It is an open-mall concept with 1,500 stores, like those you see in L.A outlet malls, except most of the stores there are restaurants (40 of them!). It faces the Chao Phraya River and gives a very good sunset view and boost a calming yet festive nightlife.
Asiatique the Riverfront,
Opening Hours:
Daily, 5pm to 12am
Address:
Bang Kho Laem, จังหวัด กรุงเทพมหานคร Thailand
Chareonkrung Soi 74 - 76
Chareonkrung Soi 74 - 76
If you like rustic and like being in themed places, this is a place you must visit in Thailand. Filled with pubs and also a carnival like area selling street food, or you can shop till you drop in the various warehouse-concept shopping districts. The food choices are endless, and you would probably be spoilt for choice, I know I was.
This place is family friendly and also great to come wind down with your friends or even just as a couple. The vibes you get out of here, is nothing less than good.
There are 4 districts, not as complicated as Chatuchak (if you have not read my guide). However, it is still considerably big and might be difficult to locate stores after walking for a bit.
4 Districts:
1. Chareonkrung District: Features the traditional and modern day performing arts such as Thai Puppet shops and also find vintage and traditional handicrafts, souvenirs, home decors and spa.
2. Town Square District: A mix of Thai and Western, you can expect to see many international restaurants as well as bars. The last time I was there, there was a Muay-Thai performance.
3. Factory District: My favorite place. There are many fashion stores here and they show more trendy items as compared to the other districts. Hip dining scenes selling more affordable food, definitely suitable for the youngsters.
4. Waterfront District: And if you want to have the best view of the river, chilling in a pub in this area would be the best. International fine-dining fills up this 300m long boardwalk that will give you plenty of choices to pick before winding down to their relaxing jazz music or even live bands.
2. Town Square District: A mix of Thai and Western, you can expect to see many international restaurants as well as bars. The last time I was there, there was a Muay-Thai performance.
3. Factory District: My favorite place. There are many fashion stores here and they show more trendy items as compared to the other districts. Hip dining scenes selling more affordable food, definitely suitable for the youngsters.
4. Waterfront District: And if you want to have the best view of the river, chilling in a pub in this area would be the best. International fine-dining fills up this 300m long boardwalk that will give you plenty of choices to pick before winding down to their relaxing jazz music or even live bands.
2. Getting Here:
Just like how I got to Chatuchak, BTS is the easiest solution for me. Also because of the free shuttle ferry provided by the management of Asiatique, taking to the Saphan Thaksin Station is the better option.
Nearest BTS (Sky train) station:
Saphan Thaksin
- Upon alighting from the BTS, look out for the signs that says "Sathorn Pier", it should be Exit 2 of the station.
- You will be lead down some stairs, follow the crowd and you will see this jetty at the end of your walkway.
- There will be a sign which then says "Free shuttle, Asiatique" something like that.
- Queuing for the boat will take about 15-40 minutes depending on the queue.
-The ride there is about 10 mins long. You can get to sit or stand on the boat. Do hold on tight!
Taking of Taxi and Cars are not recommended as the locals did point out that this area has rather bad traffic, and it wouldn't be fun to be stuck in one.
You can also take a boat to the Sathorn Pier from other jetties.
E.g. Coming from Khao San Road, take from Pier No. 13 Phra Thit Piew then get off at Thanksin Bridge (Sathorn Pier)
- You will be lead down some stairs, follow the crowd and you will see this jetty at the end of your walkway.
- There will be a sign which then says "Free shuttle, Asiatique" something like that.
- Queuing for the boat will take about 15-40 minutes depending on the queue.
-The ride there is about 10 mins long. You can get to sit or stand on the boat. Do hold on tight!
Taking of Taxi and Cars are not recommended as the locals did point out that this area has rather bad traffic, and it wouldn't be fun to be stuck in one.
You can also take a boat to the Sathorn Pier from other jetties.
E.g. Coming from Khao San Road, take from Pier No. 13 Phra Thit Piew then get off at Thanksin Bridge (Sathorn Pier)
Before coming here, be prepared to be spoilt for choices. Your stomach and eyes, and maybe your noses, will be pleased with the array of food available. Take your time to walk around and see what you want to eat, before committing.
What I did was that, instead of eating at a restaurant, I went towards the carnival section, the area with a Ferris wheel. So there were many street food there, most of them tasted good. But some of them were not as good as they look.
I would recommend trying the squid egg and quail eggs, thailand dimsum, coconut ice-cream and maybe the grilled seafood. The others that I tried were ok-ok only, either that or my stomach did not have any more space. Hahaha
- Do bring enough cash, depending on what you want to buy, but an estimation for casualy shopping 2,000baht (About 80SGD) is more than enough.
- Mind your safety, the more crowded a place, the more you should take note of your belongings.
- If you like something, buy it from that store, don't wait. There are too many stores and it might be hard to track back the exact store.
- There are 2 stores near the Town Square district that sells thailand wholesale snacks cheaply. You might want to check them out to buy home for your friends or family. You can also request for them to pack into a carton box for you if you have purchased in large quantities. The service is free.
- Things here cannot be bargained. Which is expected as in such a well furnished place, I would think that the rent is expensive.
4. My Ratings:
Shopping Experience: 7 / 10
Affordability: 7 / 10
Accessibility: 9 / 10
Worth making a trip: 8 / 10
And that's about it for this post. Hoped you've enjoyed reading as much as I've enjoyed curating this series. Do check back again for new updates, leave your email at the bottom of the site to receive free updates when there is a new post!
Till the next one, love yourself and others.
x Sharleen
Infomation credit: http://www.thaiasiatique.com/index.php/en/view/page/getting-here
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