Asiatique the Riverfront

Asiatique is one of Bangkok’s most popular evening destinations, blending a restored 19th-century warehouse district with a lively open-air riverside complex. Visitors can enjoy street food, riverside restaurants, boutique shops, live performances, and the iconic Ferris wheel that lights up the Chao Phraya River after sunset.

Getting here is easy: take the free shuttle boat from Central Pier (BTS Saphan Taksin). Boats operate every 30 minutes from around 4 pm until late evening. It remains one of the most convenient things to do in Bangkok riverside areas, especially for travellers looking for an easy first-night experience in the city.

Iconsiam: Shopping, Culture, and River Views

Iconsiam is one of Southeast Asia’s largest luxury shopping destinations, but its riverside setting and the ground-floor SookSiam market make it far more than a traditional mall. SookSiam recreates the atmosphere of a floating market indoors, bringing together vendors from all 77 provinces selling Thai crafts, local food, snacks, and regional produce. Entry is free.



The river-facing restaurants and cafés on the upper floors make Iconsiam an excellent stop for lunch, coffee, or sunset dining. Iconsiam also operates its own ferry pier with free shuttle boats from BTS Saphan Taksin and nearby riverside hotels, making it a natural addition to any list of Bangkok riverside attractions.

Wat Arun: The Temple of Dawn

No list of Bangkok riverside attractions would be complete without Wat Arun. Located directly on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, the Temple of Dawn is famous for its towering central prang decorated with colourful porcelain mosaics that reflect the changing light beautifully throughout the day.

To get there, take the short cross-river ferry from Tha Tien Pier, located behind Wat Pho. Entry costs 100 THB. Sunrise and late afternoon are considered the best times to visit, when the softer lighting enhances the temple’s intricate details and riverside atmosphere.

Dress code: shoulders and knees should be covered to enter Wat Arun. Sarongs are available to borrow at the entrance if needed.

Lhong 1919: Bangkok's Heritage Riverside Market

Lhong 1919 is a restored 19th-century Chinese trading port transformed into a cultural riverside destination. The preserved shrines, hand-painted murals, and traditional brick architecture give the complex an atmosphere rarely found in modern Bangkok.

The market operates primarily on weekends from late morning until early evening. The easiest way to visit is by ferry from River City Bangkok or Ratchawong Pier. Guests can browse handmade goods, local snacks, riverside cafés, and photo spots that feel distinctly different from Bangkok’s larger commercial malls.

Opening days: Lhong 1919 mainly operates on weekends. If visiting on a weekday, consider replacing this stop with a longer Chao Phraya Express Boat ride along the same river route.

Chao Phraya River Cruise

A Chao Phraya river cruise is one of the best ways to take in things to do in the Bangkok riverside all in a single outing. Cruises pass major landmarks including Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, colonial-era shop houses, luxury hotels, and the Bangkok skyline stretching along the riverbanks. Options range from the affordable Chao Phraya Express Boat to private evening dinner cruises with live music and set menus.



If you're planning a dinner cruise, book ahead, especially on weekends and Thai public holidays when boats fill up fast. The orange-flag commuter ferry runs frequently and costs a fraction of the price for the same river views.

How to Plan Your Bangkok Riverside Day

The riverside spreads across a wide stretch of the Chao Phraya, so a little planning saves a lot of doubling back. Whether you're building a full one day trip Bangkok itinerary around the river or carving out an afternoon, here's how to sequence the stops for the least stress and the most ground covered.

Morning: Temples and Heritage

Start your day early at Wat Arun before the heat and crowds build up. Cross from Tha Tien Pier near Wat Pho, spend time exploring the temple grounds, then continue north via the Chao Phraya Express Boat toward Ratchawong Pier for Lhong 1919. Both destinations sit conveniently along the same river route.

Afternoon: Culture and Shopping

Head to Iconsiam for lunch and cultural exploration. The SookSiam market is ideal for sampling local Thai dishes at reasonable prices, while the upper floors offer river-view cafés and restaurants for a slower afternoon break.

Evening: Asiatique and the Riverfront

Asiatique opens at 4 pm and comes alive after dark. The Ferris wheel, riverside bars, and food stalls make it the most atmospheric spot on the river at night. Plan to arrive early enough to watch the sunset before the crowds peak around 7 pm.

Getting around: The Chao Phraya Express Boat (orange flag) connects most major riverside piers and runs frequently. BTS Saphan Taksin is the main interchange for the river boat network. Grab a 1-day pass if you plan to hop between stops.

What to bring: Cash for Wat Arun entry fees (100 THB), comfortable walking shoes, and modest clothing for temples. Carry a light layer for the air-conditioned malls.

Where to Stay for the Full Bangkok Riverside Experience

If the Chao Phraya River is the focus of your Bangkok trip, choosing the right hotel can completely shape the experience. Away Bangkok Riverside Kene sits directly along Charoen Nakhon Road, within easy reach of many of the city’s top attractions and cultural landmarks.

Away Bangkok Riverside Kene: A Hotel That Looks as Good as It Feels

Away Bangkok Riverside Kene is one of Bangkok's most photographed hotels for good reason. The architecture features a striking crystal glass roof over a pool of still blue water, framed by white Greek Revival columns and lush tropical greenery. The effect is a calm, light-filled oasis that feels unlike anything else on the Chao Phraya. Select rooms include private balconies overlooking the river, and the Away River Suite offers an elevated stay for special occasions.

Three Ways to Eat and Drink by the River

The hotel caters to different dining moods across three riverside venues. Marni Eatery serves Thai and international dishes throughout the day, with both indoor and outdoor seating suitable for relaxed riverside meals or private events.

Sarin Cafe (open 11 am to 10 pm) overlooks the gardens and specialises in artisan coffee, fresh juices, desserts, and light Thai dishes, while the Pool Bar directly faces the Chao Phraya River, making it an ideal setting for sunset cocktails and evening drinks.

For guests seeking a more local-style dinner experience, Moo Kra-Ta offers traditional Thai hot pot dining beside the river in a relaxed and communal atmosphere.

Logistics Made Easy

Away Bangkok Riverside Kene runs a free hotel shuttle to three key destinations: Krung Thon Buri BTS Station, Iconsiam, and Asiatique the Riverfront. You arrive at the pier or the mall without the taxi negotiation. The Tour Desk also arranges longtail boat trips and dinner cruises on the Chao Phraya, so the river itinerary can be sorted entirely from the hotel.

SONO Membership: More Value on Every Stay

Booking directly as a SONO Member includes a range of added privileges at Away Bangkok Riverside Kene, including discounts on accommodation, dining, and spa treatments. Members also receive room upgrade priority, late check-out benefits, and complimentary breakfast offers for children under selected conditions.



For travellers planning to explore additional SONO destinations across Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, or Vietnam, the membership benefits extend throughout the wider SONO Hospitality portfolio.

Ready to put the Chao Phraya River outside your window?