Asiatique Guide: Bangkok’s Eclectic Mix of Food, Fun, and Shopping

Asiatique The Riverfront, a renowned tourist hotspot in Bangkok, captivates both Thai locals and international visitors with its enchanting mix of leisure and culture. This must-visit destination, nestled along the scenic Chao Phraya River, boasts a unique blend of modernity and history, evidenced by its transformation from old warehouses to the now-iconic Festival Market & Living Museum.

But the charm of Asiatique extends beyond its picturesque riverside allure. The highlight is the newly opened Big C Foodplace Asiatique, a haven for food enthusiasts. Specializing in an array of mouth-watering seafood – from river prawns to lobsters and oysters – at prices that won’t break the bank, Big C Foodplace is a gastronomic delight. Convenience is key here: enjoy freshly grilled seafood with a zesty Thai dipping sauce, perfect for a riverside feast.

Moreover, Big C Foodplace Asiatique is a treasure trove for tourists seeking authentic Thai SME products and souvenirs, making it a top shopping destination in Bangkok. If you’re exploring Asiatique and on the lookout for memorable souvenirs, Big C Foodplace is an unmissable stop. This comprehensive guide to Asiatique The Riverfront showcases the best of Bangkok’s culinary, shopping, and cultural experiences.

Starting your tour at Asiatique The Riverfront

If you’re unsure where to begin at Asiatique, I recommend starting by the Chao Phraya River. Here, you can leisurely stroll, enjoy the breeze, and take in the views of the river and the surrounding skyscrapers of Bangkok. Originally, this area was a port and sawmill, built to strengthen Thai-European relations during the reign of King Rama V. Back then, people referred to this place as “East Asiatic”, a bustling commercial port during that era.

In 2012, the area was revitalized with the concept of a Festival Market & Living Museum, preserving the ambiance of its maritime and trading past. The old structures and warehouses were transformed into an open-air shopping center known as Asiatique The Riverfront, which stands till today. During my latest visit, the wide riverside area was filled with a long line of food and drink stalls amidst spacious walkways. It’s a place where you can stroll and relax on the open grounds, enjoying the views of the Chao Phraya River and the cool breeze. Especially during the end-of-year period when I visited, the atmosphere was particularly festive with dazzling light decorations.

A must-see landmark at Asiatique is the “Asiatique Sky”, a towering white Ferris wheel that stands at 60 meters tall, prominently along the riverbank. Many people may not know that this Ferris wheel is actually the largest in Thailand. If you want to see a high-angle view of Bangkok, especially amidst the scenic Chao Phraya River, I highly recommend taking a ride. It’s especially beautiful during dusk or at night. Riding the Ferris wheel and observing the cityscape adorned with twinkling lights is a breathtakingly beautiful experience.

Not far from the Ferris wheel, another popular spot for tourists to take photos is the “Carousel” a two-tiered, elegant, and beautiful merry-go-round that feels like something straight out of a foreign country. At night, when it’s illuminated with soft orange lights, the area radiates a vibe akin to walking in a classic European amusement park. It’s absolutely romantic and a picturesque spot for memorable photos.

In addition to the Ferris wheel and carousel zones, during my visit, which was close to the New Year’s festival, the surroundings of Asiatique were adorned with beautiful lights and cute props, adding to the festive mood. This included charmingly decorated train displays, walkways adorned with hanging flower decorations and dazzling lights. If you’re looking to stroll around and take photos in an atmosphere that beautifully captures the essence of bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new one, this is the place to be. The festive decorations and lighting create a truly special and memorable experience.

My absolute favorite spot is the Christmas tree by the Chao Phraya River. They’ve used multicolored lights arranged in such a way that it forms a large, glittering Christmas tree visible from afar. This spot is truly a cool place for taking pictures, as the tree’s sparkling lights create a magical and festive backdrop, perfect for capturing the holiday spirit.

Discover the Charm of Big C Foodplace Asiatique

Situated in the heart of Bangkok’s vibrant Asiatique The Riverfront, Big C Foodplace Asiatique is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in a culinary adventure or seeking unique souvenirs. This latest addition to the Big C chain stands out with its vast selection of fresh foods, an array of seafood, tempting desserts, refreshing beverages, and a plethora of souvenirs.

