The ASIATIQUE Sky Ferris wheel in Bangkok offers breathtaking night views of the Chao Phraya River.

Written by TRAVELER Luxe

 

Two wishes in one—exploring night markets and riding a Ferris wheel? Where else can you find such a treat? Thailand’s first giant Ferris wheel, ASIATIQUE Sky, grandly opened in December 2012, rivaling the magnificence of the London Eye. Located within the Asiatique Riverfront Shopping Mall, this 60-meter-tall Ferris wheel stands majestically by the Chao Phraya River. With 42 gondolas, each accommodating up to 8 passengers, its transparent glass floors offer romantic, sweeping views of the river at night.

The Asiatique Riverfront Shopping Mall was transformed from abandoned old port warehouses, once a bustling port area that eventually closed due to declining teak trade demands. To revive these old stories, Asiatique presents itself as a “festival market and living museum,” breathing new life into the long-vacant warehouses while preserving their original architectural features. It recreates the traditional riverside lifestyle of Thailand along with the vibrant trade atmosphere of the colonial era. The mall is divided into four zones: Charoen Krung, Downtown, Factory, and Riverside—akin to an extra-large luxury night market. It houses a traditional Thai puppet theater, international restaurants, bars, beer gardens, and, most importantly, endless shopping opportunities. After a day of exploring, take a ride on the Ferris wheel to enjoy the riverside scenery under the open sky.