Asiatique The Riverfront is one of the most unique and popular night markets in Bangkok. It gives you an experience of shopping in a mall and a night bazaar, both on the same premises.
With more than a thousand boutique stalls, 40 swanky restaurants, loads of street-food joints, entertainment avenues and gorgeous riverside views, evenings here fly by like a breeze.
How To Get To Asiatique
There are two ways to get to Asiatique – by road or by boat. You can take a car or a taxi directly. You can also take the Red bus number 15 from Siam Centre. The bus is free and stops right in front of Asiatique.
Travelling by road is not the most preferred way though, as the insane traffic can leave you stranded for a long time.
The better way to get to Asiatique is by boat. You can take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin station. From there, it’s a short walk to Sathorn Pier. You just need to follow the crowds. From the pier, Asiatique operates free shuttle services that run between 4pm and 11pm, and leave every 15 minutes. A pleasant 15-minute cruise along the Chao Phraya River takes you to Asiatique Riverfront.
Timings (Last Updated – Feb’18)
Opening hours: 4pm to midnight (Boats run from 4pm to 11.30pm)
The 4 Districts Of Asiatique
Asiatique is an organised night market, unlike other night markets in Bangkok. In fact, there is even a map to get you from one place to another.
Asiatique is split into 4 districts to help you find what you are looking without too much hassle.
Chareonkrung District: This is the district where you will find the majority of small boutique shops. There are more than a thousand of such stalls, selling everything from souvenirs and handicrafts to jewellery and clothing. The district also houses the famed Calypso Cabaret show and the Joe Louis Puppet Theatre.
The Factory District: Cutting-edge fashion and gadgets are the highlights of this district. There are more than 500 shops here selling cool fashion designs, handicrafts and home furnishings. You will even find an Apple store here.
The Waterfront District: The Waterfront district is where you find fancy dining outlets, serving everything from Italian, Korean and Thai to lip-smacking seafood. You can sit by the riverside or ride the giant Ferris wheel. This is also where concerts, festivals and fireworks take place throughout the year.
The Town Square District: The Town Square District has a large sports bar, numerous cafes and branded food chains like KFC, Pizza Company, Au Bon Pain and MK.
Shopping At Asiatique
Shopaholics are in for a feast at Asiatique. Just the sheer variety and volume of things available here will blow your mind.
There are around 1,500 stalls spread out across the premises, selling everything from fashion to handicrafts. No matter what your budget, you’re sure to find something, as Asiatique plays host to everything, from cheap fashion pieces and knock-offs to high-end local designer brands. You will also find top-range electronics here.
Just remember one tip while you shop here – bargain hard.
Shopping Recommendations
1. Qualy
This is a great Thai homeware store that sells useful stuff packaged in a unique way. You’ll find quirky items like a toilet brush shaped like an oversized cherry, a salt-and-pepper shaker shaped like a small chick, and a log-and-squirrel self-watering pot plant. The shop will make you feel what your home is badly missing – and it’s hard not to get tempted by the display of colours.
2. By Myself
If you’re looking for amazing bags, then this small boutique shop is the right place for you. The bags have a vintage feel to them and the quality is amazing as the leather is imported from Australia and Argentina. They also sell cool key chains, watch straps and wallets.
3. Le Petid Print
How do you spot this one? Well, it has a tuk-tuk parked at the entrance. Few places design quirky t-shirts like Le Petid Print, with prints of Tintin, Disney characters, the Beatles, and more.
A great souvenir would be the t-shirt with railway travel poster for Bangkok, and the famous Thai temples in the background. If you want something personalised, they can create it for you.
4. Magnifique Et Moi
This is the place to go to for cutting-edge fashion designs – the ones that have become a rage around the world. From floaty dresses and Victorian sailor shirts to ’20s-inspired cloche sun hats and funky ’70s print summer dresses, the collection is quite diverse. It’s a place from where you buy something to show off.
