Asiatique Riverfront Bangkok

The Asiatique Riverfront in Bangkok is a new shopping and lifestyle place along the Chao Phraya River that opened in 2012.

Styled in multiple classic massive old warehouses, this place was formerly known as the East Asiatic Company Limited, one of the active trading warehouses in the colonial period supplying teak wood to the world.

TCC Land Thailand obtained the entire warehouse area and converted it to become one of the trendiest lifestyle places in Bangkok to date.

This shopping haven was also opened in early 2012, catering to locals and foreigners and is one of Bangkok's popular tourist destinations.

Asiatique Riverfront Bangkok

The main entrance of Asiatique Bangkok.

With a total area of 28 acres, 12 acres have been utilized to house 1,500 shops and 40 restaurants, and there is also a beautiful 300-meter-long riverfront promenade along the famous Chao Phraya River.

The entire area is also divided into four main areas: the Charoenkrung District, Town Square District, Factory District and the Waterfront District, where each has a speciality of its own.

All sorts of items are sold around these massive converted warehouses, especially many local Thai home-grown products.

Since the closure of Suan Lum Market in Bangkok in April 2012, Asiatique Riverside has been the place to visit as it is much more spacious and clean and carries a large selection for shopping, food & beverage and entertainment.

Formerly known as East Asiatic Company.

Asiatique's unique location makes getting here fun, as you can take the BTS train and then hop on the free ferry service the outlet offers.

Several river ferries take passengers from the jetty to the location with a scenic view of the Chao Phraya.

The journey one way takes about ten minutes. Upon arriving there, you will notice the beautiful riverside promenade, where many locals are seen photographing or just walking around, admiring the place.

Shopping at Asiatique

Shopping here is worthwhile as there are about 1500 shops for you to go through, which is challenging if you ask me. Split into nine warehouses, each warehouse easily has about 150 shops with multiple alleys and lanes.

Shops here sell all sorts of items like handicrafts, decorative items, clothes, souvenirs, shoes, and accessories, to some of the oddest things.

One of the districts here also offers over 500 fashion boutiques for all lifestyles, from current trends to conventional and traditional.

Warehouse No.7 at Asiatique.

Food at Asiatique

There is one warehouse dedicated just to a local food court which carries a lot of popular Thai dishes. Apart from this, one can choose from over 40 restaurants ranging from fast food, international food, and cafe style to fine dining.

Cafes are abundant, serving coffee and cakes, while there are some bars as well. Overall, a suggestion is to skip your meals and make your way here, as visitors will definitely be spoiled for choices.

Asiatique is also located by the Chow Phraya River.

Entertainment at Asiatique

There is a well-known Calypso Cabaret, Joe Louis Theatre Puppet Show and the Riverfront Pathway for those seeking entertainment.

Concerts have been planned for the year as the place offers 12,000 square meters dedicated to open-air activities. You can visit the official website for updates on this.

Chilling Out

Overall, visitors here will find that this lifestyle market is well-balanced in all areas. Be prepared to spend at least four to six hours here, but it can easily extend to half a day if you are into the entire shopping and entertainment therapy.

The riverside offers a nice scenic view of the Chao Phraya River, with Bangkok's high-rise skyline in the distance. Again, the sunset here is worth waiting for, provided it is a clear day in Bangkok.

Bangkok Ferry Service.

How To Go To Asiatique Riverfront?

There are two main ways to get to Asiatique in Bangkok. One would be the free ferry service offered by Asiatique along the Chao Phraya River, while the other would be via taxi or tuk-tuk.

Locals and tour buses prefer the road, while many others choose the scenic route to challenge the famous Bangkok traffic, which is the easiest way.

• Take the BTS Sky Train to Saphan Train Station
• Walk down to Sathorm Pier and look for the Asiatique Ferry Jetty
• Board the Free ferry service to Asiatique
• Ferry Service is Free both ways

Where is Asiatique in Bangkok?

Asiatique is located in the Wat Prayakrai district along the Chao Phraya River. It is located in the old commercial warehouse area and is easily accessible by river or road.

Asiatique Riverside

2194 Charoenkrung Road,

Wat Prayakrai District, Bangkok

Opening hours: 5.00 pm till midnight daily

Random shops selling all sorts of things.

Edit April 2017 - A new night market recently opened in Bangkok called Talad Neon Night Market, located just near the Pratunam area.

Edit February 2023 - Several markets have since closed after the Covid 19 Pandemic, and currently, one new market called Jodd Fairs Marjet that opened in December 2021.

Conclusion

If you are visiting Bangkok and want to explore something new, I recommend you make that trip to Asiatique Riverside as it is one of the interesting new lifestyle places.

The marriage of colonial and modern brings this once-forgotten place back to life, catering to today's lifestyle demands and consumers.

Note that weekends are crowded during the evenings, so be well prepared. I recommend you visit this place in the late morning or afternoon.

If you are done early at Asiatique, you can head over to the new night market around the Pratunam area and continue to shop here.

Those planning a trip to Bangkok will find many other things to do there. If you love shopping, famous places like Chatuchak Market, Pratunam area and modern shopping malls are around the city.

Since Suan Lum Market is already closed, many traders have moved to this new and exciting lifestyle place called Asiatique Riverfront in Bangkok.