URBANO RIVERSIDE RETAIL THERAPY

With the holidays fast approaching, inspiration is always in need, for unique, thoughtful and creative gift ideas and playful party outfits…

Shopping, feasting and entertainment are the ultimate urban spices of life in Bangkok, and definite fun factors for the holidays. Seeking out exciting and interesting new places and avenues to explore is also an enticing challenge. The key is to explore places that have everything you could need in one accessible area, to avoid getting stuck in traffic, moving from one part of town to the next. During the milder weather, it is certainly a delight and a bonus to be out of freezing aircon-intense malls and enjoy being in the open.

Asiatique The Riverfront has, in the relatively short time in operation, become an established destination unto itself in Bangkok, for drinks and eats of an evening, with tempting shops to satisfy curious tourists and local shopaholics alike, throughout the day and into the night. However, with the grand opening of the brand new ‘Urbano’ zone, back in early October, Asiatique, on the Chao Phraya River, kicked it up a notch on the retail side of things.

Shopping enthusiasts have all the more reason to while away hours, seeking out fantastic gifts, unique décor items and new garments, enjoying the cooler temperatures this time of year. In all, at Asiatique, there are a grand total of some 1,500 shops and 45 restaurants and bars to peruse and choose from, as well as parking for 2,000 cars, plus entertainment options, split across different districts and warehouses. Entertainment highlights include Thai boxing, theatre, puppetry and the iconic ferris wheel, no riverside view would be complete without these days.

Getting there and away could not be simpler. Not only does Asiatique provide ample parking, accessible from Chareonkrung Road, but they also have a frequent and complimentary shuttle boat service, from Sathorn Pier, next to the BTS Skytrain station Saphan Thaksin. Leaving Sathorn pier every ten minutes from 4.30pm until 11.30pm, directly to the Asiatique pier, the easy ride down the river is a pleasant prelude to the shopping frenzy ahead.

Occupying warehouses 5,7,8 and 9, the new fashion district at Asiatique is known as Urbano. This responds to the contemporary fashion and décor desires of guys and gals of Generation Y. “We renovated the warehouses with the mood and tone of a ‘Basic Need’ Scandinavian style, reflecting a unique and individualistic style, under the ‘New Era of Urbanista’ concept,” Asiatique’s PR department confirmed.

Speaking of everything a shopper could desire in one place, their aim was to create a fun-filled, vibrant weekend feeling year round. The Urbano zone brings together, in modish harmony, fashion design and accessories, DIY leather goods, beauty services, IT and lifestyle gadgets, sports goods and a BIKE Café, as a biker’s meeting point. Urbano clothing shops include the likes of ‘Sugar Mustache’ for hip clothes, and ‘ACTs Of Green’ for eco-friendly attire.

‘Cheetah Ciety’ is a must for fashionable bags, footwear and other accessories, known for their signature Thailand flag designs and outspoken Thai spirit. ‘By Myself’ is a go-to for vintage-style leather goods, with live in-store crafting. All items are skillfully designed and stitched by the storeowner. Not stopping there, Urbano has countless more, to lure in Bangkok’s male and female fashion mavens, looking for affordable statement pieces and chic styles.

A dash of whimsy is for sale in stores, such as ‘Master Sweet’, which looks like a bakeshop, but is actually a funky soap retail outlet, and ‘Mim & Kwang Pan Pan’, which sells handmade clay dolls and customizable signage and accessories. You can even take time out at a nail bar and adorn your fingers with inimitable, show-stopping nail art, or take a load off with a massage, if the shopping pace takes its toll.

Every shop-til-you-drop experience needs a food break, especially in the evening, and a hot tip for a refreshing beverage and a hearty bite would be the massive, centrally located BREW Beers & Ciders, right in the middle of Asiatique. With both indoor and outdoor seating, this is the ideal relaxed spot to soak up the riverside atmosphere and watch the nightlife go by. Grab a BrewDog Punk IPA (240Baht), an invigorating craft beer from Scotland, and pair it with a mixed sausage platter or pork knuckle (450Baht). This will provide the necessary second wind to continue your shopping extravaganza at Urbano.

An urban hipster’s delight, even the most un-trendy of individuals will be hard-pressed to be unimpressed at the array of quirky, fun, funky, fashionable and outlandish items on display throughout the stores that line the stylish warehouses. This would also be a good time to pick up your New Year’s Eve outfit, to standout from the crowd.

The main bulk of Asiatique is open from 5pm to midnight, while many of the shops open from 10am until midnight. Take time to head down river and get set for a great shopping excursion and an untraditional night out experience.