If you feel like most shopping malls are all the same, then you absolutely need to check out IconSiam—one of Bangkok’s most iconic riverside destinations along the Chao Phraya River.
Anyone who’s spent time in Bangkok knows the city is packed with shopping centers. Hop on the BTS Skytrain and you’ll find at least one mall at almost every station—especially around hotspots like Chit Lom and Siam, home to major shopping giants like Central World and Siam Paragon. Or head to the ever-popular Terminal 21 by Asok Station, which draws crowds every day.
It’s safe to say that mall-hopping is simply part of the Bangkok travel experience.
Of course, many independent travelers feel that visiting malls while abroad is a bit of a waste—after all, the same brands and food courts can be found in cities all over the world. Designs rarely differ that much either; the only real difference is how big they are and how pricey they feel.
For most people, malls are just a place to cool off in the A/C, rest your feet, and grab an affordable meal at the food court (though let’s be real—many mall food courts aren’t that cheap!). But ever since IconSiam—also called the “Mother of All Malls”—opened its doors, its over-the-top design and incredible concept have totally changed the game. Even the biggest skeptics will probably see Bangkok’s shopping scene in a whole new light.
IconSiam
Open daily: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
+66 2 495 7080
How to get there: The easiest way is to take the free shuttle boat from Central Pier.
Official ICONSIAM Website
299 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600
Thai address: 299 ถนน เจริญนคร แขวง คลองต้นไทร เขต คลองสาน กรุงเทพมหานคร 10600
In this IconSiam Travel Guide, we’ll break down how to make the most of your visit with these highlights:
Ready to explore? Let’s discover what makes this massive mall—complete with its own indoor floating market—such a must-see!
How to Get to IconSiam
Getting to IconSiam is surprisingly easy thanks to their many free shuttle options for visitors. You can choose between two shuttle bus routes (serving three stops) and four shuttle boat routes along the Chao Phraya River.
For most travelers, the free shuttle boat is by far the most convenient—and honestly, it’s also the most scenic and fun way to arrive. That’s why we highly recommend this option!
Boats run frequently and on a regular schedule—and best of all, they’re completely free. Here’s a quick overview of the official free routes, docks, and operating hours so you can plan ahead:
| Pier | Boat Frequency | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Central Pier (Sathorn Pier/CEN) | Every 10 mins | 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| CAT Building Pier (N2) | Every 10 mins | 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Si Phraya Pier (N3) | Every 10 mins | 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Ratchawong Pier (N5) | Every 15 mins | 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
1. Central Pier (Sathorn Pier) to IconSiam (Recommended Route)
Just like when you visit the Asiatique the Riverfront Night Market, you can catch IconSiam’s free shuttle boat from Central Pier (also called Sathorn Pier).
The walkway to the shuttle boats is actually the same path used for Asiatique’s boats—go left for Asiatique, right for IconSiam. Here’s exactly how to do it:
- First, take the BTS Silom Line to Saphan Taksin Station.
- Exit from Exit 2 and walk straight ahead for a few meters to reach Sathorn Pier.
- At the pier, you’ll see two boarding lanes. One goes to Asiatique; follow the signs to the right for the IconSiam Shuttle Pier. Everything is well-marked so you won’t get lost.
- Line up at the IconSiam Pier—boats run every 10 minutes.
- Once you board, it’s about a 10-minute scenic ride to IconSiam.
Just note: the free shuttle from Sathorn Pier runs daily from 8:00 AM until 11:30 PM.
2. CAT Building Pier (N2) to IconSiam
Between the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok and the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel Bangkok, you’ll spot the iconic CAT Building (nicknamed the “Cat Tower”). The pier here—N2 Pier—also has its own free IconSiam shuttle boat. Super handy if you’re staying nearby!
Boats from N2 Pier run daily from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM and depart every 10 minutes, just like the Central Pier route.
3. Si Phraya Pier (N3) to IconSiam
Directly opposite IconSiam sits River City Bangkok, a mall known for antiques and art. The Si Phraya N3 Pier is right next to River City, so if you’re browsing there, you can easily hop on the free shuttle boat.
One tip: the waiting area here is inside a concrete building, so it can get pretty stuffy—expect to break a sweat!
Since it’s so close, the actual boat ride from N3 Pier is only about 5 minutes (most of that time is docking!). From River City’s riverside plaza, you can clearly see IconSiam across the river.
Shuttles from Si Phraya N3 Pier run daily from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM every 10 minutes.
4. Ratchawong Pier (N5) to IconSiam
The fourth pier with a free shuttle service is Ratchawong Pier (N5), which is conveniently located near Bangkok Chinatown.
It’s the perfect plan: snack your way through Chinatown, then walk over to N5 Pier and catch the boat to IconSiam—or do the reverse and head to Chinatown after your mall visit for a late-night food adventure!
