- Asiatique The Riverfront
- Reviewed by:
Review Summary:
Asiatique is a sizzling tourist hot spot, an upscale night market with a touristy atmosphere. A great place for tourists to come to relax, walk, shop, eat, drink, take photos, ride Thailand’s biggest Ferris wheel and check out the stunning night view of the Chao Phraya River.
However, the area does seem to be overpriced. Prices on the same items will be different compared to what you may find somewhere else in Bangkok. So you will have to make your own judgments when it comes to shopping here.
Similar to the Chatuchak Weekend Market, it’s mainly outdoors, with the largest difference being that it is a bit pricier and with noticeably nicer restaurants, and a more clean and modern overall vibe.
Size: 28.88 acres / 12 acres of the first phase
Number of shops: 1,500 shops
Number of restaurants: 40 restaurants.
Monday 4–11:30PM
Tuesday 4–11:30PM
Wednesday 4-11:30PM
Thursday 4-11:30PM
Friday 4PM–12AM
Saturday 4PM–12AM
Sunday 4PM–12AM
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good for evening and night shopping/eating out, but certainly not the cheapest market in Bangkok.
- Lots of mid to high end/upscale international restaurants as well as Thai restaurants, cost a bit more when compared to the rest of markets in Thailand. This is one of the best places to go if you’re looking for western or international food.
- Outdoor shopping, similar to Chatuchak Weekend Market, but with a newer, more western feel. Cleaner, and not as crowded.
- Have live Muay Thai (kick boxing) and lady-boy pageants.
- Great river front view of the Chao Phraya River.
- Unlike Chatuchak Weekend Market, Asiatique feels safe to bring small children to. Lots of space for walking as well as strollers.
- Largest Ferris-wheel in Bangkok, possibly in Thailand, and only 8-12 USD (250-350 baht) per person to ride (about 10 min., 3 rounds).
- Recently renovated, looks new, clean and modern. Looks and feels nothing like the rest of Bangkok or Thailand (although maybe some would consider this is a bad thing?).
Cons
- Super touristy, not an authentic Thailand experience.
- Very westernized, with dual pricing for Thais and westerners. May appeal more to those who only do 4+ star hotels? But still a good place to experience once if you have time and live nearby.
How to get there
Getting there with BTS
Get off at Saphan Taksin BTS and board the free shuttle boat at Sathorn Pier (5 min walk from Saphan Taksin BTS) and wait in line for the shuttle boat. The shuttle boat comes every 15 min.
Once aboard the shuttle boat, go south down Chao Phraya River, and in about 15-20 min you will reach Asiatique. Do the reverse when going home or take a meter-taxi, but be aware that the traffic on the road can get very congested. If you’re not in a hurry, you can try the meter-taxi, but we recommend taking the Saphan Taksin BTS and use the free shuttle boat up and down the Chao Phraya River.
Address: 2194 Charoen Krung Rd, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok 10120
What’s for sale – what you can find
Tourist products shops, clothing, souvenirs, bags, jewelry, accessories, furniture, home furnishings, Ferris wheel.
Performance – Joe Louis Puppet Theater and Calypso Bangkok Theater (ladyboy show)
