ICONSIAM

About this place

One of the largest shopping centres in South-East Asia, opened in November 2018 on the west bank of the Chao Phraya opposite Silom, and quickly a city landmark for its glass front on the water. It holds hundreds of shops, from global brands to Thai designers, the Japanese department store Siam Takashimaya, cinemas and restaurants with river views. Its most original part is SookSiam on the ground floor, an indoor market styled as a traditional floating market, where stalls represent Thailand's regions with their food and crafts, an air-conditioned way to taste Thai cooking from north to south. Several stalls are known to be halal, so look for the certificate on the counter. In the evening a dancing fountain show with lights and music plays on the riverfront outside. Entry is free, the mall opens daily from ten in the morning until ten at night, and it has a prayer room for Muslims, so ask the information desk where it is. Arriving by boat is part of the fun: a free shuttle runs from Sathorn pier by Saphan Taksin station, or take the Gold Line monorail to ICONSIAM station. Come in the afternoon to avoid the heat and stay until sunset for the river from the terraces and the fountain show. Weekends and holidays are very busy, so weekdays suit families better.