One day in Bangkok – the perfect itinerary for LGBTQ+ couples
If you’ve ever spent time in Bangkok, you’ll know it’s a city that never stops giving. You could stay here for weeks – months, even – and still feel like you’ve only just begun to uncover its layers. Unfortunately, few travellers have that kind of time to spare, especially those hoping to see Thailand’s other must-visit spots such as Chiang Mai and Phuket during their getaway. This was exactly the case for Jordyn Cole Pollack and his partner Ziggy Starlust, along with Luke Wesley Pearson and his partner Kelsey Stacy Pearson – two queer content creator couples we had the pleasure of travelling with earlier this year. On a tight schedule, we had just one day to uncover the best of Bangkok before heading off to discover the rest of the country.
In this guide, we’re detailing everything we did for those who wish to follow in our footsteps. But rest assured, this isn’t a whirlwind checklist or an exhausting dash from temple to temple. It’s a short, sweet, and perfectly paced itinerary designed for couples (queer and otherwise) who want to savour the city without breaking a sweat. We’re travellers, not triathletes, after all.
Where to stay
Bangkok certainly isn’t short of incredible LGBTQ+-welcoming places to stay, from chic riverside hideaways to creative boutique hotels tucked down quiet sois (explore our extensive list here). However, as the launchpad for this particular Thai adventure, we chose Sindhorn Kempinski, and it’s easy to see why.
More a resort dropped into the city than a typical urban hotel, Sindhorn Kempinski has all the trimmings you could wish for in a five-star stay: spacious, stylish rooms, a long saltwater pool with skyline views, standout restaurants, and a full wellness complex complete with spa and hydrotherapy facilities. Its prime location in the upscale Langsuan area, right on the edge of Lumphini Park, keeps you close to the action but far enough away not to feel swallowed by it — perfect for a short, restorative stay.
Morning: Ruins, rivers, and reflection
Fuel up well at breakfast, because this itinerary begins with a journey back in time. Around 80 kilometres north of the capital lies Ayutthaya, the country’s former capital and one of its most fascinating day trips. It’s about 1.5 hours by car – private drivers or hotel-arranged transfers are the easiest and most comfortable options, though the train from Hua Lamphong Station makes for a charming, slower journey.
Once the heart of a vast trading empire, Ayutthaya’s temple ruins and serene Buddha figures now sit quietly among leafy parkland and looping rivers. Visit Wat Mahathat, where a Buddha head rests in the roots of a tree, and Wat Chaiwatthanaram, the city’s most photogenic riverside temple. It’s history on a grand scale, but easy to take in at your own pace.
A morning of exploration can sure work up an appetite, and we have the perfect spot for when that time comes. Set right on the Chao Phraya River with views of Wat Phutthaisawan, Sampaonava serves refined takes on local favourites, including perfectly grilled river prawns and classic Thai curries. The riverside setting gives it a romantic edge, and it’s easy to linger here with a cold drink in hand, taking in the scenery.
For dessert, grab Roti Sai Mai, a local favourite sold by nearby street vendors, which consists of Thai cotton candy wrapped in paper-thin roti. It’s simple, sweet, and unmistakably Ayutthaya.
Afternoon: Easy does it
Once you’re back in central Bangkok, cross the Chao Phraya River to visit Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn. This awe-inspiring landmark, with porcelain-covered spires that glitter in the sunlight, remains one of the city’s most photographed spots, and is an essential on any Bangkok itinerary. Our group of queer creators learned how to make a traditional offering here by lighting three incense sticks and a candle before placing a lotus flower at the altar. It was a small but meaningful moment of connection, followed by a quick Thai snack from a riverside vendor before heading back to our hotel.
The rest of the afternoon in this one-day Bangkok itinerary is dedicated to pure relaxation. The Sindhorn Wellness by Resense spa is one of Bangkok’s best, with a thermal suite, hydrotherapy areas, and a long list of treatments designed to soothe jet-lagged bodies. It’s also proudly inclusive and trans-friendly, something our group deeply appreciated. Whether you opt for a couple’s massage or a soak in the thermal pools, it’s the perfect pause before the evening ahead.
Evening: Take it to the roof
Your day in Bangkok has almost come to an end, and what better way to cap it off than with dinner and sunset cocktails at Pastel. This chic rooftop bar and restaurant, perched atop the 22nd floor of the Aira Hotel, has become a fixture in the city’s dining scene since opening in 2022, thanks to its photogenic interiors, panoramic views of the skyline and, of course, delectable Mediterranean-inspired menu. The food here emphasises farm-to-table ingredients, with dishes ranging from classic small plates and refined crudo to flavorful seafood specialities. Signature offerings include the Provencal tartare, grilled calamari stuffed with chorizo, and a Mediterranean tajine featuring market-fresh seafood.
But it’s more than a dinner spot. Come nightfall, the restaurant transforms into a lively venue space with themed nights, featuring live musicians, performers, and electrifying DJ sets that keep things buzzing until last call. You’ll most definitely leave Pastel with a full stomach, full heart, and way too many photos!
