Explore Asiatique: A Unique Shopping and Dining Experience in Bangkok
Asiatique is a vibrant blend of casual street market and upscale riverside dining, making it a unique shopping area located just south of Chinatown in Bangkok. While it may seem ambitious, it offers a delightful experience for anyone looking to spend a few hours in a lively setting.
This appealing destination caters to various needs, whether you’re hunting for souvenirs, seeking a nice dining spot with entertainment, or simply wanting to enjoy a scenic stroll beside the river and city skyline. Moreover, Asiatique is conveniently accessible via public transportation, including the river ferry, making it a family-friendly choice where locals and tourists mingle, ensuring you avoid the tourist trap experience.
What to Expect of Asiatique Market
Asiatique is strategically located on Charoen Krung Road, recognized as Bangkok’s oldest thoroughfare. Built around a restored pier from the 1900s, it is designed to invoke the rich cultural history of Thailand. The market showcases shopping within large open buildings, reminiscent of massive warehouses still found in parts of Bangkok. However, some critics argue that the developers have taken this thematic approach a tad too far, creating an experience that may feel overly produced, akin to a shopping-themed amusement park.
Nevertheless, Asiatique combines a charming atmosphere with various attractions, including an outdoor riverside mall featuring an exciting selection of shops, eateries, and authentic Thai entertainment. The layout consists of organized market stalls in one area, upscale shops in another, alongside a casual food court and numerous standalone restaurants. Several stalls are direct imports from the popular Suan Lum Night Market, showcasing affordable clothing, housewares, and souvenirs, while also featuring unique items from local designers.
Food, Drink, and Liveliness
When it comes to dining, Asiatique offers options for every budget. The main food area is an open food court with a myriad of vendors providing delicious Thai food. If you’re in the mood for something refined, there are air-conditioned restaurants, including popular local chains and waterfront dining options featuring seafood and craft beers. You don’t need to splurge to enjoy a magnificent view of the Chao Phraya River and the city’s skyline—you can simply stroll along the waterfront promenade.
In terms of entertainment, Asiatique hosts two renowned cultural shows. The Joe Louis Puppet Theatre brings traditional Thai puppetry to life, with performers engaging children and adults alike. This unique puppet show enhances the narrative by integrating the puppeteers into the performance itself. Meanwhile, the Calypso Cabaret stands out as one of Bangkok’s celebrated transvestite variety shows, offering lively performances that showcase Thailand’s famed ladyboys in a vibrant and entertaining setting.
How to Get There
To reach Asiatique, you can either take a taxi to Charoen Krung Soi 72 or opt for the Skytrain to Saphan Taksin. From there, enjoy a scenic ride aboard one of Asiatique’s complimentary river ferry shuttles, which operate from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily. While there are some shops and eateries available during the day, the market is primarily a destination for the evening crowd.
