The focus at Asiatique is more on cutting-edge fashion and gadgets in the Factory District, including an Apple store. Upscale dining selection can be found in the Waterfront District, with smart Italian, Thai and seafood restaurants. The Town Square district has bars and outdoor space for events. Some independent cafes are dotted around selling strong drinks and decently priced Thai food. Asiatique also has branches of KFC, Pizza Company, Au Bon Pain and MK. As well as all this food and shopping, the two biggest entertainment draws are the Thai puppets by Joe Louis Theatre and Calypso Cabaret, one of Bangkok’s celebrated ladyboy shows. Both these shows have been attracting large audiences for years, and Asiatique is the perfect new surrounding for them, offering so much more than just a performance.
The selection of shops is interesting, with a good range of unusual brands rather than row upon row of tourist trinkets. This bazaar is busy but isn’t overrun by tourists; crowds of locals enjoy coming here too. Asiatique is definitely worth dedicating an evening to.