Travel Tip: Since IconSiam closes relatively early but Bangkok Chinatown gets busier as the night goes on, a smart plan is to visit IconSiam first, then take the shuttle boat to Pier N5. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to Yaowarat Road Night Market—perfect for late-night street food and to stretch your adventure budget!
The Ratchawong Pier (N5) free shuttle runs daily from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with departures every 15 minutes.
IconSiam Free Shuttle Buses
In addition to the boats, IconSiam also runs free shuttle buses. Here’s a quick look at the official stops and schedules before we break them down in detail:
| Stop | Frequency | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BTS Krung Thon Buri Station | Every 10 mins | 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Suksanari School | Every 30 mins | 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Wongwian Yai Roundabout | Every 30 mins | 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
Free Shuttle Route 1: BTS Krung Thon Buri Station
IconSiam’s first official bus route runs between IconSiam and BTS Krung Thon Buri Station.
Krung Thon Buri Station is the 7th stop on the BTS Silom Line. If your previous stop is on the opposite bank or you’re staying nearby, it’s super convenient to hop on here instead of heading to the pier.
This bus departs every 15 minutes and takes about 7–8 minutes one way. You’ll find the pick-up point right next to Exit 1 at Krung Thon Buri Station.
Insider Tip: While the boat is scenic and fun, sometimes taking the bus back can save time. If your hotel is near a Silom Line BTS station, ride the bus to Krung Thon Buri Station instead of taking the shuttle boat to Central Pier and transferring at Saphan Taksin Station. The bus queue is often shorter and the station less crowded, so you’re more likely to grab a seat. Plus, it’s a chance to see a less touristy side of Bangkok’s riverside neighborhoods!
Free Shuttle Route 2: Suksanari School Wongwian Yai
The second free shuttle bus route stops at two places: Suksanari School and Wongwian Yai Roundabout. The roundabout is easy to spot with its large circle and iconic horseback statue—especially pretty when lit up at night.
This bus runs every 30 minutes and takes about 15–20 minutes one way.
IconSiam Return Trip: Where to Board Boats & Buses
So, where do you catch your ride back when it’s time to leave? The shuttle boats all depart from the pier right in front of IconSiam’s riverside plaza. Don’t worry about getting on the wrong boat—each boarding lane is clearly marked, and staff double-check with guests to make sure you’re in the right line. Super organized!
To catch the shuttle bus, head out through the SookSiam food court side exit (Exit 5/G Floor). You’ll see signs, a queue, and usually a couple of buses waiting. That’s your spot!
Just note: there are two separate lines for the two bus routes. Check the signboards at the front of each line to confirm you’re queuing for the right one. If you’re unsure, the staff are always happy to help.
Other Ways to Get to IconSiam
Besides the official free shuttles, you can also reach IconSiam by paid river ferries like the orange, blue, yellow, or green flag boats (fares range from ฿15–฿50). But these boats can get crowded and aren’t necessarily faster—so unless you have a special reason, stick with the free shuttles.
Local city buses also stop directly in front of IconSiam’s main entrance (or across the street). Buses like No. 3, 6, 84, 88, 89, 111, 149, 167, and 177 all pass through. However, Bangkok’s local bus system can be confusing for visitors, so this option is best for more adventurous travelers.
Lastly, if you’re staying at any of these hotels, you’re in luck—each offers its own complimentary shuttle boat to and from IconSiam:
- Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers
- Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
- Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok
- The Peninsula Bangkok
- Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside
IconSiam Opening Hours & Itinerary Tips
IconSiam is open every day from 10:00 AM until 10:00 PM.
The busiest times tend to be from around 5 PM to 7 or 8 PM when crowds peak. On weekends and holidays, expect even bigger crowds—especially in the G Floor’s famous food court, SookSiam, which features an indoor floating market. Even though SookSiam is huge, it can still be tough to find a seat during peak hours!
For your visit, plan to spend at least two hours here (if not more). IconSiam has so many photo spots and attractions to explore—from the indoor floating market at SookSiam and Takashimaya department store (with its gourmet market and food court) to Bangkok’s first flagship Apple Store, the riverside park, scheduled water fountain shows, and a lush tropical-themed lobby filled with dessert cafés. And that’s before you even get to the brand-name boutiques on the upper floors!
If you only plan for under two hours, there’s a good chance you’ll feel “forced” to come back for a second visit (we’ve been here at least five or six times ourselves!)
Quick Summary: Opening Hours & Peak Times
Hours: Daily 10 AM – 10 PM
Peak Hours: 5 PM – 7/8 PM
Recommended Time: Minimum 2 hours
Nearby Places to Add to Your Itinerary
Of course, everyone’s tastes differ—if you find IconSiam isn’t your thing (though we’ve yet to meet anyone who didn’t enjoy it!), here are some great nearby backup options. These places are so close that you won’t need to spend anything extra on transport:
- Asiatique The Riverfront Night Market: Just take the boat back to Central Pier and hop on another free shuttle boat to Asiatique. The night market stays open until midnight, so you can shop or grab late-night bites.
