One of Bangkok’s most beautiful shopping and entertainment complexes is located directly on the Chao Phraya River.
Asiatique The Riverfront offers a great mix of modern shopping culture, traditional Thai markets, entertainment options, and a huge food court.
The complex covers an impressive 28 hectares and is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
Asiatique The Riverfront is relatively quiet during the day. In the late afternoon, however, the area comes to life and transforms into a bustling food and shopping mecca with beautiful lighting and great music.
Get there: Take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin and walk to Sathorn Pier. Here, the free shuttle boat departs regularly, alternatively, by cab.
Opening hours: Daily from 11:00 to 00:00.
Admission: Free
Asiatique Bangkok: A unique shopping experience
Asiatique Bangkok is famous for its huge range of stores and boutiques.
From clothing and accessories to regional snacks, souvenirs and handicrafts, there’s nothing here you can’t find.
The complex offers both traditional market stalls and classic retail stores such as the popular classic MINISO.
Many of the small boutiques are housed in traditional wooden buildings that recall Thailand’s historic heritage.
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Shopping here is a very special experience as you can grab modern fashion and accessories as well as authentic Thai goods.
Accordingly, Asiatique The Riverfront is also the perfect place to search for original souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones at home.
Handmade products include, for example, ornate wood carvings, colorful textiles, traditional jewelry, tea services, and small elephant statues.
While the prices in the retail stores are fixed, you can haggle to your heart’s content at the traditional stalls.
You can make particularly good bargains in the group if you want to buy several pieces from the dealers on the spot.
Tip: Don’t miss the Calypso Cabaret Show at Asiatique Calypso Cabaret!
Asiatique The Riverfront: Culinary highlights on site
Asiatique Bangkok offers various restaurants, cafes, and cookshops serving regional specialties and international dishes.
The prices are higher than in comparable restaurants in Bangkok; you virtually pay for the location. However, you can eat relatively cheaply at the beautifully designed aftermarket.
From traditional Pad Thai to juicy satay skewers and fresh coconut, there’s something here for everyone.
Events and entertainment on-site
Asiatique The Riverfront also hosts plenty of entertainment options. From rides to shows and events, there’s plenty to do here.
One highlight, for example, is the Ferris wheel, which rises more than 60 meters into the sky.
It offers spectacular views of the Chao Phraya River and the surrounding city.
Especially in the evening, when the skyline is brightly lit, the ride on the Ferris wheel is a great experience. Not far away, you will also find a ghost train and a nostalgic carousel for children.
Other entertainment options include cabaret shows at Calypso Theatre and traditional Thai dance and music performances at Joe Louis Theatre.
There is also regular live music and other performances throughout the complex.
Last but not least, Asiatique Bangkok regularly organizes events and festivals that celebrate Thailand’s cultural heritage.
Asiatique Bangkok: The Journey
Asiatique is best reached by boat. You can take the Skytrain and get off at Saphan Taksin BTS station.
From there, it’s not far to Sathorn Pier, where you can cross the river on Asiatique’s free shuttle boat.
The first shuttle departs from Sathorn Pier at 17:00; the crossing takes only a few minutes. Until 23:00 you can then take a boat every half hour.
After your arrival, be sure to check the timetable at the dock, as the departure times can change.
Alternatively, you can take a cab to Asiatique The Riverfront. When you leave there, however, you have to expect that the cab drivers will charge inflated prices.
So it’s worth walking a few minutes first and hailing a cab on the street. On the way back to the city center, you will almost certainly be stuck in a traffic jam as well.
This is usually why many cab drivers do not want to take you or insist on a relatively high price for Thai standards.
Tip: Combine your visit with a dinner boat trip on the Chao Phraya Princess!
Our conclusion about Asiatique The Riverfront
Asiatique Bangkok is often referred to as a tourist trap. And indeed, the prices on site are relatively expensive, and the area as a whole is relatively touristy.
Still, the complex offers a unique atmosphere, and it’s just fun to walk along the pier at sunset, take a spin on the Ferris wheel, and haggle in the markets.
Asiatique The Riverfront is also perfect for a nice dinner overlooking the Chao Phraya River.
So, if you don’t have huge expectations and a weakness for typical Asian kitsch, you can definitely spend a great evening here.
The best tours around Asiatique The Riverfront
1. Pearl Candle Light Dinner Boat Trip
On this two-hour luxury boat tour, you’ll enjoy dinner on the Chao Phraya River.
You will see the most beautiful sights of Bangkok passing by, such as Wat Arun and the Grand Palace.
Feast once across the buffet with European, Japanese, and Thai dishes while enjoying the live music on board.
2. Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun private tour
As part of this private tour, you will be picked up and returned from your hotel comfortably – your guide will drive you around Bangkok in a comfortable car.
Visit the Grand Palace, Tha Thien Market, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. You can also take a boat trip on the Chao Phraya if you like.
The best thing is that you can combine all the elements yourself and visit the sights that interest you the most.
3. Thai cooking course with a market tour in the morning
At the House of Taste Thai Cooking School in Si Lom, you’ll learn about Thai ingredients like vegetables, rice, herbs, and spices and how to make your own coconut milk and curry paste.
But first, we go to the market for shopping. Then, four delicious dishes are prepared from the acquired food.
Frequently asked questions about Asiatique Bangkok
Here, we answer some frequently asked questions about Asiatique Bangkok.
In this article, you will find an overview of the most important sights in Bangkok.
What is Asiatique The Riverfront Bangkok?
Asiatique The Riverfront Bangkok is a shopping and entertainment complex on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand. The complex is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
What types of businesses are there in Asiatique The Riverfront?
Asiatique The Riverfront is home to various stores and boutiques offering clothing, accessories, handicrafts, souvenirs, and more.
What are the culinary options at Asiatique Bangkok?
Asiatique The Riverfront offers a wide selection of restaurants, cafes, and cookshops serving both regional specialties and international dishes.
Are there entertainment options at Asiatique The Riverfront?
Yes, Asiatique The Riverfront offers various entertainment options such as cabaret shows, traditional Thai dance and music performances, live music, and more.
How high is the Ferris wheel of Asiatique The Riverfront?
Asiatique The Riverfront’s Ferris wheel is over 60 meters high and offers a great view of the Chao Phraya River and the city.
How do I get to Asiatique Bangkok?
Asiatique Bangkok is easily accessible by cab or boat. You can also use the Skytrain system and get off at Saphan Taksin BTS station, from where you can cross the river on Asiatique’s free shuttle boat.
Is there a night market at Asiatique The Riverfront?
Yes, Asiatique Bangkok offers a night market where you can haggle to your heart’s content and grab many different products.
When is Asiatique The Riverfront open?
Opening hours vary by store, but generally, most stores and restaurants open in the afternoon and stay until about midnight.
Is Asiatique The Riverfront a safe place for tourists?
Yes, Asiatique The Riverfront is considered a safe place for tourists. However, as in any other city, pickpocketing can occur.
Is Asiatique Bangkok worth it?
Asiatique Bangkok is often referred to as a tourist trap. And indeed, the prices on site are relatively expensive, and the area as a whole is relatively touristy. Still, the complex offers a unique atmosphere, and it’s just fun to walk along the pier at sunset, take a spin on the Ferris wheel, haggle in the markets, and enjoy a dinner overlooking the water.
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Franzi is a long-term travel blogger, online editor, and content creator specializing in Tourism in Bangkok and Thailand.
