‘Shop till you drop’ – the adage fits perfectly well with Bangkok, one of the most favourite foreign destinations for Indian tourists. From night markets to huge shopping malls and from brands to fakes (popularly called first copies), Bangkok has it all!
The malls are housed in modern boxy multi-storeyed buildings but if you want to combine shopping with a dash of history head to the Asiatique The Riverfront. As the name suggests it is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya river and previously served as a warehouse for the East Asiatic Company (EAC).
Before the arrival of EAC, the site served as the complex of the temple Wat Phraya Krai, which probably dates back to 1801. Under Rama III (reign: 1824 – 51) the temple got the royal status. Later in 1861, the temple was abandoned and the statues and idols, including the plastered gold Buddha idol, were removed to Wat Traimit in Bangkok’s Chinatown.
Although Thailand has never been colonised, it played a significant role in the Southeast Asian trade with Europe. It all began with the Bowring Treaty of 1855, which was signed between the British Empire and Kingdom of Siam. Several other treaties followed with different European powers leading to trade liberalisation. In came Denmark with EAC, founded in 1887 by Hans Niels Andersen, shipping magnet, businessman and diplomat. The EAC started their Siam operation in 1907. Soon the old temple complex of Wat Phraya Krai was turned into a port complex complete with sawmills and warehouses.
During World War II the port was briefly taken over by the Japanese and was used as a war base. Post-war, with the development of air traffic, the port lost its importance and was ultimately closed down.
In 2012, the area was turned into a shopping mall keeping large portions of the original structures intact. Statues and installations with write-ups were set up turning the entire region into an open-air museum.
Today Asiatic is a popular tourist destination in south Bangkok and lies on the eastern bank of Chao Phraya river. Although well connected by road it is best reached by the free ferry service offered by Asiatique. The ferry service operates from Sathorn (Taskin) Pier, the southernmost stop of the Chao Phraya Express Boat. The pier is also located close to the Saphan Taksin station of (BTS Skytrain, Silom Line).
Covid-19 has taken its toll on Asiatique and a large number of shops have closed ever since. But things are for a change as shops have started opening up. With visa-free travel for Indians the Asiatique can offer a unique shopping experience with a dash of history.
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