WHEN Thailand’s Iconsiam opened, the mall became the beacon of luxury shopping along the famed Chao Phraya River. It’s Bangkok’s latest retail paradise and taking riverside shopping to a whole new level.
Although the 54 billion Baht structure exudes pricey impression and has the world’s sought after prominent brands in its directory, it is surprising what else one can discover in it.
SookSiam is Iconsiam’s surprising detail. It’s a one-stop destination for everything Thai—artistic creations, products, and culture. Each province across Thailand is represented by small entrepreneurs and villagers, and the luxury mall allocated the entire ground floor to present what makes the country a global wonder.
To make the experience truly exciting, the 15,000 square meter of retail space into a destination where cultural immersion is possible. SookSiam is accented with an indoor water feature that mimics the famed floating market; single and two-storey structures that mirrors countryside shophouses; and arts, handicrafts, performance arts and even clothing unique to each region are highlighted.
When it comes to cuisine, it’s a veritable feast. Like shopping for food from a longtail boat on a waterway, from a pop-up stall along a crowded street, or ordering from mom-and-pop restaurant, the favorite delicacies are served. You can partake of the popular Tom yum goong, Pad Thai or khaoniao mamuang a la side street dining. The offerings are vast and extends the different flavor profiles of each region.
How much will it cost you? You would think prices will be exorbitant with SookSiam’s upscale address, but no. The cost is no different from shopping or dining in a local street market or small shops tucked in a narrow street in a small town or village.
Time should be on your side when you plan to visit ICONSIAM. At SookSiam alone, you’d probably be spending hours with the extensive offerings of everything Thailand.
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