The new Night Market on the banks of the
Chao Phraya River in Bangkok
In the heart of Bangkok City, a high-class night market brings light, buzz, and excitement.
The Asiatique the Riverfront is not your typical Thai night market. With a unique atmosphere, structured warehouses modeled like old times, and plenty of good restaurants, the Asiatique the Riverfront is chockablock with activities to brighten up your night. From a spectacular Ferris wheel to lively shops, this night market is a great meeting place where families can gather together to revel in an energetic environment.
Asiatique the Riverfront Reviews
I researched what people genuinely thought of their Asiatique experience. And so, I’ve created a little summary of reviews.
Google Maps Reviews
Google Maps has 43,787 reviews with an average of 4.3 stars.
Here are some Google Maps reviews I’ve gathered:
“Very extensive night out marketplace with numerous dining options and even some historical heritage preserved or re-created.”
- VK (5 stars)
“A very interesting collection of evening entertainments and shops selling local goods and foods from little stalls to bigger shops and restaurants well worth a visit – free shuttle boat from hotels along the riverfront or paying boats from the pier near Shangri La Hotel.”
- Ravi Teja (5 stars)
“Very beautiful area with “street food” and a large shopping center. Didn’t see any Thai people here- only tourists. Prices are about 3-4x higher given the location. It is much cleaner than other places. Easy navigation for those with kids or a wheelchair.”
- JL (3 stars)
TripAdvisor Reviews
TripAdvisor has 10,241 reviews with an average of 4.0 stars.
Here are some TripAdvisor reviews I’ve gathered:
“This is a modern night market that is neatly arranged according to the needs category. Starting from food, clothing, jewelry, and various necessities are available here. It is similar to other Night Markets in Bangkok.
The difference is that it is built more organized and modern.”
- Jamie J (5 stars)
“We visited here for our last night. It has a good selection of things to do and plenty of food choices. We had a fantastic curry. The boat ride is a must, especially after dark.”
- Terries322 (5 stars)
“Asiatique The Riverfront has only one attraction which differentiates it from otherwise just being a parade of souvenir shops along the river – the Ferris Wheel!
For excellent views of Bangkok and the river, it’s worth the trip. The renovation of what was formerly decaying warehouses along the river is well done and thoughtful.
The primary deficiency of the place is, other than the restaurants and Ferris Wheel, it feels like a cleaner version of Chatachuk market – just located by the river. If you’re not into the giant Ferris Wheel, you can give this place a miss.”
- centurionNY (4 stars)
Sheltered in a substantial replica-like warehouse, you’ll find around one thousand five hundred boutique shops and forty places in which to eat.
The Asiatique Shopping Experience
If you’re a Shopaholic and love beautiful designer clothing, custom-made jewelry, hand-crafted trinkets, and the latest gadgets, (there’s an Apple store here too) this could be the perfect place for you. Excellent shopping, fantastic food, a well-behaved crowd, impressive views, and magnificent surroundings make for a beautiful night out on the town.
Asiatique doesn’t really compare to that of the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Chatuchak is rough and ready, overcrowded, hot and humid, and a great place to get lots of bargains.
Asiatique, on the other hand, is neat and clean, easy to find your way around with plenty of air-conditioning in places, but more expensive with fewer bargains. However, I highly recommend it. It’s a great place to visit and well worth the effort!
The Asiatique Dining Experience
Dining at Asiatique is a mixture of fast food outlets, covered street stalls as well as food courts selling all kinds of Thai and Asian dishes.
Asiatique is also a place where you can indulge in fine dining (see guide below). With beautiful views from the river, dining inside the premises of Asiatique the Riverfront is a romantic and captivating experience.
There are over 1500 food and drink stalls to 50 diverse bars and restaurants, you have everything from Japanese, Italian and Korean to American, Thai, Chinese, and Turkish. So, you can be sure to find something to suit your taste!
In the town square, you’ll mainly find cheaper eateries, cafes, quite a few bars, and an open area where street performers and special events often take place.
Restaurant Reviews
Baan Khanitha by the River (4.5 stars ~93 Reviews, price range:$$)
Enjoy delicious Thai food and a relaxed atmosphere at the highly acclaimed (See Michelin Review) Baan Khanitha Thai Restaurant! This restaurant boasts impeccable service, award-winning dishes, and high customer satisfaction rates due to value pricing ~ you get more than what you pay for. It’s also child-friendly!
“The house of Khanitha is very good value, delicious food, very good quality, very good service, everything is impressive” Intaraprom
Enjoy 25% percent off your order of 1000 Baht (cashback offer)
See Google Maps Here.
Telephone: +66 2108 4910
Capri Italian Restaurant & Bar (4 stars ~400 reviews, price range: $$ ~western prices)
To taste and feel like an authentic Italian, the Capri Italian Restaurant & Bar– serves mouthwatering Italian dishes. From thin-crust pizzas and savory kinds of pasta. To an all-day happy hour where you can get a drink half-off, this delicious Italian restaurant can make one lean meal!
