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Asiatique The Riverfront was the first of many new riverfront entertainment and shopping areas and is quite different to most of Bangkok’s other night markets. It fuses an outdoor shopping and dining centre with the raw fun that we love about more conventional night markets in the Thai capital.
Asiatique is a great spot to pick up some great souvenirs to take home, as well as a good place to enjoy a fun evening out with plenty of food, drink, riverside views, and performances. In this article we share our tips.
Note regarding COVID-19: While we do try to keep our content up to date, please be aware that due to the impact of COVID-19, restrictions may impact our recommendations, and businesses may temporarily or permanently close. Please double check.
About Asiatique
Asiatique is located just a short way down the Chao Phraya River from Saphan Taksin BTS / Sathorn Pier Interchange. There is a free shuttle boat from Sathorn pier making it easy to get to.
What is now a popular night market began life as an international port used for trade between Europe and then Siam. The iconic warehouses on the site were home to the East Asiatic freight company. Also, it is the design and atmosphere of this warehouse plot that has inspired the Asiatique night market. It aims to combine the vibe of a market and the value of a ‘living museum’ of the ways of Bangkok’s past.
Far more of an organised affair than even the most well managed of Bangkok’s other more laid-back night markets. Asiatique has bricks-and-mortar shop units, with over 1,500 retail vendors and 40 restaurants packed in beneath a replica of the colonial-style former warehouse setup. Moreover, you’ll also find nightly performances taking place in the two cultural theatres, where everything from cabaret to traditional puppetry is on show.
There’s even a map to help you get from A to B! Different zones of the market cater to different tastes, depending on what you’re looking for. From shopping to cultural shows, and from historical artifacts and exhibitions to bars and restaurants, also a free tram service connecting the different zones, make it easy to get around.
Asiatique also makes the most of its attractive riverfront location with a sizeable boardwalk enjoying pleasant views out over the water and across Bangkok’s skyline. A Ferris wheel called Asiatique Sky is essentially a scaled-down version of the likes of the London Eye. It offers impressive views out over the city.
Shopping at Asiatique
On the shopping front, there’s a solid variety of goods on offer that runs from fashion to handicrafts, jewellery, and more. You’re sure to find something no matter how big your budget is. Since Asiatique plays host to everything from cheap-and-cheerful fashion pieces and knock-offs to higher-end local designer brands.
Eating & Drinking at Asiatique
Dining and drinking options stretch from high-street fast food joints to high-end local, international fine dining restaurants, and smart wine bars.
Krua Khun Toi @ASIATIQUE The Riverfront
Krua Khun Toi is a big name of a food-themed TV show in Thailand that presents tasty food from all over the country. The new Krua Khun Toi food centre is a project that Khun Toi, the owner, wanted to share such wonderful food recommended on his show. This venue combines 30 food stalls from around Thailand with a range of Thai, Japanese, and Chinese cuisines.
Opening Hour: Daily from 11 AM – 8 PM
Note: With the current COVID-19 situation, the restaurant has been temporarily closed since January 4, 2021. You can keep updating on their Facebook page here
Sirimahannop Tall Ship Restaurant
Sirimahannop is a classical tall ship restaurant operated by Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park that replicates a Royal Thai navy ship used during the reign of King Rama V (1868-1910). Also, it is the largest three-masted vessel in Thailand. This elegant restaurant separated into 2 levels, the upper deck and lower deck which provide completely different vibes.
There are also private rooms and a hidden rum bar which are perfect for social occasions with family or friends. They serve original beverages infused with native woods and tropical fruits, specialist rum cocktails, craft beers, premium spirits, fine wines, and a mouth-watering menu that showcases fresh local seafood and tapas-style plates along with entertainment as DJs spinning cool tunes, live bands, and shows.
Opening Hour: Monday – Friday from 4 PM – 9 PM, Saturday – Sunday from 12 PM – 9 PM
Recommendation: Best to make a reservation
Find more information here: https://portal.marriott.com/bkkqp-dining/sirimahannop
Happy Fish
A bar & restaurant decorated uniquely in a kinder garden loft theme full of colourful fish. The restaurant is located by the Chao Phraya River and has both indoor and outdoor zones as well as a private zone on a 2nd floor. They serve a variety kind of food – Thai and Western food, desserts, and drinks. Several live bands take turn to create a lively atmosphere while you are savouring such a tasty food and enjoying the view. No wonder why the fish are happy!
Opening Hour: Daily 5 PM – 1 AM
Note: With the current COVID-19 situation, the restaurant has been temporarily closed since January 2, 2021. You can keep updating on their Facebook page here
How to Get There
You can take a taxi, boat, and bus. There’s the free red bus number 15 from Siam Centre straight to Asiatique. Also, Asiatique operates a free shuttle boat service between 4 PM and 11 PM from Sathorn pier – beneath BTS Saphan Taksin station. Do spare some time as the queues can be long at peak time. However, it’s still preferable to coming by road. Since the traffic around Asiatique can be horrendous at the best of times.
Shuttle Boat Information
Opening Hour
Restaurants and shops open at 11 AM – midnight while the amusement park zone opens at 4 PM – midnight. (updated on Dec 4, 2020)
What’s Going On in 2021
Asiatique has reopened now after closing for several months since March 2020. Most of the shops and restaurants are currently open but unfortunately, some are permanently closed. The Calypso Cabaret’s shows also has been suspended and can’t tell when to get back. However, its famous Ferris wheel, carousel, and haunted house are still open as usual.
Though several things are gone or suspended, it is still a good place to visit and have a chill-out night if you get a chance.
More Bangkok’s Night Markets
Read our round-up of the best of Bangkok’s night markets
Photo Credit: chee.hong; Michael Saechang; Prachanart Viriyaraks.
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