- Bangkok Chinatown: Getting to Chinatown from IconSiam is super easy. Just take the free shuttle boat from the riverside plaza to Ratchawong Pier (N5) and you’ll be right at Chinatown. Bangkok’s Chinatown is famous for staying lively well past midnight!
- Jam Factory Creative Space: This artsy spot, popular with young locals, is just a 12–15-minute walk from IconSiam. It’s a great place to grab a creative drink, enjoy a snack, and sometimes catch pop-up markets in the courtyard. Jam Factory closes at 8 PM daily.
- River City Bangkok: Located diagonally across the Chao Phraya River from IconSiam, this small mall is easy to reach—just hop on the free shuttle boat to Si Phraya Pier (N3) and you’re there. River City has a lovely riverside promenade with plenty of seating and cafés where you can relax, watch the boats, and snap stunning photos of IconSiam lit up at night across the river.
IconSiam Floor Guide
IconSiam is huge—covering about 750,000 square meters, with eight floors above ground plus two basement levels. Let’s take a quick look at what you’ll find on each level:
| Floor | Main Features |
|---|---|
| Riverside Park | Pier, riverfront views & fountain shows |
| B1/B2 | Parking, lockers, post office & delivery services |
| G/UG | SookSiam food court & must-see indoor floating market |
| M Floor | Luxury shopping street |
| 1st Floor | Luxury brands & Starbucks |
| 2nd Floor | Flagship Apple Store |
| 3rd Floor | Sports brands, gear & Tourist Center with VAT refund |
| 4th Floor | Electronics & mobile shops |
| 5th Floor | Handcraft market, kids’ play zone & restaurants (great night views) |
| 6th Floor | Restaurants, cinema & After You Dessert Café (great night views) |
IconSiam Riverside Park
When you step off the shuttle boat, the first thing that greets you is the spacious IconSiam Riverside Park.
This riverside park is huge—covering about 10,000 square meters (over 107,000 square feet). The area is dotted with beautiful landscaping, making it a perfect spot for photos, especially after sunset when the plaza lights up with all kinds of floor lanterns—great for that perfect Instagram shot.
In the evenings, you can also catch the stunning multimedia fountain show, said to be the largest in Southeast Asia. It spans over 400 meters and puts on a breathtaking display of water, lights, and music—it’s truly worth seeing!
About the Iconic Multimedia Water Features:
The IconSiam Riverside Park fountain show runs daily with three performances: 6:30 PM, 8:00 PM, and 9:00 PM. There are two ways to watch: up close from the plaza for an immersive experience, or from the open-air terraces on IconSiam’s upper floors for a more panoramic view. Each angle feels different—up close is impressive and dramatic, while watching from above lets you see the lights reflected across the river and buildings opposite. Since there are three shows each night, you can easily catch two performances if you have time (one at 8:00, then another at 9:00!).
IconSiam B1/B2 Basement Floors
The two basement levels at IconSiam are mainly for parking but also include practical services like pharmacies, laundry shops, pet shops, spas, a Thailand Post post office, and delivery services like Kerry Express.
The post office on B1 operates daily from 10 AM to 10 PM. On B2, you’ll find Lock Box luggage lockers that follow IconSiam’s opening hours—10 AM to 10 PM.
IconSiam GF/UG Ground Floors: IconLuxe, SookSiam & Siam Takashimaya
The ground floors are where IconSiam really shines. As soon as you enter, you’ll see a collection of dessert shops and cafés from around the world, scattered throughout a lush, tropical garden-like setting. It’s a relaxing spot to enjoy a sweet treat.
Beyond the dessert shops, you’ll find several restaurants—many of them a bit more upscale. But don’t worry: if you keep walking, you’ll reach the real gem of the ground floor—SookSiam (which means “Happy Siam” in Thai).
SookSiam, is IconSiam’s food court area and it’s massive. It’s said to bring together more than 3,000 food vendors from all 77 provinces of Thailand! The prices here are very budget-friendly, with snacks and dishes often between 20–50 THB. Whether you want a full meal or just to sample local bites, there’s plenty of choice—from classic local flavors to fun, adventurous eats.
A quick fun fact:
In Thai, “SookSiam” literally means “Happy Siam.” It’s a fitting name for a place that brings together so many local flavors and joyful vibes in one giant indoor floating market.
Check out their official site here:
SOOKSIAM | สุขสยาม
One of SookSiam’s biggest highlights is its indoor floating market. They’ve recreated Thailand’s famous riverside food scene indoors, so you can sit by a small canal, sample authentic dishes, and experience unique boat-side dining culture.
