How to Go to Asiatique

Riding the BTS Sky Train

Take the ARL to Phaya Thai from Suvarnabhumi Airport. If you're heading to Asiatique straight from Bangkok's international airport, start your journey by taking the Airport Rail Link (ARL) into the city center. Its final stop is at Phaya Thai Station, which directly links to the BTS Sky Train (the city's elevated mass transit line). If you're already in Bangkok, ask at your hotel for directions or use a Sky Train map to plan your route. You can find Sky Train maps online. Transport signs and maps are usually printed in both Thai and English throughout Bangkok, especially in tourist areas. When you're planning your trip to Asiatique, keep in mind that it's open daily, but only from 5 pm to 12 am (17:00 - 24:00) local time.

Ride the Sukhumvit Line to Siam Station. Once you depart the ARL, get on the green-coded Sukhumvit Line heading eastward. Go 2 stops and get off at Siam Station, which is the central station for the BTS system. Bangkok's Sky Train stations look and function like subway and mass transit stations found all over the world. There is ample signage (in Thai and English) to lead you in the right direction. You can buy single-ride tickets for the Sky Train at kiosks inside the station. Prices range from 16-44 Baht (about $0.50-1.35 USD). Single-day unlimited ride passes are also available for 140 Baht (about $4.25 USD).

Switch to the Silom Line to go to Saphan Taksin Station. Once you arrive at Siam Station, switch over to the blue-coded Silom Line and go southward 6 stops. This will take you to station S6, called Saphan Taksin Station. Saphan Taksin Station is adjacent to the pier where you catch the Asiatique ferry, so make this your Sky Train destination no matter your starting point in Bangkok.

Taking the Sathorn Pier Ferry

Walk out of Exit 2 at Saphan Taksin Station. Once you arrive at the station, follow the Thai/English signs for Exit 2, which is on the lower level. There are also signs and arrows indicating that this is the route to Asiatique. Saphan Taksin Station sits right along the Chao Phraya River, and is surrounded by many large hotels and well-known restaurants and bars.

Follow the Signs to Sathorn Pier. Once you leave Saphan Taksin Station via Exit 2, you'll see signs leading you directly to Sathorn Pier. The pier is essentially adjacent to Sathorn Station and is a very short and comfortable walk away. You'll also see signage that identifies this as the way to Asiatique.

Use the Far Left Pier entrance and line. There are multiple sections to Sathorn Pier, but they are clearly marked in Thai and English. Walk to the section designated Far Left Pier, which is next to the section known as Hotel Pier. If you're there in the early evening, you'll probably see people in line for the ferry—take your place at the end of the line. The Hotel Pier is used to connect guests at the numerous riverfront hotels to the Sky Train at Sathorn Station.

Wait 10-15 minutes for the free ferry boat. The ferry to Asiatique operates from 5 pm to 11 pm (17:00 - 23:00) local time nightly, and it rarely takes more than 15 minutes to catch a ride on one of the boats. Simply wait your turn in line until you're able to board the next ferry boat. And remember—this part of the trip is free! Each ferry boat can take around 80 passengers.

Enjoy the 10-minute ride on the Chao Phraya River. This ferry ride is more than just the most convenient way to get to Asiatique. It also offers you stunning views of both banks of Bangkok's vibrant Chao Phraya riverfront. And in just 10 minutes, you'll be at your destination! It won't take you long to spot Asiatique's illuminated Ferris wheel from your ferry boat!

Exploring the Districts of Asiatique

Use the available maps to plan your visit. Depart your ferry boat and step onto the 300 m (330 yd) long boardwalk that serves as Asiatique's entrance. Head for one of the numerous illuminated maps, and also pick up a handheld map while you're there (if you don't already have one). This way, you can plan your trip around the huge Asiatique complex. If you plan on taking the ferry back across the river—and you should, since Bangkok's street traffic is terrible even at night—you'll have at most 6 hours to visit Asiatique. Even though the complex closes at midnight (24:00), the last ferry leaves at 11 pm (23:00) local time.

Check out the view from the Ferris wheel. Asiatique's 60 m (200 ft) high, illuminated Ferris wheel is one of the complex's most popular attractions. From the top, you'll get impressive views of the Bangkok skyline and riverfront area. The Ferris wheel is especially popular as darkness approaches, since the sunset views are spectacular. The carriages on the Ferris wheel are all enclosed. You can pay for a private carriage for your party for about $30 USD, or share a carriage with other passengers for around $8 USD per person.

Explore the Waterfront District if you're interested in fine dining. As the name indicates, this restaurant-focused Asiatique district lines the boardwalk and the picturesque Chao Phraya River. The numerous fine dining options include Thai, Chinese, Italian, and several other international cuisines. There are about a dozen fine dining restaurants in the complex. Overall, Asiatique has around 40 total restaurants, including the fine dining spots and additional restaurants in this and the other districts.

Visit Charoenkrung District for small boutique shopping. You'll find row after row of shops and stalls selling all sorts of wares, from traditional Thai crafts to internationally-inspired goods. This section of Asiatique puts a modern spin on the traditional bazaar. There are around 1500 retail shops total in Asiatique, so use your map to keep track of where you've been and where you'd like to go! You may worry that the Charoenkrung District will be a “tourist trap” with poorly-made trinkets for sale, but you'll actually find a lot of locals shopping there as well.

Head to the Factory District for name-brand fashion and gadgets. This, for instance, is where Asiatique's Apple Store is located, along with other shops selling globally-known brands. The overall focus is on the latest tech gadgets and high fashion with a Thai twist. The Factory District houses around 500 of Asiatique's 1500 retailers.

Enjoy the bars and cafes in the Town Square District. If you're looking for casual dining or a place to unwind after a long evening of shopping, end your visit in the Town Square District. You'll find a wide array of quick-service restaurants, bars, and nightlife venues. Just remember that the last ferry leaves at 11 pm (23:00) local time! If you miss it, you'll have to rely on a taxi to get back to your hotel or other location around Bangkok.