River City Shopping Complex in Bangkok

A well-known landmark on the Chao Phraya riverbank, River City has been around since 1984. Originally, it served a niche market of antique collectors and traders, spearheading monthly auction events where sellers and buyers of antiques could meet. Many antique shop owners here are pioneers of the trade and can offer expert advice on their products, whether they’re genuine antiques or modern reproductions. The shopping mall also operates several river cruises and dinner cruises, as well as providing boat transfers to/from the Sathorn Pier (connected with Saphan Taksin BTS Skytrain).

Highlights at River City Shopping Complex

River City is a playground for antique lovers and collectors with all of its floors dedicated to high quality antiques and collectibles. Here is a veritable treasure trove of Southeast Asian objets d'art, including ancient Buddha images, ceramics, porcelain, Thai Benjarong (painted porcelain) wares, pottery, old maps and prints, gold and silver ornaments, sculptures, intricate wood carvings and many other rarities from around the globe.

Taking its passion for antique further, River City features monthly auctions at the Si-La-Sai Convention Hall (4th floor) every first Saturday of the month, in tandem with the online auctions. 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. So, this is one way to ensure that your purchase is a genuine antique.

Besides antiques and collectibles, River City has a collection of fashion shops selling Thai silk, gems and leather accessories. Home décor items, including wooden masks, bronze sculptures and Thai crafts, are also available.

River City Dining Experiences

Set by the water’s edge, River City is an ideal place to enjoy a delectable meal, while taking in vistas of the Chao Phraya River. The waterfront promenade has a small lineup of fine-dining restaurants, all featuring outdoor terraces. La Grande Pearl offers a classic French menu, with a wine cellar, live piano music and an afternoon tea experience. Sala Thai has a prominent outdoor setup, but don’t expect too much when it comes to food and service. Another highlight is the rooftop (5th floor), where you will find an expansive barbecue garden (River City Bar B Q, open 11:00-23:00) and rooftop bar (Balco Bar, open 18:30-midnight, closed Mondays).

Opening Hours: 10:00 - 20:00
Location: Charoen Krung Soi 30 (next to the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel)
Tel: +66 (0) 2237 0077-8
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.