Bangkok’s incredible night markets are one of the most memorable experiences to be had when visiting Thailand’s spectacular capital city, and Asiatique The Riverfront is particularly unique.
Every market in Bangkok has its own individual qualities to recommend it, and vibrant Asiatique is bursting with sights and sounds to enliven the senses.
This is one of the most popular night markets in the city — particularly with tourists and those who live near the Chao Phraya river.
Let’s find out more…
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What is Asiatique?
Opened in May 2012, Asiatique The Riverfront is one of the newest — and swankiest — Bangkok night markets, that’s a big hit with both the local in-crowd and tourists alike.
Loosely themed around the area’s historical reputation as an international trading post during the 1900s, the old warehouses of the East Asiatic Company have been tastefully revamped to create a luxury shopping and lifestyle complex.
By Michael Saechang (CC BY-ND 2.0 licence)
This fusion of fun, shopping and food makes Asiatique night market truly unique, and the abundance of things to do here is second to none.
Sure, you’ll find some great traditional Thai souvenirs and handicrafts here, but you’ll also find plenty of more upscale offerings at this stunning riverside venue.
Asiatique boasts over 1500 boutiques organised into 4 different zones to suit different tastes, and the attractive boardwalk offers sensational views out across the waters of the majestic Chao Phraya to Bangkok’s glittering skyline.
To experience the views from headier heights you can even take a ride on Asiatique Sky — a giant ferris wheel — to take in Bangkok’s impressive vistas.
By Honou (CC BY 2.0 licence)
Of the four zones, the Factory District is where the major shopping happens. It’s here that you will discover modern design items, home furnishings, jewellery, top of the range electrical goods and numerous boutiques selling cutting edge Thai fashions by local designers.
If you feel like dining in style you’ll find most of the luxury restaurants in the Waterfront District where they’re lined up in a prestigious location alongside the boardwalk. This is also where concerts, festivals and elaborate fireworks take place throughout the year.
For entertainment get down to the Chareonkrung District. Performances from the infamous Calypso Show Ladyboys can be seen here, and their dazzling cabaret routines are not to be missed.
The Joe Louis Puppet Theatre also offers a fabulous mystical and amusing show using traditional Thai shadow puppets.
There are also a huge number of market-style shops selling more traditional items here, including handicrafts, clothes and jewellery.
Live bands and DJs play in the hustle and bustle of the Down Square District among the international restaurants and cosmopolitan bars. It’s a great place to grab an informal dinner and enjoy the music.
Worried about getting lost? There’s no need to be. You can pick up a handy map to help you make your way around with ease.
There’s even a free tram service connecting the different zones – perfect if your feet are feeling the fatigue.
Where is Asiatique?
Asiatique The Riverfront is situated riverside just a short way down the Chao Phraya river from Saphan Taksin BTS Station in Bangkok’s Bang Kho Laem District, Chareonkrung Soi 74-76.
Asiatique Opening Hours
The market is open daily from 17.00 until midnight.
How to get to Asiatique
Surprisingly for such a modern market, Asiatique is a little tricky to access.
It’s not near any public transport station and the horrendous traffic in the area can make getting there by car or taxi a tortuous experience.
The best way to get there is by boat. Jump on the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin station and take a short stroll to the central Sathorn Pier, you can’t miss it – just follow the crowds!
From here Asiatique operates a free shuttle boat service which runs from between 4pm and 11pm daily, and the pleasant 15 minute river journey gives you the chance to relax and take in the riverside sights. The boat leaves from central Sathorn Pier every 15 minutes.
The free shuttle service can get very busy at peak times, so if you decide to avoid the queues and take your chances on the busy streets a taxi from Saphan Taksin BTS will cost you around 60 THB.
Just be prepared for the stagnant traffic around Charoen Krung Road…
Best Asiatique Restaurants
Many of Bangkok’s night markets are catered for by hordes of food trucks and street food stations, but culinary options are a little more sanitary at Asiatique, with catering courtesy of a variety of proper restaurants.
Foodies are spoilt for choice with more than 40 restaurants and a lively outdoor food court including everything from upscale dining at exclusive international, seafood and Thai restaurants and bars – to trendy independent cafes and stalls presenting more affordable options.
Here’s our rundown of some of the best Asiatique restaurants…
Baan Khanitha
This chic traditional Thai restaurant offers some of the most celebrated and deluxe cuisine in Bangkok, with its original Sukhumvit 23 location routinely booked out weeks in advance.
The Asiatique location enjoys a beautiful setting overlooking the expanse of the river. It’s on the pricey side but the local Thai dishes are great and the ambience fantastic.
Brasserie 9
Just off the riverfront this smart, airy brasserie serves up French bistro classics like foie gras, oysters and crêpes suzette accompanied by a good selection of authentic French wines.
Again, it’s not cheap but it is routinely included in Thailand’s best restaurants lists, and does enjoy a wonderful atmosphere — especially outside on the river fronted deck.
By Michael Saechang (CC BY-ND 2.0 licence)
Kacha Kacha
For a taste of something truly Japanese, head to Kacha Kacha for an excellent selection of favourites such as yakitori, teppanyaki and okonomiyaki.
Dine on the pretty outdoor roof terrace, decorated with colorful paper lanterns.
Capri Restaurant and Bar
Enjoy excellent pizza and pasta dishes at this Italian restaurant in a prime location just across from the ferry boat pier.
They also offer an all-night happy ‘hour’ of buy-one-get-one-free deals on draught beer, classic cocktails and wine.
Checkmate Bar and Bistro
Want some western flavor? Checkmate is a great place to chow down on western food with a Thai twist. However the biggest draw for this fun venue is the live band that entertains you while you eat.
Hotels near Asiatique
Staying along the riverfront in a hotel near Asiatique will give you access to the huge variety of tourist attractions along the Chao Phraya.
The location of Asiatique itself is not a traditionally touristy part of town, but there are some great accommodation offerings as you head north up the river. Here are some of our recommendations…
- 3 star boutique hotel
- 16 well appointed rooms
- 5-minute drive from Asiatique the Riverfront Mall
- 5 minutes walk from Saphan Taksin and Surasak BTS Stations
- On-site restaurant serving a variety of international dishes
- Free Wifi
- Roof terrace
- Breakfast available
Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok
- 5 star luxury hotel
- Riverside location
- Rooms feature floor to ceiling windows, private balconies and kitchenettes
- Only a few minutes’ walk from Asiatique The Riverfront
- Complimentary shuttle boat service to Saphan Thaksin BTS Station
- 6 restaurants and bars
- Outdoor infinity pool
- Spa and beauty salon
- Fully equipped fitness centre
- Free wifi
Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside
- 5 star luxury hotel
- Riverfront location
- Free tuk tuk service to Asiatique the Riverfront (or 5 minutes walk)
- Free shuttle boat service to Saphan Taksin BTS Station
- Outdoor pool with spa pool
- Spa and wellness centre
- 9 restaurant options to choose from
- Fully equipped fitness centre
- Free wifi
- 4 star boutique hotel
- 43 contemporary luxury rooms and suites
- Short 5 minute walk to Asiatique the Riverfront
- Rooftop restaurant and bar with panoramic city views
- Complimentary boat shuttle service to Saphan Taksin BTS station
- Free wifi
- Free private parking
Have you been to Asiatique Bangkok yet?
Featured image is by chee.hong (CC BY 2.0 licence)