Right next to SookSiam is the gourmet zone of Siam Takashimaya: Rose Food Avenue & Taka Marche. If you’re craving delicious Japanese food, this is the place to go—just be prepared to spend a bit more than at SookSiam!
IconSiam M Floor/1F: Luxury Brands Street
From the M Floor to the 1st Floor, the IconLuxe luxury zone continues with global fashion and luxury brands. You’ll find big names like Hermes, Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Jo Malone, SWAROVSKI, Victoria's Secret, Swatch, Michael Kors, Christian Dior Boutique, H&M, COS, Adidas Original, Dr. Martens, Champion, Zara, Porsche, and even Rolls-Royce!
Next to the M Floor is Siam Takashimaya’s cosmetics section, while the 1st Floor has Takashimaya’s women’s clothing and lingerie departments. If you love browsing high-end brands, you might just lose track of time here! Oh, and there’s even a Starbucks on the 1st Floor if you need a caffeine fix!
IconSiam 2F: Bangkok’s First Flagship Apple Store
Head up to the 2nd Floor and you’ll find Bangkok’s very first Apple Store flagship location. The space is airy, bright, and has impressive high ceilings. Step outside the store and you’ll also find a riverside plaza with great views—perfect for relaxing or taking photos.
Besides the Apple Store, the 2nd Floor has plenty of other fashion and beauty brands like Levi's, Etude House, and NYX. Siam Takashimaya on this floor focuses on women’s fashion accessories and watches.
IconSiam 3F: Sports & Active Lifestyle
The third floor at IconSiam has a strong sporty vibe, focusing mainly on sports brands and gear. This level feels more dynamic and masculine compared to the lower floors. You’ll find brands like Under Armour, Reebok, Puma, Asics, Bose, BMW Motorrad Millennium Auto, and Ducati Bag here. Takashimaya on this floor also features mostly men’s clothing and accessories.
Also located on this level is IconSiam’s Tourist Center, where you can apply for a tourist privilege card, pick up gift cards, or handle tax refund paperwork.
IconSiam 4F: Electronics & Gadgets Zone
Take the elevator up to the fourth floor for all things tech. This level is dedicated to cameras, smartphones, and communication accessories.
Big-name stores here include Sony, World Camera, Wonder Photo Shop, ZEISS Vision Center, dtac hall, True Sphere, and AIS.
Takashimaya’s section on this floor focuses on kids’ goods, home essentials, and the Rose Restaurant.
You’ll also find a handful of affordable, good-quality cafés on the fourth floor—like Café Amazon, which is highly recommended. It’s the perfect place to rest your feet and enjoy a cheap drink mid-shopping spree.
IconSiam 5F: Dining, Handmade Market & Edutainment
The fifth floor is a family-friendly hub, filled with stores selling children’s goods and toys. You’ll also find the spacious IconCraft Handmade Market, a must-visit spot with tons of creative local products. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s fun just to browse.
There are also plenty of well-known restaurants up here, like Nara Thai Cuisine, MK LIVE, Kub Kao' Kub Pla, and Hong Bao.
One highlight: many restaurants offer outdoor terrace seating, so you can dine while enjoying panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River and the city skyline. If you time it right, you might even catch the dazzling water and light show at Riverside Park below.
Even if you sit indoors, you can still head out to the terrace for a night view anytime.
Oh, and there’s a Watsons drugstore on the fifth floor too!
IconSiam 6F: Dining & Luxury Cinema
The sixth floor is the top level of IconSiam and is mainly dedicated to dining. You’ll find a wide variety of restaurants, from Japanese and Korean to Chinese and, of course, upscale Thai cuisine.
The ever-popular After You Dessert Cafe also has a branch here on the 6th floor—perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Right across from the dining zone is ICON CINECONIC, IconSiam’s very own luxury cinema.
IconSiam Trip Tips & Video Guide
IconSiam is truly one of the best spots to visit if you’re exploring Bangkok on your own. Whether it’s the massive SookSiam area with local bites from all 77 provinces, the cleverly curated indoor floating market, the expansive Riverside Park, the stunning architecture, or the endless cafés and dessert shops—there’s just so much to see and eat that one visit never feels like enough!
Okay, if we had to nitpick, there’s one tiny dilemma…
Bangkok’s daytime heat makes malls perfect for daytime escapes, but IconSiam is arguably most beautiful at night. When the breeze rolls in along the riverfront, the evening water show comes alive, and you can take in the city lights from the open-air terraces on the 5th and 6th floors—it’s just hard to choose: daytime or night?
In the end, we recommend visiting around late afternoon—spend time shopping and dining, then stick around after dark to enjoy the fountain show and night views before taking the boat back. That way, you get the best of both worlds! XD
Finally, check out our video guide featuring all the delicious finds at IconSiam’s amazing indoor floating market: