Asiatique The Riverfront

Asiatique The Riverfront is a large open-air mall located along the east bank of Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Asiatique is the first and the largest night-lifestyle venue riverfront in Asia, which has combined the elements of the Thai history and the modern lifestyle in a fabulous way, under the concept of Festival Market and Living Museum. Asiatique is both a large night bazaar and a shopping mall, as well as an entertainment venue with several attractions. The huge complex was opened in 2012 after extensive renovation of the former docks of the East Asiatic Company, and includes several old warehouses and buildings, like an old sawmill and a World-War-II bomb shelter, with the oldest edifice dating back to 1907. It covers an area of more than 30 rai of land, 4.8 hectares, between Charoen Krung Road and the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok's Bang Kho Laem District, just 500 meters south of King Taksin Bridge. Asiatique overall project plans a future mixed-use expansion for a total of 72 rai, 11.52 hectares. Opened daily from 17:00 to 24:00, the mall features over 1,500 boutiques and 40 restaurants, most of which are housed in the former warehouse complex. Featuring a common historical theme inspired from King Chulalongkorn's reign, the Asiatique is divided into four sections, called districts. Chareonkrung District contains the entertainment venues, including the Joe Louis Traditional Thai Puppet Theatre, the Calypso Cabaret, one of Bangkok’s most celebrated ladyboy shows, and live Muay Thai performances, as well as shops selling handicrafts and souvenirs. Town Square District features several restaurants of international brands, such as KFC, Pizza Company, Au Bon Pain and MK. The area has also a small outdoor space for events with some independent cafes and sport bar selling strong drinks and Thai food. Factory District is focused on trendy boutiques, gadget shops, including an Apple store, and restaurants. Waterfront District is the Asiatique's main highlight. The area develops along the beautiful waterfront promenade, the city’s longest public boardwalk at 300 metres, lined with upscale Italian and Thai restaurants. The river promenade hosts a large event space used for concerts, festivals and New Year celebrations, as well as the Asiatique Sky, the tallest Ferris wheel in Thailand, 60 metres high with 42 gondolas, which is one of Bangkok’s Landmarks.
Getting there: The easiest and fastest way to get Asiatique is via boat from the Sathorn Central Pier, located just next to Saphan Taksin Skytrain Station and so easily accessible from all areas of Bangkok's downtown. From the pier there is a free shuttle service till the Asiatique. It only takes ten minutes, and the service runs until 23:00. For visitors who own a car, there is parking with capacity of 2,000 cars side by side with mall.Read More