Checkmate Bar And Bistro (4.2 stars ~200 reviews, price range: $$)
Stop by and enjoy some good food and music at the Checkmate Bar And Bistro. With fresh and tasty seafood, meals at this restaurant are sure to rock!
Kodang Talay (3.9 stars ~745 reviews, price range: $$)
Kodang Talay is a Thai restaurant located right on the waterfront. With a wide variety of Thai menu, enjoy classic seafood dishes, soups, and fried fish cakes. You’re sure to love the sweetness and savory of this Thai cuisine.
Ibushi Ginjirou (3.6 stars ~72 reviews, price range: $$)
If you love Japanese food, the Ibushi Ginjirou is a Japanese restaurant originally from Okinawa. With a variety of signature Japanese cuisines and a skilled chef, sushi has never been deliciously crafted!
Lugang Café (3.3 stars ~28 reviews, price range: $$)
Lugang Café Chinese restaurant is originally from Shanghai. They serve signature dishes such as Xiao Long Bao, Crispy Garlic Tenderloin, and Stir-Fried Crab, to flavorful desserts such as Lugang Breeze, Red Bean Towers, and Nut Smoothies. This restaurant offers diverse Chinese dishes from all over China. Make sure to try the dumplings!
Halal Food
Siam India Asiatique (4.1 stars ~160 reviews, price range: $$)
Siam India Asiatique at Asiatique River Front serves vegetarian, non-vegetarian, BBQ, and halal. With Indian soul, great flavors, and terrific services at reasonable prices, enjoy Halal food to its finest!
If you like to choose more varieties of Halal food. There are lots of food stalls just a 3-minute walk from Asiatique the Riverfront Port.
Halal Food Dinner is also served by Princess Star River Cruise by the Chaophraya River. It is often paired with a good groove and an entertaining band for a romantic dinner.
What Entertainment is There at Asiatique?
The Bangkok Eye
You can start by going for a thrill ride on the big Ferris Wheel, also known as the Bangkok Eye, for just 200 THB. The pods take up to six people, and you’ll get to see the whole market and surrounding riverside as it stops and turns several times at various stages.
The Thai puppet show at the Joe Louis Theatre.
The show includes amazing shadow puppet dancing made famous in Thailand and other Asian countries. Prices range from $23 and up. (2021 update)
The Calypso Cabaret Show
In the new bigger theatre this show has taken on a fresh new look. You haven’t been to Thailand if you haven’t watched a ladyboy cabaret show. Both these performances attract huge followings, and you should not miss them!
How to get to Asiatique The Riverfront
The easiest way to get to Asiatique The Riverfront is by public transport then catch the free ferry, taxis are an option but take a lot longer because of traffic.
Asiatique Address: 2194 Charoen Krung Rd, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
By Train (BTS) + Free Ferry.
You need to get onto the Silom Line and go to Saphan Taksin Station (the nearest BTS) and hop on the free boat service to Asiatique.
Asiatique provides a free boat from the pier at Saphan Taksin BTS station. The ferries run every 20 minutes from 5:00 pm with the last one leaving at 11:00 pm. Each trip takes about ten minutes.
Steps to catch the Ferry to Asiatique:
- Go to exit 2 (Saphan Taksin Station) ~ just follow the signs to the lower level.
- Follow the signs to Sathorn Pier.
- Catch a free boat from Sathorn Pier to Asiatique (10 minutes).
By BRT BUS
Make your way to Bus Stop Charoenkrung 93, Opposite Asiatique.
By Taxi.
If you decide to go by taxi, (see maps here) be prepared for long delays due to heavy (rush hour) traffic in the area and especially on the roads leading to the street entrance.
Just ask for: Asiatique or Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem.
Entrance Fee
There is no entrance fee to shop at Asiatique the Riverfront, and there is even a free ferry departing from Sathorn Pier, near the Saphan Taksin BTS Station.
Opening Hours
The opening hours for Asiatique the Riverfront are from 5pm to 12 pm with the first boat leaving Sathorn Pier around 4.30pm (Try and catch this one to beat the crowds!).
Navigating Asiatique the Riverfront
Asiatique the Riverfront Pier is organized and divided into four districts
1) The Chareonkrung District is home to many small boutiques selling souvenirs, fashion, and jewelry. There are also a variety of stores selling trendy Thai brands and lower-priced merchandise.
2) The Town Square District features a large sports bar, numerous restaurants, and a variety of branded food chains.
3) The Factory District has plenty of shops and restaurants that cater to the tech-savvy.
4) The Waterfront District has plenty of upscale dining options.
These areas offer various types of entertainment and dining options. The hangars are stunning and have plenty of space to accommodate all your needs.
Full Day + Half Day Tours exploring Bangkok + Asiatique
Klook.comConclusion
Asiatique the Riverfront Pier explores how to balance tradition and globalization while still staying true to Thai tradional heritage. It is a wonderful place to shop, take photos or hang out.
If you’re looking for something a little different and still very Thai, then the Asiatique night market is the place for you!