Life has recently returned to the banks of the River of Kings in Bangkok and is called Asiatique The Riverfront. Sprawling along 300 meters of prime riverside property, Asiatique is destined to become a must-see attraction for visitors to the capital, as well as a trendy hangout for Bangkok’s fun-loving youth and myriad socialites.
There’s not much you won’t find in this humongous entertainment complex divided into four zones, from international restaurants to live shows, including the always popular Calypso Cabaret with its astonishing transsexuals and the beloved, traditional Joe Louis Puppet Theater.
The Chaoroen Krung Zone has more than 1,000 shops and an entertainment theater. The Factory and Waterfront Zones, close by the river, contain a fusion of bistro-style restaurants, an Irish pub and wine bar, with Thai, Japanese, French, and Italian fare on offer, among others. Nearby can be found beer gardens, sports bars and a huge food court with a diverse assortment of international delicacies ready for sampling.
Those who were sad to witness the closing of the Suan Lum Night Bazaar will have more than ample cause to celebrate, as Asiatique has many of the very shops that were closed when the old night bazaar’s lease expired, in addition to countless new shops, venues, events, and activities.
The atmosphere of Asiatique, however, is worlds apart from any night market you’ve ever seen, being much more in the retro-chic style. This is no accident of course, but came into being through patient, explicit and carefully calculated design. As a result of this unique identity, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has already endorsed Asiatique The Riverfront as an official member of the Amazing Thailand campaign.
In order to create a landscape of contrasts to titillate all tastes, TCC Land juxtaposed a World War II bunker, historic pier, ancient warehouses, a waterfront crane, and even a working tram with 1,500 shops, 40 restaurants, two cultural theatres, and a couple spas on their 72-rai development palette.
To say that Asiatique has brought the riverfront back to life along Charoen Krung Road would be an understatement. This area has been screaming out for dynamic development for ages, and all it got were a few 5-star hotels, some boutique river cruises, and the odd seafood shack.
Now, it is bustling with life, excitement, music, and vivacity every night from 5 to midnight. It’s safe to say that Asiatique The Riverfront will have very long legs indeed as it moves from strength to strength over the coming months and years.
The easiest and fastest way to get there is to jump on the free shuttle boat that picks guests up from Sathorn Pier below the Taksin BTS station every 10-15 minutes.
Asiatique is located at 2194 Charoen Krung 72-74 Road, Bangkok.
Tel.: +66 (0)2 108 4489
Website: www.asiatiquethailand.com
Source: CNN Go
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