In 1861 European diplomats and merchants petitioned the king requesting that more roadways be built in Bangkok to accommodate horse-drawn carriages. These included Thanon Charoen Krung, also known as New Road, a 10-km stretch running alongside the Chao Phraya River. By the end of the century, Mr. Hans Nille Andersen of the Danish shipping line, established the East Asiatic Company Ltd, an important trading post with bustling riverside piers and warehouses between the river and Charoen Krung.
Fast forward a century or so and the bustle has once again returned to the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The site of the original East Asiatic Company Ltd has been revitalised and remerged as Asiatique – The Riverfront, an expansive alfresco lifestyle destination that would leave Mr. Hans Nille Andersen wandering around in a dazed and confused state but is adored by legions of Bangkokians and tourists alike.
Opening daily at 5 p.m., Asiatique has enough shopping, entertainment, bars and restaurants to keep families and friends occupied until its doors close at midnight. There are 1,500 shops in and around the restored warehouses offering anything from traditional Thai crafts to genuine antiques and beautiful reproductions, fragrant locally made soaps and cosmetics, and unique designer items such as elegant handbags and clothing, and much more. Those setting up home or who just fancy a bit of "out with the old, in with the new" as 2015 approaches, will love the excellent shop selling end of line designer tableware at bargain prices. Then there's the teakwood furniture, stylish lighting, and enough unique home décor shops to make your head spin. There's also a zone dedicated to affordable and trendy clothing, funky T-shirts and bling jewellery to excite even the most fashion conscious of shoppers. Asiatique is fabulous destination to discover the creativity of Thai artists with a section dedicated to galleries with prints, paintings and sculptures.
That's Entertainment!
Asiatique makes for a great family night out. Entertainment includes "Muay Thai Live – The legend Lives", a dramatic stage show telling the history of Thailand's famed martial art through the creative use of fantastic lighting, daring stunts and sound effects. Asiatique is also famous for Thailand's glittering Calypso Cabaret, a fabulously camp show performed by lady boys. Shows are twice nightly at 8:15 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Tickets for both events can be bought at the theatres or online at www.thaiticketmajor.com.
There's also a large ferris wheel to give you a sky high view of the riverfront at 300 baht a pop, and plenty of sculptures and surreal paintings scattered around for those who can't resist a selfie.
Asiatique is the sort of place you can spend the entire night. Come along early and you can enjoy riverfront dining as the sun sets, move on to see a show, and then end your evening with a 'shop 'til you drop' experience.
New Year's Eve Concert and Fireworks at Asiatique
Asiatique's riverfront location makes it a great venue for end of year dining and celebration. On New Year's Eve, Chang presents the "Asiatique Thailand Countdown 2015", a glittering countdown party with a free concert featuring some of the country's top stars.
Top acts include Thai artists such as Grand-Gun-Hunz, Tu Pobtorn, Pop Pongkool, Lipta, Wan Thanakrit, Flure and Room 39, along with a packed line-up of other hot stars. Asiatique is also a prime location to witness a spectacular fireworks display that will be launched from a platform in the middle of the Chao Phraya River as the clock strikes midnight. Visitors can also join in a photo activity called "Capturing Good Times that Stay in Your Memory at Asiatique" through Instagram by following "Asiatiquethailand" and using the hashtag #astcountdown2015 and #asiatiquethailand. The first 30 participants will qualify for a special prize draw on 31 December.
Asiatique is open daily from 5:00 p.m. to midnight. A free boat leaves Thaksin Pier every 20 minutes. For Thaksin Pier alight at BTS SkyTrain station, Saphan Thaksin.
Visit www.asiatiquethailand.com
