Joanna James
The banks of the Chao Phraya River offer a wide array of choices for fun and bargain worthy markets. Eat, drink and get the most out of your money at these top 4 riverside markets!
The biggest wholesale flower market in Bangkok - even if you're planning on buying, you should definitely see this place, just to experience the vivid colours and sweet-smelling aroma of fresh flowers. The market is open 24 hours,buy the best time to visit is dawn, when suppliers bring in their fresh flowers, sourced from every corner of the country. Each stall is decked with buckets of freshly cut flowers, ranging from a wide variety of roses to delicate garlands of jasmine and orchids.
One of Bangkok's most popular shopping centres, Asiatique successfully combines a night market with an upscale shopping mall. The centre houses over 1,500stores and around 40 restaurants and cafes, under the guise of a warehouse complex. The best way to get here is by one of the Bangkok cruises or river taxis, and then head up along the boardwalk toward the wide streets that run between the warehouses. Aside from the boutiques, Asiatique has several retro props located everywhere, including a a replica tram which provides great photo opportunities. The large selection of stores offers ample opportunities to pick up gifts, before refreshing yourself at one of the many cafes. Entertainment wise, there are shows held daily for ladyboy cabarets and even Muay Thai fights.
The unique design of the Yodpiman River Walk is definitely one reason to check this place out. The mall's heritage theme was inspired by the architectural styles of the country's famed Ayutthaya period. Intricately, detailed fixtures are abundant throughout the structure - keeping with the old-world feel of old Bangkok. The Yodpiman River Walk is an ideal place to spend an afternoon, with a wide promenade offering spectacular vies over the Chao Phraya River and a cooling breeze. The mall has plenty of souvenir shops if you are looking for trinkets, along with restaurants and snack vendors. A large beer garden with live entertainment generally draws a big crowd toward evening.
One of only a few shopping malls that still exists in Bangkok's old city, the Maharaj mall is just a few minutes away from several of the city's famed sites including the Grand Palace and the Wat Pho temple, making it the perfect place to chill in between site seeing. A plus point for the mall is its pavilion-like design which not only allows for a refreshing cool breeze, but also seamlessly blends in with cultural heritage of the surrounding area. Aside from the boutiques inside, the mall has around 20 restaurants, bars and cafes that are situated outside, overlooking the river. Visitors can shop, or relax outside and take in the views as boats and barges like the Anantara Cruises, for example, glide by. In addition, the Maharaj mall has its own pier so visitors have the option of arriving by boat as well.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