What sets Big C Foodplace Asiatique apart is its commitment to quality, showcasing popular Thai brands that are a hit among tourists. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or hunting for the perfect memento, this store offers an impressive range of products to suit every taste. From savory treats to sweet delicacies and a variety of handpicked souvenirs, it’s a one-stop destination for all your shopping desires.

Big C Foodplace Asiatique isn’t just a store; it’s an experience, blending the joy of discovery with the pleasure of shopping in one of Bangkok’s most iconic locations. Make sure to include it in your Asiatique itinerary for a truly satisfying shopping and dining journey.

Step into the Welcoming Ambiance of Big C Foodplace Asiatique. As you enter Big C Foodplace at Asiatique The Riverfront, you’re greeted by a refreshing coolness, a pleasant respite from Bangkok’s heat. This modern shopping haven, ingeniously converted from an old warehouse, is a marvel of space and comfort. With its airy layout and well-defined zones, it makes shopping both effortless and enjoyable.

Each section at Big C Foodplace is meticulously arranged, offering a seamless shopping journey. I’ll guide you through the various zones, highlighting the diversity and convenience of the shopping experience here. You can look forward to an array of products, from everyday essentials to unique finds, all within this thoughtfully organized space.

Shopping at Big C Foodplace Asiatique isn’t just about the items you purchase; it’s an experience in itself. The store’s layout invites leisurely exploration, allowing you to discover and shop at your own pace in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. It’s a perfect blend of convenience and charm, making it a must-visit destination for anyone shopping in Bangkok.

Starting with the Grill Bar, a fresh seafood zone, it’s a must-visit for seafood lovers. Imagine having the ocean brought to you with a wide variety of fresh seafood options. You can find giant river prawns, where you can choose the size to your liking. If you’re interested in tasting large, fresh lobsters – still swimming in their tanks, this is the place. They offer great quality at reasonable prices. Squid enthusiasts will find a variety of options, including fragrant squids and banana squids, available in different sizes on skewers. Additionally, there are large Surat Thani oysters and fresh Norwegian salmon, all offered at attractive prices. Beyond these, you’ll find other seafood like scallops, razor clams, sea bass, and an exclusive addition of Australian beef in this zone. It’s a seafood (and more) paradise with quality choices for everyone.

One of the great advantages of the Grill Bar is that, in addition to its fresh and high-quality ingredients, everything you purchase – be it prawns, squid, fish, or various shellfish – can be grilled right there for you, at no extra charge. 

They serve it with a flavorful seafood dipping sauce. If you’re looking for a more gourmet touch, you can request for the seafood to be prepared in different styles, such as garlic stir-fry, deep-fried with fish sauce, grilled with garlic butter, or as various types of steaks.

You can place these special orders with the staff. Keep in mind, however, that the price will depend on the main ingredients you choose. This flexibility in preparation offers a personalized dining experience tailored to your preferences

For my meal, I started with several items, including a beautifully prepared and grilled large river prawn. The prawns were cooked to perfection on a hot grill, served juicy and bursting with flavor. Their freshness was unparalleled – each bite revealed firm, bouncy flesh with a delightful sweet crunch, offering an excellent texture. Paired with the Thai seafood sauce, the experience was absolutely heavenly.

Next up were the large-sized Surat Thani oysters, four in number, beautifully presented in their shells, accompanied by roasted chili, fried garlic, seafood sauce, and moringa leaves. I must say, they were incredibly fresh, juicy, and sweet, without any trace of a fishy smell. 

They were so delicious that I could easily have indulged in ten more! The quality and taste of the seafood at Grill Bar are truly exceptional, making it a memorable dining experience.

The next dish I sampled was stir-fried squid with garlic. Banana squids, perfectly sized, were first grilled on charcoal for that smoky aroma, and then stir-fried with garlic and other seasonings. This dish boasted an excellent flavor profile, with the squid being incredibly springy. Paired with Salmon Fried Rice, which was rich and well-balanced in taste, the combination was perfect.

