Riverside: Shopping

With so much of Bangkok's history to absorb, there won't be much time left for shopping - and there certainly aren't any colossal malls anywhere in sight at the riverside to talk of either. However, there are a few little shopping treats lined up in the form of Thai arts, crafts and antiquities at Rivercity or OP Place next to the famous Oriental Hotel.

Prices here are not what one would call a 'steal', but it's worth a visit - even only to marvel at the intricate and exquisite detail of some pieces. For a really local shopping experience, it costs all of 2.5 baht to cross the river from the pier between River City and the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers.

What you'll find on the other side, tugged in an alley next to the Millennium Hilton Hotel, is as local as it gets; clothing, shoes, bags, CD's, DVD's, fashion accessories, fresh fruit and food. As for the floating markets, don't expect much to splurge out on - the merchandise on offer here are pretty much of the same you can find anywhere else, but with inflated prices.

Learn more about Riverside: Where to Stay, Nightlife, Where to Eat, What to See & Do, Getting Around

Learn More about Shopping areas: Sukhumvit, Silom, Chidlom, Siam Square, Ratchaprasong, Sathorn, Khao San Road, Old City, Chinatown, Chatuchak, Pratunam, Ratchadapisek

Related Links: Antiques & Collectables, Furniture & Home Decor, Jewellery

Hailed as Southeast Asia's largest arts and antiques center, the River City Shopping Complex is a playground for antique lovers and collectors with all of its floors dedicated to unique and exquisite antiques and collectables. An endless choice of ancient Buddha images, ceramics, porcelain, Thai benjarong wares, pottery, Southeast Asian gold and silver ornaments, European objets d'art, sculptures, intricate wood carvings and many other rarities from around the globe are available for you to choose from.

The intriguing charm of these antiques is further highlighted by the monthly auction held at the River City auditorium (every first Saturday of the month). These monthly auctions are organised by the Riverside Auction House, the first legal antique auction house in Thailand, with appraisal experts provided by the Association for the Propagation and Promotion of Objets d'Art. Have a casual conversation with the shop owners, who are usually experts on the subject, and learn all about the culture and art. The River City Shopping Complex also houses Sala Thai, a Thai traditional massage and foot reflexology parlour, River City Hair Cut, and four first-class restaurants. Interesting sights around River City, including Chinatown, the Royal Barge Museum, the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Pra Kaew), can be reached either by walking or riding a boat.

You can even take one of our many river cruise tours to Ayuthaya from the River City Pier if you wish to explore Thailand's ancient and historical roots.

River City Shopping Complex
Location: 23 Trok Rongnamkhaeng, Charoen Krung 30 (next to the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel)
Contact: +66 (0)2 237 0077-8
Open: 10:00 - 20:00
How to get there: Get on the BTS to Saphan Taksin Station. There's a free shuttle boat service to the River City available at Sathorn Pier everyday from 10:00 to 20:00.

Constructed in 1908, OP (Oriental Plaza) Place is a historic showpiece in itself with added vintage flair such as its Neoclassic architecture and the manually operated elevator. The building houses several floors of galleries and shops selling exquisite antiques of all shapes and sizes. Lovers of rare collectibles and crafts will be blown away by the copious collection of Asian handicrafts, antiques, jewellery, carpets, textiles, paintings, and Thai silk. Not to be missed is Ashwood Gallery, which features works ranging from 19th century Burmese alabaster sculptures to Chinese and Japanese prints. If you keep walking around this area you'll find a plethora of jewellery stores and shops specializing in export trade. There are some good deals to be had if you look hard enough. A branch of Chitralada shop, a project initiated by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, can also be found here.

OP Place Asian Heritage Shopping Centre
Location: 30/1 Soi Charoen Krung 38 (behind the Oriental Hotel)
Open: 10:30 - 18:30
Contact: +66 (0)2 266 0186
BTS: Saphan Taksin