just respect.

Afternoon: Squeeze in a last beach hour at Kata or Kamala, rinse off, then head to HKT for your flight. Search fares back to Bangkok or onward on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Grab an airport snack—grilled pork skewers and sticky rice travel well.

Extra Eating & Coffee Shortlist (Budget-Friendly Romance)

• Bangkok breakfast: On Lok Yun (retro Thai toast and eggs); Mother Roaster Chinatown for slow-bar coffee.
• Bangkok lunch: Pe Aor (volcanic tom yum), Thipsamai (pad thai with shrimp oil), or Som Tam Jay So (fiery papaya salad).
• Bangkok dinner: Krua Apsorn (royal recipes), Phed Mark (pad krapao), or a riverside table at Sala Rattanakosin.
• Phuket coffee: Campus Coffee Roaster; The Feelsion Café (vintage décor, Thai desserts).
• Phuket dinner: One Chun (local favorite), Raya Restaurant (Southern classics in a heritage home), Kan Eang@Pier (grilled seafood by the water).

Money & movement tips: BTS/MRT rides run roughly 16–59 THB; river ferries are scenic and cheap. In Phuket, distances are longer—budget for taxis or consider a scooter only if experienced and insured. For your budget (43/100), lean into street food, mid-range stays, and reserve splurges for the river cruise or a sea day—you’ll still feel thoroughly spoiled.

Where to stay again (quick links):
Bangkok: Lub d Bangkok Siam, Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel, Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, or browse all Bangkok stays / Bangkok VRBOs.
Phuket: Lub d Phuket Patong, Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, The Shore at Katathani, JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, or browse all Phuket stays / Phuket VRBOs.

In one week, you’ll trace the royal heart of Bangkok, taste your way through night markets, and drift between limestone islands as the Andaman turns gold. It’s a pace that leaves room for romance, a few wow-moments, and plenty of value. You’ll head home sun-warmed, temple-blessed, and already plotting a return.