Joanna James
Bangkok's Riverside offers travellers plenty of opportunities for recreation, whether it is open-air markets, boutique malls, sampling delicious cuisine or viewing spectacular cultural locations.
Asiatique is one of those places which should be on the things to do around Bangkok list of any traveller visiting the city. Located alongside the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the Asiatique is a large, bright and airy night mall, in contrast to the city's usual crowded street markets. Operating from 5pm to midnight, the mall comes to life in the evenings when thousands of tourists and locals alike, browse through the boutique stores selling designer products, clothes, silverware, and more. While it may look pricey, shoppers with bargaining skills will definitely be able to pick up more than a few items here at half the cost of other malls. In addition, there are over 40 restaurants located inside and outside overlooking the river, so you can sample delicious Thai food before heading out for more shopping.
How can you visit Bangkok and not see the many famous temples? There are several located near the river but Wat Arun is the most famous of them all. An iconic landmark in Thailand, the golden temple's unique design, intricately adorned spires and stupa, make it a top tourist destination. While the temple is a spectacular sight during the day, do check it out at sunset, when the rays of the setting sun cast a golden hue over the temple that can be seen from afar.
A great way to experience what the city may have been like decades ago, travellers will have plenty to see and do in Chinatown, from sight-seeing, to shopping and eating. Chinatown covers around 1kms of temples, markets, street vendors, gold shops, and rows upon rows of charming shop houses. The food here is so renown that even locals come here to eat!
There are several open-air markets located along the riverside including floating markets. Just a minutes away from Tha Thewet River Pier, you will find numerous flower and plant vendors cruising by in traditional Khlongs, as well as fish and vegetable stalls. For cheap clothes and good street food, head over to Saphan Phut Night Bazaar; situated near hotels such as AVANI Riverside Bangkok Hotel, for example, Saphan Phut Night Bazaar is well-known for bargain buys and late night street-eats.
Avoid the traffic congested streets of the city by hopping on a bicycle Cycle around the city and check out the amazing temples and many piers, before weaving through the lanes in Chinatown in search of a quick meal.
If bicycles don't appeal to you, opt for the more modern and stylish scooter. There are several scooter tours available around the city that take you around tourist attractions, coupled with guided tour communications via headsets. You can even plan your own tour by simply planning ahead with the tour guides.
Experience a different perspective of the city by viewing it from the decks of a cruise along the river. Keep your camera at the ready as you sail by the beautiful Wat Arun and towering skyscrapers the fringe the riverside.
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.
