ICONSIAM | Exploring SOOKSIAM and Alangkarn
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ICONSIAM, is one of Bangkok’s premier shopping destination and the biggest mall in Thailand. It is strategically located along the Chao Phraya River.
ICONSIAM has ten floors plus two basement levels, with hundreds of international and local brands. Aside from shopping and dining, the mall also has several attractions including ICONSIAM Park, The ICONIC Multimedia Water Features, ICONSIAM HALL
First visit to ICONSIAM
During our visit, we were a little pressed for time because we had a scheduled Chao Phraya River cruise later in the afternoon. Because of this, we weren’t able to fully explore the mall.
We went to Alangkarn, a dining food hall on the 6th floor with a modern Thai-farm inspired theme. One of the highlights of this section is the 15-meter waterfall. Alangkarn also has ten pavilions designed by three Thai artists. The entire area is quite impressive and, honestly, feels like a feast for the eyes even before you start looking for food.
There are around 30 restaurants in Alangkarn, we tried Mae Sri Ruen, a restaurant serving traditional Thai dishes.
After our meal, we headed to the Veranda section of ICONSIAM to try Pang Cha, a popular Thai tea dessert shop that was highly recommended to us.
After that, we went to the Chao Phraya River for our dinner cruise.
Second Visit to ICONSIAM
We returned to ICONSIAM for a second visit, this time with one mail goal, to experience SOOKSIAM. SOOKSIAM is a massive indoor floating market showcasing dishes from the 77 provinces of Thailand, located on the ground floor.
SOOKSIAM is divided into four regions: North, North Eastern, Central and Southern region. Each section showcasing its own food, flavors and atmosphere.
There are also restaurants inside SOOKSIAM, but what caught our attention were the hundreds of food stalls, local eateries and small shops throughout the area.
You’ll find all kinds of Thai delicacies here, including some unusual ones like alligator, scorpions and other insects.
For this visit, we simply walked around and randomly picked whatever caught our attention. We tried a shop selling unique maki rolls,
We also ate fried rice with porkchop,
A Thai roasted buns,
and a Mango Sticky Rice to end our food trip.
Eating in SOOKSIAM can be a little challenging because it can get crowded and seating is limited. Despite that, we really enjoyed the experience. For me, the fun part was getting to experience Thailand’s street food in the comfort of an air-conditioned place. It gave us the chance to enjoy the food without having to deal with Bangkok’s heat.
After the food trip to the indoor floating market, we decided to slow down and have coffee at C.P.S. Coffee Roaster.
ICONSIAM is more than just a shopping mall. There are plenty of things to see and experience, from the beautifully designed Alangkarn to the massive SOOKSIAM indoor floating market.
For me, ICONSIAM is one of the places you shouldn't miss when visiting Bangkok, Thailand, especially if it's your first time. Whether you're there for shopping, food, or simply to explore, there's definitely something to see and experience.
Here’s the slow-paced Bangkok itinerary.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT ICONSIAM
The best time to visit ICONSIAM is during weekday mornings if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed dining experience.
WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO BANGKOK, THAILAND
Light and loose clothes
Comfortable footwear
Backpack
Camera / gear
Powerbank
Universal Adaptor
Tumbler
Something to protect from the sun
Portable fan
WHERE TO STAY IN BANGKOK, THAILAND
coming soon…
HOW TO GET TO ICONSIAM
The fastest and cheapest way to get to ICONSIAM is by taking the BTS Gold Line to BTS Gold Line, and ride one stop to Charoen Nakhon Station and take Exit 2.
ICONSIAM BUDGET AND ITINERARY
The estimated budget for dining at ICONSIAM is around THB 500–1,000 per person. This budget is enough to enjoy a meal at one or two restaurants, plus a drink or dessert, depending on your choices.
NOTE: Prices may change without prior notice.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING ICONSIAM
ICONSIAM Information
Website: https://iconsiam.com/
Address: 299 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600, Thailand
Contact Number: +66 2 495 7000
eMAIL: info@iconsiam.com
Schedule:
Daily from 10:00AM to 10:00PM
Parkside Market is open as early as 8AM
Food halls in Thailand use a prepaid card system. Simply load the card with your preferred amount and use it to pay at the food stalls. Any unused balance can be refunded before you leave.
Planning to visit a temple? Make sure to follow the dress code. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
Bangkok’s weather is hot and humid year-round. We visited in April and it was scorching that we were unable to fully explore some of the temple complexes.
While major shops accepts credit cards, cash is still widely used.
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Thailand.
Consider traffic when planning your itinerary, especially during rush hour.
Be cautious of scams targeting tourist. This is common in Tuk-tuk tours.
English is commonly spoken in tourist areas and major shopping district.
Download essential travel apps such as: Google Translate, Google Maps, Grab before your trip.
Rent a pocket Wi-Fi or eSim in advance. This way you’ll have internet connection as soon as you land.
Bring a cap, umbrella or other sun protection, especially if you plan to spend time outdoors.
Portable fan is a must when exploring Bangkok.
ICONSIAM TRAVEL TIPS
For food halls, expect it to be crowded during peak hours. Best to avoid Lunch and Dinner time for lesser crowd. Expect larger crowds during lunch and dinner hours, especially at popular food halls like Gourmet Eats. If you prefer shorter queues and easier seating, try visiting before noon or after the peak dinner rush.
Secure your passport
Be sure to have a credit card for emergency
Exploring Bangkok often involves a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes.
Use Grab if you plan on riding a taxi to avoid stress and hassle negotiating with taxi drivers or potential scams.
Unsure if the street food is clean, try those with queues or busy stalls.Weather in Bangkok is hot and humid, bring extra clothes or small towel in case you sweat.
Need cash? local ATMs accepts international and co-branded ATM card. I personally tried GoTyme. Keep in mind that aside from the exchange rate, there will be a standard access fee.
Instead of buying bottled water, bring your own reusable tumbler.
Make sure to give yourself enough time because the mall is huge, and there's a lot more to see than what we were able to cover during our visits
IMPORTANT TIPS FOR PARENTS TRAVELING TO BANGKOK, THAILAND WITH BABIES
Bring a basic medicine kit recommended by your pediatrician, as familiar medicines may not always be available.
While strollers are convenient in malls and highly developed areas within Bangkok, exploring other places can be challenging. Best to use a baby carrier instead.
Portable fan is a necessity when traveling with a baby.
For breastfeeding moms, don’t forget to bring a cover so you can do it anywhere convenient and comfortable.
If your baby has started solids but is not yet eating table food, you can buy fresh fruits in local markets and malls.
Most of the malls in Bangkok (the new ones) have a family-friendly facilities, including nursing rooms, diaper changing stations, and dedicated family restroom.
Make hydration a priority. Bring plenty of water.
WHAT’S IN MY BAG?
If you want to know more about the cameras, gadgets and travel essentials I use, check out “MY GEAR”
Exploring SOOKSIAM and Alangkarn of ICONSIAM.