Exploring Bangkok’s Latest Megastructure, Iconsiam

Pack your suitcase and don’t forget your credit cards!

Bangkok’s highly anticipated Iconsiam, the city’s largest new attraction, is now open to the public.

Developed by a consortium of leading Thai companies—Siam Piwat, Magnolia Quality Development Corporation, and Charoen Pokphand Group—this is the nation’s largest commercial property project ever.

So, what’s all the excitement about? Is it just another massive shopping mall?

In Bangkok, retail spaces are renowned for their extravagant designs, offering everything from lush gardens and cascading waterfalls to high-end Michelin-starred eateries and parking lots dedicated to “Supercars.”

Iconsiam is no exception—if anything, it might be the most lavish of them all.

Spanning eight floors, it boasts over 100 dining spots and features more than 7,000 brands, both Thai and international, including Thailand’s very first Apple store.

It’s also home to the country’s first Takashimaya, a prestigious Japanese department store, and Asia’s largest Adidas Originals store.

Within the 'Iconluxe' section, visitors will discover a selection of the finest luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Hermes.

But there’s no shortage of activities for those not seeking a new Kelly bag.

One of the key attractions is SookSiam, an expansive 16,000-square-meter themed area on the ground floor that showcases the arts, culture, and cuisine of all 77 provinces of Thailand, complete with its own small floating market.

Also featured is the outdoor River Park – a 10,000-square-meter public space by the river – and the largest multimedia water feature in Southeast Asia.

Throughout the complex, you’ll find artworks and architectural designs by over 100 Thai and international artists.

It’s more than just a mall.

However, the massive development is still a work in progress.

An IMAX cinema is set to open in December, followed by a large auditorium in July 2019, aimed at supporting the city’s meetings and conventions sector. Also coming next year is the 'River Museum Bangkok,' which will feature major international traveling exhibitions.

Given all this, the developers prefer not to refer to Iconsiam as just another 'mall.'

'Iconsiam is a destination, not a mall or just a mixed-use development. It’s the result of a collective creative effort that has united the hearts of Thais from all walks of life,' stated Chadatip Chutrakul, Iconsiam’s director.

Iconsiam also boasts two luxury residential towers. The first is the 70-story Magnolia Waterfront Residences, which offers 379 high-end condos. The second, a 52-story tower, is home to Southeast Asia’s first Mandarin Oriental branded residences, featuring 146 ultra-luxury units.

Exploring the 'other side' of Bangkok.

Critics have not been shy during Iconsiam’s development, with many arguing that Bangkok doesn’t need another high-end shopping center that’s inaccessible to the average resident.

If the opening weekend is anything to go by – with the doors officially opening on November 10 – Iconsiam will have no trouble drawing crowds. Thousands of locals and international visitors flocked in, filling the sprawling space to capacity.

Apple reported that eager customers camped overnight outside the new Iconsiam store, determined to be among the first to step inside when it opened on Saturday morning.

Another standout feature of Iconsiam is its prime location.

Situated on Charoen Nakhon Road, on the Thonburi side of Bangkok, Iconsiam lies just across the Chao Phraya River from the bustling downtown area, an area still known for its charming old shop houses and small family-run businesses.

However, Thonburi, home to luxury hotels like the Peninsula and Millennium Hilton, has been gaining attention in recent years. With new attractions like the Jam Factory – a riverside space for arts and dining – and Lhong 1919, a heritage shopping zone set in converted warehouses, the area is transforming.

The area has also seen an increase in backpacker hostels and small bars and restaurants offering craft beers.

However, the arrival of Iconsiam has brought the expected traffic congestion that plagues other major shopping districts in Bangkok, like Sukhumvit Road and Rama I Road, while also pushing up property prices in the surrounding area.

To ease traffic, Iconsiam’s developer has invested in a dedicated BTS Skytrain line, the “Gold Line,” which is expected to open in 2020.

In the meantime, visitors arriving via Bangkok's BTS Skytrain can disembark at Saphan Taksin station and catch a free shuttle boat to the mall, or continue on to Thonburi station where shuttle buses cover the 1.5-kilometer route to Iconsiam. Several riverside hotels also provide shuttle boat services.

Iconsiam, located at 299 Charoen Nakhon Road Soi 5, Bangkok, Thailand.