Bangkok stands out among the world’s great cities. Beyond its chaotic veneer, the city boasts unique attractions, including magnificent temples and palaces, vibrant nightlife, and fantastic food. If you’re in the capital for a couple days to take care of the legal side of your destination wedding, here are our 5 favourite activities.

1. Sample the best of Thai street food at one of the city’s many food courts, including the ones at MBK Centre and Terminal 21 shopping malls. Each venue offers a huge choice of Thai cuisine, from noodle dishes to curries, fried foods and sweets. The food is generally good, with cheap prices and clean, air-conditioned environments. Alternately, you might want to go all out by booking a table at Nahm, savouring innovative Thai delicacies from award-winning chef David Thompson.

2. Sip on innovative cocktails at the glittering Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower. At 63 stories high, you’ll also get to indulge in a bird’s eye view of the city, including the bustling river scene. Arrive in the late afternoon, snag a choice spot and celebrate your upcoming nuptials with pre-dinner drinks amidst the spectacular sunset.

3. Visit iconic temples, such as Wat Pho, which is famous for its huge, 46-metre long Reclining Buddha statue. It is also one of the city’s oldest temples, housing the largest number of Buddha images in Thailand, as well as a renowned Thai massage school (customers are welcome!). You can also catch a ferry to the other side of the river to visit the striking Wat Arun, the so-called Temple of the Dawn, whose ornate floral mosaics are comprised of broken Chinese porcelain pieces.

4. Get a glimpse of “Thainess” at the tranquil Jim Thompson House. Here, you’ll see the home of the infamous CIA operative Jim Thompson, who revived the Thai silk industry after World War II. Situated on a klong, or canal, the house is assembled from six traditional Thai-style structures and holds Thompson’s exquisite collection of Southeast Asian art. For a less formal experience, visit Museum Siam, which features fun interactive exhibits revolving around the theme of Thainess in historic settings, food, pop culture and everyday life.

5. Shop until you drop at the massive CentralWorld shopping complex, which includes two department stores and countless restaurants and stores. You can also watch a movie, go ice skating, visit a library, or simply relax in a café and watch the crowds go by.

Have questions about Bangkok’s sights? Get in touch with Creative Events Asia today!