5. Try Me Accessories
This is no ordinary accessory store – the quirky items here are inspired by sugary snacks like a rainbow cake ring, candy floss fluffy earrings and macaroon necklaces in different ‘flavours’. You can also find bunnies, puppies and flowers. The stand-out product here is a romantic double swan ring and the carousel collection.
Food At Asiatique
Asiatique is a paradise for foodies. There are around 40 restaurants in the premises, so you are literally spoilt for choice.
Some of them are along the riverside deck, beautifully lit with classical jazz and local music playing in the background. This is truly the perfect escape from the chaotic city.
And when it comes to international dining options, you have everything from Japanese, Italian and Korean to American, Thai, seafood, Chinese, and Turkish.
Recommended Restaurants
1. Baan Khanita
An upscale Thai restaurant, Baan Khanita serves amazing Thai food. It’s not authentic, but adjusted to cater to an international audience. It’s mellower, less spicy and thus ideal for families and kids. Overlooking the Chao Phraya River, it has a fantastic ambience, too.
2. Kacha Kacha
If you are in the mood for some excellent Japanese, head to Kacha Kacha. Their dishes such as yakitori, teppanyaki and okonomiyaki are sublime. Dine on the pretty outdoor roof terrace, which is decorated with colourful paper lanterns.
3. Brasserie 9
Located on the riverfront, this fancy restaurant whips up French bistro classics like foie gras, oysters and crêpes Suzette with a great selection of authentic French wines to go with it. There’s also has a river-facing deck – need we say more?
4. Capri Restaurant and Bar
This place serves delicious Italian cuisine, especially pizzas and pastas. They also have an all-night happy ‘hour’ of buy-one-get-one-free deals on draught beer, classic cocktails and wine.
5. Checkmate Bar And Bistro
Want to listen to some catchy tunes while you savour some amazing food? Then this is your place. Gorge on some Western food with a Thai twist as you listen to a live band.
6. Nude Dern Bar
This place has some mouthwatering Thai dishes. Try the Shrimp Pad Thai and the Seafood Tom Yum – and don’t forget to drink the classic Thai iced tea.
7. Open Food Court
It’s not just about fancy dining places – the main eating area in Asiatique is actually an open food court with tons of Thai food vendors. If you want something a little casual, there are also your typical branded outlets like KFC and Pizza Company.
Wind up all that delectable food by relishing some desserts. While they are all absolutely delicious, the crepe ice-creams are especially popular. The chocolate-infused aroma around the stalls will leave you weak in your knees in no time.
Entertainment At Asiatique
Asiatique is not just about shopping and food – there is plenty else to keep you entertained, too. Here are some incredible and unique shows that you can go for.
1. Calypso Cabaret
Calypso Cabaret is considered to be the best cabaret show in Bangkok. You will see Thailand’s famed ladyboys strut their stuff, as they sing and dance in their jazzy costumes. Pop celebrities are their favourites, and their parodies of Lady Gaga and Elvis Presley are sure to tickle your funny bone.
The ambience is bar-like, with the velvety seating and pinkish lighting. Tickets to the show include a free drink of your choice. Or, you can go for a show and dinner package.
2. Muay Thai Live – The Legend Lives
Muay Thai is Thailand’s most popular combat sport. It’s an intense activity, where fighters demolish each other with a flurry of elbow and knee strikes.
But don’t worry – the show is not as brutal as it sounds. It’s actually a theatrical storytelling of the origin of this martial art. The engaging plot and athleticism of the performers keeps you on the edge of the seat.
3. Joe Louis Puppet Theatre
The Joe Louis Puppet Theatre gives you a taste of traditional Thai puppetry blended with modern choreography. These artists perform stories from Thai mythology with their puppets and, unlike the usual ones where the puppeteers are hidden, here they are a part of the performance.
Cost: US$ 29
4. Ferris Wheel
One of the most prominent attractions at Asiatique is the 60-meter-high Ferris wheel. If you want a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of Bangkok and its riverside skyline, you should definitely take this ride.
