Joanna James
The Chao Phraya River in Bangkok has a lot happening on its banks and is filled with plenty of history and culture. Once a main hub for goods in Bangkok, Riverside is now a bustling zone for shoppers with various upscale malls, busy shopping complexes and colourful flower stalls that attract locals and tourists alike. Here are some unique places to visit for all your shopping needs in Riverside Bangkok.
This is a dazzling warehouse complex set against the backdrop of the Chao Phraya River, with over 1500 boutiques and 40 restaurants. Asiatique offers shoppers a diverse mix of items on sale from high-end fashion items, to handmade crafts like scarves, hand-painted ceramics and intricate jewellery. The complex also comes to life at night, when shoppers can cap off their shopping spree with a bit of excitement at the giant Ferris Wheel, the gaming arcade or even some popular puppet shows. Located along the edge of the river, Asiatique is easily accessible from several tourist hotels and residencies in the area including the Chatrium Residence Riverside Bangkok.
For those looking to shop amidst a different ambience, this lifestyle mall sports a heritage theme inspired by architectural trends from Thailand’s Autthaya period. Visitors can experience the feel of Old Town Bangkok with the intricate period fixtures fitted throughout the mall. Together with its peaceful atmosphere, this riverside walk has everything from unique fashion pieces by local designers to intricate souvenirs, and plenty of snack stalls, restaurants and live entertainment in the evenings.
OP Place or Oriental Plaza is yet another shopping destination with a unique vibe. With over 50 boutiques with beautiful antiques, the OP often feels more like a museum or art gallery. Each antique is made available with certificates from Thailand’s Fine Arts Department, adding a touch of luxury to the plaza. Shoppers can also find trendy clothes and accessories made by well-known tailors, and intricate jewellery items, trinkets and souvenirs.
This 4 storey mall sits at the edge of the river, allowing visitors a unique shopping experience with a stunning view. Shoppers can find plenty to engage with including high-quality antiques, and fashion stores selling Thai silk, gems and leather accessories. River City is a popular attraction for antique lovers and decor enthusiasts with bronze sculptures, wooden masks and exquisite Thai crafts being popular items sold. After their time shopping, visitors can relax at any number of nearby outdoor terraces and restaurants in Bangkok Riverside.
This modern shopping mall caters to shoppers with a branded taste. Its 4 floors present various items including perfumes by L’Oreal, Calvin Klein, and Shiseido; sportswear by Addidas and Nike; as well as homeware, luggage, electronics, fashion and clothing. The shopping mall also includes a food court that features international brands like McDonalds and Starbucks; popular Thai food chains and a supermarket for those looking to get their grocery shopping out of the way.
The Bangkok Flower Market or Pak Khlong Talad is the biggest wholesale and retail market selling fresh flowers in Bangkok, 24 hours a day. Shoppers can pick up flowers of any kind like roses, orchids, lilies, forget-me-nots and more. Early-morning visitors may witness the spectacle of colourful flowers being unloaded and distributed into shops from trucks and carts arriving from all over Thailand. They may also get to see vendors at work, creating beautiful flower wreaths and garlands.
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.
