‘Shop till you drop’ – the adage fits perfectly well with Bangkok, one of the most favourite foreign destinations for Indian tourists. From night markets to huge shopping malls and from brands to fakes (popularly called first copies), Bangkok has it all!
The malls are housed in modern boxy multi-storeyed buildings but if you want to combine shopping with a dash of history head to the Asiatique The Riverfront. As the name suggests it is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya river and previously served as a warehouse for the East Asiatic Company (EAC).
An old anchor welcomes visitors to the Asiatique The Riverfront
Before East Asiatic Company
Before the arrival of EAC, the site served as the complex of the temple Wat Phraya Krai, which probably dates back to 1801. Under Rama III (reign: 1824 – 51) the temple got the royal status. Later in 1861, the temple was abandoned and the statues and idols, including the plastered gold Buddha idol, were removed to Wat Traimit in Bangkok’s Chinatown.
Under East Asiatic Company
Although Thailand has never been colonised, it played a significant role in the Southeast Asian trade with Europe. It all began with the Bowring Treaty of 1855, which was signed between the British Empire and Kingdom of Siam. Several other treaties followed with different European powers leading to trade liberalisation. In came Denmark with EAC, founded in 1887 by Hans Niels Andersen, shipping magnet, businessman and diplomat. The EAC started their Siam operation in 1907. Soon the old temple complex of Wat Phraya Krai was turned into a port complex complete with sawmills and warehouses.
Old warehouse shades converted into shops
World War II and beyond
During World War II the port was briefly taken over by the Japanese and was used as a war base. Post-war, with the development of air traffic, the port lost its importance and was ultimately closed down.
Birth of Asiatique – The Riverfront
In 2012, the area was turned into a shopping mall keeping large portions of the original structures intact. Statues and installations with write-ups were set up turning the entire region into an open-air museum.
A tram that operated in Bangkok
Asiatique today
Today Asiatic is a popular tourist destination in south Bangkok and lies on the eastern bank of Chao Phraya river. Although well connected by road it is best reached by the free ferry service offered by Asiatique. The ferry service operates from Sathorn (Taskin) Pier, the southernmost stop of the Chao Phraya Express Boat. The pier is also located close to the Saphan Taksin station of (BTS Skytrain, Silom Line).
Things to see and do in Asiatique
(Clockwise from top left) A statue of a European lady sitting on the edge of a fountain; a statue of a dancing lady with restaurants in the backdrop; a model of hand-pulled rickshaw, which was once part of the Bangkok transport, and statues of workers enjoying a meal
- Sirimahanno, heritage ship: As the ferry approaches Asiatique, the three tall masts of sailing ships dominate the skyline. It is the Sirimahanno, meaning “auspiciousness of the vast ocean”. It is a replica of a ship Thoon Karmon of The Royal Thai Navy that operated during the reign of Rama V (reign: 1868 – 1910). The ship houses a fine dining restaurant with displays of old photographs, charts, diagrams and models.
- Open-air museum:The entire warehouse and the adjoining open area has been converted into an open-air museum with installations, which include artefacts and statues. The artefacts include antique cranes, tram carriages and even a portion of a dredging equipment. There are several statues showcasing dock labourers to elegant European ladies and from hand-pulled rickshaws to traders. Each of the installations is provided with a detailed write-up providing historical details. The mall is complete with a clock tower, fountain and a giant chess board with decorative pieces. The graffiti wall adds to the aesthetics of Asiatque.
- Food: A small food court operates in the open area adjoining to the
clock tower selling a variety of Thai food. There are several fine dining
restaurants serving Thai and other cuisines.
- Shopping: A visit to a mall is incomplete without shopping and it is a good place to pick up souvenirs.
- Rides: The 60-metre-high giant wheel, which dominates the skyline is another attraction of Asiatique. There are merry-go-round and a haunted house experience.
- Views: The riverfront offers great views of the Bangkok skyline along with an amazing sunset.
- Cruise: Asiatique is the base for Chao Phraya River dinner cruise
- Shows: Some of the restaurants offer traditional Thai shows which include the Thai version of the Ramayana, known as Ramakien. For those trying something naughty can try out the cabaret show.
Ramakien, Thai version of the Ramayana show
Covid-19 has taken its toll on Asiatique and a large number of shops have closed ever since. But things are for a change as shops have started opening up. With visa-free travel for Indians the Asiatique can offer a unique shopping experience with a dash of history.
Timings
- Asiatique – The Riverfront is open from 4pm to midnight
- The first ferry leaves Sathorn (Taskin) Pier at 4pm and the last ferry leaves Asiatique at 11.45pm. Ferries operate every half hour and are free
The clock tower and the giant chess board with decorative pieces