For the final dish, as a devoted salmon enthusiast, I couldn’t miss out on the Salmon Sashimi. The slices were expertly cut to the ideal size, and the freshness of the fish shone through in its succulent texture. Dipping it in soy sauce with a hint of wasabi was an absolute delight for a salmon aficionado like me. Each dish at Grill Bar stood as a testament to the quality and freshness of the ingredients, making the dining experience thoroughly enjoyable

That concludes my meal at the Grill Bar zone. Personally, I loved it! The food is freshly prepared, cooked right in front of you, and the flavors are outstanding. Additionally, the prices are reasonable, especially given the quality of the food. The experience is further enhanced by the seating areas available, allowing you to enjoy your meal on the spot, which adds to the convenience and satisfaction.

For those looking to complement their seafood feast with a refreshing beverage, the Cold Drinks zone is just nearby. This area boasts a wide array of drinks – from sweet beverages and sodas to fruit juices and alcoholic options. They are all housed in large, chilled cabinets, seemingly endless, offering practically every drink available in Thailand. It feels as though all the country’s drinks have been gathered in this one spot!

Indeed, no meal is truly complete without a sweet treat. At Big C Foodplace Asiatique, the Bakery zone is a haven for those who adore baked goods and desserts. This area showcases a variety of breads in multiple flavors, including freshly baked, aromatic croissants that waft their enticing scent through the air. It’s a zone that lures you in from afar with its delicious aromas. 

or those looking to conclude their meal with something sweet, this is the ideal destination. The bakery selections, perfect for cleansing the palate, round off a satisfying meal beautifully.

After a fulfilling meal, exploring the other zones is a wonderful idea. Take the Fruit Zone, for example. True to its name, this area is dedicated to fruits, featuring a wide array of options. Whether your craving leans towards durian, coconut, mango, watermelon, or other seasonal and off-season fruits, you’ll find them all here. They have assembled fruit varieties from every region of Thailand, offering a diverse selection to cater to your preference.

For those with a penchant for smoothies, the Fruit Zone has got you covered with fresh fruits ready to be blended into a healthy and refreshing drink. This fantastic addition not only provides a fresh, wholesome beverage option but also allows for customization based on your choice of fruits. The Fruit Zone at Big C Foodplace Asiatique is a delightful destination for fruit enthusiasts and anyone seeking a fresh, nutritious indulgence.

To complete the visit, the Supermarket Zone awaits, a section further divided into areas like Snacks World, Souvenir Zone, and Tourist Zone. These sections cater to a variety of needs, offering everything from SME group products and premium Thai brands to dried foods, snacks, and various utilities.

The Tourist Zone is particularly noteworthy and one of my personal favorites. Big C has meticulously curated this area to appeal to international tourists, showcasing all the most sought-after souvenirs. Available are freeze-dried durian, processed and dried mango, dried and freeze-dried strawberries, and a variety of other processed fruit products from premium Thai brands. 

The selection is not only impressive and visually appealing but also reasonably priced. It’s an excellent spot for visitors seeking unique and delightful souvenirs to take back home.

That’s the essence of the Big C Foodplace Asiatique experience, which I am eager to share with you. This destination is perfect if you’re seeking fresh, delicious seafood of guaranteed quality, served right at your table with grilling and cooking services. 

But it’s not just about the food; the place is a treasure trove for shopping enthusiasts, brimming with a wide variety of products. Everything you could possibly want is available at Big C Foodplace Asiatique. With such a diverse selection, you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for. 

They are open from 10:00 a.m. to midnight, providing ample opportunity for a leisurely shopping or dining experience. It’s a fantastic place for a satisfying meal and a delightful shopping spree, all in one convenient location.

In summary, returning to Asiatique after a considerable hiatus, I can affirm that it has impressively leveled up. The influx of tourists enhances its lively and vibrant atmosphere. This is particularly true for those who arrive in the evening and stay through sunset, as they have the chance to savor the relaxed daytime ambiance before transitioning into the more romantic and lively atmosphere at night. The twinkling lights, the blend of music from the restaurants with the gentle breeze, and the sounds of people chatting joyfully all contribute to a cheerful and delightful experience.

Given this, I highly recommend planning a visit to Asiatique and Big C Foodplace, be it for a weekend outing or as part of end-of-year festivities. It’s an ideal destination to enjoy with friends, offering a harmonious blend of leisure, dining, and shopping experiences in one vibrant and energetic location.