Should we include Bangkok among the world’s greatest shopping cities? Does Thailand's frenetic capital rate against the traditional Asian retail meccas of Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai? Travel journalist, Roderick Eime explores the mighty megamall of ICONSIAM.
If we were to ask veteran ABC journalist and presenter, Jonathan Green, then the answer is an emphatic ‘yes’. In his Radio National podcast series, ‘Return Ticket’, Green examines Bangkok’s fascination with the glittering megamall and declares “there is no better placed on Earth than Bangkok to study the proliferation of the mall.”
Green draws particular attention to the opulent shopping metropolis that is Bangkok’s newest megamall, ICONSIAM. Opened in 2019 to great fanfare on the eve of the global pandemic, the US$1.5 billion complex must have had investors in a cold sweat as cities and travellers came to a grinding halt for two years.
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ICONSIAM is a massive shopping and entertainment complex located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand. It opened in November 2018 and has quickly become one of the city's most iconic and luxurious malls. Here are some key features and highlights of ICONSIAM:
Size: ICONSIAM is one of the largest malls in Southeast Asia, spanning over 750,000 square meters (approximately 8 million square feet). It consists of two main buildings connected by a skywalk, and it features both indoor and outdoor shopping areas.
Luxury Shopping: The mall is known for its high-end and luxury brands, making it a popular destination for luxury shopping. You can find a wide range of international and Thai designer boutiques, including many flagship stores.
Dining: ICONSIAM offers a vast array of dining options, from fine dining restaurants to casual eateries and international cuisine to traditional Thai food. The mall's riverside promenade features numerous dining establishments with stunning views of the Chao Phraya River.
Entertainment: The complex includes a dedicated entertainment area known as ICON CINECONIC, which offers a premium cinema experience. Additionally, there is an indoor floating market where you can explore and shop for traditional Thai products and street food.
Art and Culture: ICONSIAM places a strong emphasis on art and culture. The mall features various art installations, exhibitions, and cultural events throughout the year. There is also an art gallery called "Art Icon," showcasing contemporary Thai and international art.
Observation Deck: ICONSIAM boasts the "ICONIC Multimedia Water Features," which includes a stunning multimedia water fountain and a daily light and sound show. You can enjoy this show from the mall's riverside promenade.
Transportation: The mall is conveniently accessible via boat, as it has its own pier, allowing visitors to arrive by boat along the Chao Phraya River. It's also connected to the BTS Gold Line's Charoen Nakhon Station.
Overall, ICONSIAM is not just a shopping mall but a destination in itself, offering a mix of shopping, dining, entertainment, art, and cultural experiences in a luxurious and scenic setting along the river. It's a must-visit for anyone looking for a high-end shopping and leisure experience in Bangkok.
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