Asiatique The Riverfront Place guide

Once a bustling international port, Asiatique the Riverfront is now a large-scale retail and entertainment complex with four districts, seven “wonders” (see below), and a never-ending list of activities for both locals and travelers. Think night bazaar meets shopping mall, with over 1,500 shops, about 40 or more restaurants, and nightly cultural Thai performances.

One of the things that make Asiatique the Riverfront a unique area within the city is its thematic layout. It is divided into 4 distinct districts, each with its own purpose and energy:

1. Waterfront District: The heart of Asiatique the Riverfront with an international dining scene, the city’s longest public boardwork, and events venues. Concerts, festivals and New Year countdowns take place here.
   
   
2. Charoenkrung District: Once the area where trade commenced, this district is the place to go for traditional and modern cultural Thai performances such as puppet shows, Muay Thai fights, and Calypso Shows. You can also find Thai handicrafts and souvenirs in this area.
   
   
3. Town Square District: If you’re into sports, make a beeline for the Town Square District. Think sports bars for days, spaces for events, and activities such as sports exhibitions, games, and launches. Come for the energy and great crowd; click here for the latest events.
   
   
4. Factory District: Trendy and hip finds await here, from fashion pop-ups and electronic gadgets to up-and-coming restaurants. 

7 Wonders of Asiatique the Riverfront

Asiatique the Riverfront managed to retain some historical pieces that are worth a look at when in the area:

1. World War II Bunker: A shelter that was used to provide refuge to people in the area
   
   
2. Ancient Tram Track: Evidence of the century-old tram that used to run on the East Asiatic Pier
   
   
3. The Old Sawmill: The original structure, including the old roof frame, of one of the sawmills by the old port
   
   
4. The Sawmill Crane: Despite its wear and tear, you can still see the shape of the old crane used in the sawmill
   
   
5. Colonial Style: The old warehouse’s colonial design has been retained in renovated trendy restaurants and other entertainment spots
   
   
6. Historical Pier: The pier where it all began – the port where both technology and civilization came together
   
   
7. Historical Waterfront Crane: A reminder of the glorious days of trade in the historical pier

Asiatique the Riverfront is open from 4:30pm to 12:00mn everyday; entrance is free. We recommend going there to watch the sunset and stay for the beautiful lights that twinkle on the complex. You can also go and ride the Ferris Wheel for an even better view of the entire area! 

How to get there

Located in the center of Bangkok, it’s easy to find your way to Asiatique at the Riverfront. 

• While a metered taxi or Grab is probably the easiest way to get there, it may take a bit longer due to traffic in the city. 
  
  
• You can also take the BTS SkyTrain and get off at Saphan Taksin. From there, you can take the free shuttle boat to the riverfront. (Free shuttle boats start leaving every 15 minutes, starting at 4:30pm. The last boat leaves at 11:30pm.) You can also take the Chao Phraya Express for about THB 20.

Address: 2194 Charoen Krung Rd, Khwaeng Wat Phraya Krai, Khet Bang Kho Laem, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10120, Thailand

Website: www.asiatiquethailand.com