5 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Bangkok’s Newest Mall, ICONSIAM

ICONSIAM is The Coolest Shopping Mall in Bangkok

Is ICONSIAM more of the same or a breath of fresh mall? In a city that is constantly reinventing itself and its surroundings, it can be difficult for new entrants to stand out on Bangkok’s busy streets. Shopping malls in Bangkok are no different, and seem to be being built around the capital at a rapid pace. This means that if you’re going to take time out of your packed schedule to see one, it had better come correct. Luckily one of Bangkok’s newest additions balances food, fashion and entertainment perfectly, turning a 5 minute dash to grab essentials and bask in sweet, sweet A/C into a day long affair.

What’s so special about this place? Read on for our top 5 reasons to check out Bangkok’s ICONSIAM!

Tradition Meets Modern Bangkok

Sooksiam is South East Asia’s very first indoor floating market, showcasing crafts, culture and cuisine from 77 provinces around Thailand. If you love Thai food as much as we do, you’ll be falling over yourself to grab some spicy Isaan or the best Khao Sawy you’ve had in weeks. Up to 400 stalls are set up at any given time, with small business owners and creatives all displaying something different from their corner of the country. With a nod to the Thailand 4.0 program, aimed at providing a platform to promote local entrepreneurs and their wares, Sooksiam goes all out to bring the best cultures Thailand has to offer to the heart of Bangkok.

It’s official!

Ever worried that the 200 baht repairs you got last week down that side street at ‘APPLEUSAUK OFIICUL’ aren’t going to stand the test of time? You can now breathe easy with Thailand’s first official Apple Store. Bangkok is infamous for its plethora of knockoff brands, so if you’re willing to part with your hard earned cash it can mean the difference between binge watching Netflix on your 12 hour bus ride and watching the back of the headrest in front of you. Beautifully designed and well stocked, this store is worth checking out and bringing your trusty MacBook along for some well deserved TLC.

More Bang for Your Baht

One of the most welcome changes in the past decade is Thailand’s open minded approach to new technologies. Sure it can be hit and miss, but with up to 30% off goods at participating stores, free wifi and various discounts on food and drinks, ICONSIAM’s e-Tourist card lands squarely in the hit camp. As if that wasn’t enough it’s absolutely free, and comes with a welcome gift! Grab yours here.

Unbuckle Your Belt and Fill Your Bellies

If you’ve already checked out our other top malls in Bangkok, you’ll be a hardened veteran at food courts. Even if you have no idea what to expect, you’re bound to find something to suit your taste and budget. Japanese, Indian, Thai and Western restaurants are all packed into seven different zones around the complex, ranging from simple local fare to a meal with a view at the Tassanakhon Terrace Bar. Put your e-Tourist card to work and grab a bite!

An Oasis on the River

One of ICONSIAM’s best features has absolutely nothing to do with retail therapy. Built on the Bank of the Chao Phraya river, The ICONSIAM occupies one of the most enviable parcels of land for a good few square miles, offering visitors the river and skyline as a beautiful backdrop. The designers capitalised on this fantastic location by building the River Park, which provides a tranquil break from the hustle and bustle with light sculptures dotted along its length. In another Bangkok first the park is also home to the Iconic Multimedia Water Feature- which despite its uninspired name is South East Asia’s longest fountain. Make sure to hang around until just after sunset for a light and water show- the 400 meter long fountain can produce some seriously impressive 3D figures.

How to Get to ICONSIAM

If you’re going to ICONSIAM via BTS, you can head to Krung Thonburi BTS Station, take Exit 1, and hop on the shuttle van to ICONSIAM (available every 15 minutes from 8am to 12am).

Alternatively, you can get to Saphan Taksin BTS Station, take Exit 2, then take the shuttle boat at Sathorn Pier to ICONSIAM (available every 10 minutes from 8am to 11:30pm).

Address: 299 Charoen Nakhon Soi 5, Charoen Nakhon Road, Khlong San, Bangkok, Thailand 10600
Hours of Operation: Daily, 10am to 10pm

How to Leave ICONSIAM

It may sound silly but leaving ICONSIAM isn’t that straightforward – at least if you’re trying to take a taxi. Head to the G floor and try to find Gate 4. It’s on the opposite side of the main stage with a massive elephant statue to the right. The other “Gates” (exits) on the G floor are locked, so you’ll need to exit through number 4. From here, there’s a fairly standard taxi stand with one key difference: a waiting area for Grab pickups. If you hop on a Grab bike, it should be about 100 baht to get back to Bodega Bangkok.

Hosting a long list of must have places along with some notable firsts for both Thailand and South East Asia, the ICONSIAM manages to set itself apart in a city that seems to be buried under shopping malls by giving us more than just what we stepped in to buy. Whether you’re chilling at the river garden or discovering a Thai dish you didn’t know existed, there’s more to this riverside complex than just shops. This is our top 5 reasons to check out Bangkok’s ICONSIAM, but with 10 floors, there’s a lot more to discover. Let us know before you go so we can share!