Asiatique guide
Among Thais, Asiatique has a reputation as being something for tourists rather than for locals. And despite not teeming with the hidden street food stalls that Thailand is beloved for, Asiatique is still worth visiting for its unique and historic charm along with its fantastic riverside views.
If you’re planning on visiting this iconic place, here’s a quick and easy guide to Asiatique that you can keep with you.
1. A historical dock repurposed into a mall
Image credit: @vlyssv.jpg via Instagram
Asiatique has a unique look: it’s an open-air mall made of a bunch of warehouses. That singular charm has made it a popular photo spot for many, but there’s so much more to it than just being pretty.
For history buffs, the reason Asiatique is made up of warehouses is that the mall is actually a repurposed dock that was used for trade way back during the late 1800s. At that time, Bangkok’s primary mode of transportation was still boats.
That’s why you’re not just getting a pretty picture out of it, you’re actually seeing a piece of history as well as Thai craftiness at work.
2. Ferry your way to the open-air mall
Image credit: @phuong.ptt via Instagram
Knowing that it used to be an old port makes using the mall’s ferry service makes it even more fitting.
One of the most convenient ways to get to Asiatique is to get on a boat from BTS Saphan Taksin.
Not only are the wait times short, but you’ll also get great opportunities for photos as well as feel like you’re a part of Asiatique’s trade history.
3. Celebrate 100 years of great cartoons at Disney 100 Village until 31st July
Image credit: @0914a_bkk via Instagram
Disney’s taken over Asiatique. In this limited-time event, you’ll get a chance to see many of Disney’s most famous cartoons and Marvel heroes up close.
There’s a total of six different zones including one that brings the world of Frozen to life, a mini-golf course with tons of Pixar references, and a Marvel installation that recreates some of the most memorable moments from the MCU.
You also can’t miss the Star Wars flight simulator that’ll have you in the cockpit of some of the series’ most iconic ships.
This Disney takeover will end at the end of the month, so make sure you check it out before it goes away. You can check ticket prices here.
4. Get a bird’s eye view of Bangkok from the Asiatique Sky
Image credit: @vlyssv.jpg via Instagram
It might not be as famous as the London Eye, but the Asiatique Sky is also a riverside vantage point from a Ferris wheel that overlooks a historic commercial district.
You’ll also get to see the Bangkok skyline with unique-looking skyscrapers like the Mahanakorn building.
The wheel opens at 5pm which means that if you hurry, you’ll get to see the sunset. Otherwise, you get to see the busy Bangkok night from an entirely new perspective.
Tickets for the ride are ฿500 for adults and ฿200 for children.
5. Be entertained by the glitz and glamour of the Calypso Cabaret
Image credit: @takako24ito via Instagram
Calypso Cabaret is an intense shot of Thai entertainment and comedy culture injected straight into your veins.
The show will have you laughing to tears, warm with nostalgia, and then amazed by skill all in one amazing show. Their passion will have you feeling re-energized.
This Vegas-style transgender cabaret performs nightly at 7.30pm. You can get your tickets here.
6. Riverside dining at Asiatique’s Waterfront District
Image credit: @pj.gybzii via Instagram
Perhaps the only thing that could top Asiatique’s warehouse aesthetic is its riverside view. The best part is that you can enjoy the view while dining at their very conveniently located restaurants.
You can expect a vast selection of food including Western food, shabu, an Irish pub, as well as local delicacies.
But if you’re tired of being a landlubber, you’re going to enjoy Sirimahannop which will serve you dinner on their luxury boat. You can either enjoy the great atmosphere on the deck or on the lower deck to get the full boat experience.
The food prices at Asiatique will be a bit more pricey than what you’ll usually get from Thailand, but well worth it for that view and lively ambiance.
7. Take photos with Asiatique’s sculptures and street art
Image credit: @andybumagat via Instagram
We’ve gone through 6 items without mentioning perhaps Asiatique’s biggest draw: its very Instagrammable aesthetic.
Apart from all its warehouses, Asiatique also has tons of interesting sculptures you can take photos with. The sculptures are reminiscent of the area’s history as a trading port.
There’s also a ton of beautiful street art on the warehouse walls with most showcasing Thailand’s overflowing love of food.
8. Shopping for new clothes and souvenirs
Image credit: @khas_thailand via Instagram
After all the spectacle it might be easy to forget that Asiatique also has its own stalls of goodies.
It’s no Chatuchak market, but Asiatique’s shopping zone is great for those who find Thai markets a bit too intense.
Asiatique really comes alive at night, so if you’re looking for a lively atmosphere, that’s when. If you’re looking for a peaceful time though, try it during the daytime.
Either way, no haggling here though.
Not a hidden gem, but still a jewel
Asiatique definitely isn’t a hidden gem in a small soi serving some of Bangkok’s most coveted food. But Asiatique is still a jewel worthy of visiting amongst all of Bangkok’s gems.
It’s got a little bit of something for just about everyone – a bit of history, a bit of aesthetic, and fantastic views of the Bangkok riverside.
If you think you’ll need help nursing a hangover after a night out at Asiatique, check out these Thai dishes you could use as cures. But if you’re looking for more things to add to your to-do list for Bangkok in July 2023, check out our guide here.
Address: 2194 Charoen Krung Rd, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok 10120
Opening hours: 11am-12am, Daily
Contact: +66 9 2246 0812 | Google Maps
Cover image adapted from @vlyssv.jpg via Instagram, Image credit: @takako24ito via Instagram, and Image credit: @pj.gybzii via Instagram