Getting to Asiatique The Riverfront
The easiest and fastest way to get there is via boat. Take the BTS to Saphan Taksin and jump on the free shuttle at the end of the pier. It only takes 10 minutes, and the boat runs until 11pm. Taxis are not recommended as the traffic can be terrible in this area.
From the boat you step off onto a long boardwalk which runs for 300 metres which looks romantic once the sun has set. Wide streets run between each warehouse and Asiatique provides retro props for photo opportunities: a reproduction tram car, anchors and a pushcart. The decor does feel a little overdone on occasion and not quite in keeping with the designers’ plans to evoke nostalgia for the 1900s. Even so, it’s so well planned, clean and spacious that the lack of history doesn’t really matter.
The focus at Asiatique is more on cutting-edge fashion and gadgets in the Factory District, including an Apple store. You can find upscale dining in the Waterfront District, with smart Italian, Thai and seafood restaurants. The Town Square district has bars and outdoor spaces for events. Some independent cafes are dotted around selling strong drinks and decently priced Thai food. Asiatique also has branches of KFC, Pizza Company, Au Bon Pain and MK.
The selection of shops is interesting, with a good range of unusual brands rather than row upon row of tourist trinkets. This bazaar is busy but isn’t overrun by tourists – crowds of locals enjoy coming here too. Asiatique is definitely worth dedicating an evening to.
Asiatique The Riverfront
Opening Hours: Daily from 4pm to midnight
Location: 2194 Charoenkrung Road, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok 10120, Thailand