After a peaceful sunset cruise along the Chao Phraya River, I found myself right back where it all began—IconSiam. But this riverside complex is more than just a boarding point for cruises. As I stepped inside earlier for the first time prior to the dinner cruise, I was drawn into a world of high-end fashion, striking architecture, vibrant food courts and one of the most impressive water shows I’ve seen in the region. Touted as Bangkok’s “Mother of All Malls,” IconSiam blends luxury shopping, cultural flair, and a prime riverfront location. Here’s what I discovered during my first visit to this dazzling destination.
As previously mentioned, IconSiam is a luxurious complex located on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River, in Bangkok’s Khlong San district. It is accessible via the BTS Gold Line—Bangkok’s newest addition to its rapid transit system—launched in 2020 to connect the mall at Charoen Nakhon Station with the older BTS Silom Line at Krung Thon Buri Station. This automated people mover operates every 8 to 15 minutes and currently serves up to 7,000 passengers per day. Alternatively, visitors can reach IconSiam by boat via the Chao Phraya River, with ferry services available from several piers including Sathorn Pier, the Sheraton Hotel, and Si Phraya Pier, offering a scenic and traffic-free route to the complex.
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| IconSiam’s iconic exterior gleaming by the Chao Phraya River — a true city landmark |
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| Inside IconSiam’s IconLuxe zone, where world-class brands meet stunning design |
While many people recognize IconSiam primarily as a massive 525,000-square-meter shopping center that opened to the public in late 2018, it is actually a mixed-use complex. Beyond retail, it also houses the IconSiam Heritage Museum, an exhibition hall, a riverside park, and a pair of luxurious waterfront residences. These residential towers are among the tallest skyscrapers in the country. The 70-story Magnolias Waterfront Residences currently holds the title of Thailand’s tallest building at 317.95 meters, while the 52-story The Residences at Mandarin Oriental ranks sixth tallest at 272 meters. The joint project was developed by Siam Piwat Group—Thailand’s leading retail developer behind Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery, and Siam Center—together with Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited and the Charoen Pokphand Group, the country’s largest private conglomerate. Construction began in 2014 and was completed in 2018. The complex went on to win numerous design awards the following year, particularly in the shopping center and retail categories. A single glance at the mall’s striking exterior and elegant interior will quickly show you why.
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| A vibrant indoor market of SookSiam brings together flavors and crafts from provinces of Thailand |
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| The breathtaking 15-meter indoor waterfall can be found at Alangkarn on the 6th floor of IconSiam |
IconSiam boasts a wide selection of high-end luxury brands, with labels such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior, and Hermès anchoring the IconLuxe zone — a lavish riverside section dedicated to premium fashion and accessories. Beyond this, the mall is divided into several other distinctive retail zones, including IconActive, which focuses on sports and lifestyle products; IconCraft, which highlights Thai craftsmanship and locally made goods; and IconVillage, a family-friendly area with lifestyle stores and interactive attractions. A major highlight of the mall is the presence of Siam Takashimaya, the only branch of the renowned Japanese department store in Thailand, offering an extensive range of Japanese and international products across multiple floors. IconSiam also houses Thailand’s first official Apple Store, positioned prominently with a stunning river view.
For dining, the mall features a variety of culinary destinations. The Veranda, located near the River Park entrance, offers upscale dining options with scenic views, while SookSiam on the ground floor showcases traditional Thai street food and regional crafts in a vibrant, floating-market-inspired setting. The Dining on 4th and Dining on 5th zones cater to a wide range of tastes, from international cuisine to gourmet desserts. On the 6th floor, visitors can explore Tasana Nakorn and Alangkarn, which combine dining, cultural experiences, and artistic displays. One of the visual highlights in this area is a breathtaking 15-meter-tall indoor waterfall, adding a dramatic and refreshing ambiance. And if that’s not enough, there’s also the mall’s show-stopping riverfront attraction: the ICONIC Multimedia Water Feature — a dazzling dance of water, lights, and music by the Chao Phraya.
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| Napalai Terrace on the 7th floor offers a panoramic view of the Chao Phraya River and Bangkok’s skyline |
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| From this height, the Chao Phraya sparkles, cruise boats drift in, and the city lights begin to shimmer |
Having seen some people walking on outdoor terrace on upper level of the mall from the boat, I decided that it would be better watch the musical water fountain from there. After taking some escalators, I finally found the Napalai Terrace on the 7th floor. Beyond the mermerizing colorful pillars of Infinity Forest, an immersive art installation by SOFTlab, the viewing deck provides a full view of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya River from above. By 7 PM, the water fountain show began with music (which can still be heard softly from quite a distance from the deck) and colorful light illuminated the dancing water fountain. It is created by GHESA Water and Art Co., Ltd., a Madrid-based engineering company specialized in ornamental fountain and water features. The same company also designed the indoor waterfall feature located inside the mall. With total length of 400 meters, the water fountain show is recognized as the longest one in Southeast Asia and become the most visited attraction in IconSiam.
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| With a total length of 400 meters, this water show is the highlight of IconSiam’s riverfront experience |
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| The dancing lights and water marked not just the end of the show, but the close of my trip in Bangkok — for now |
As the final jets of water faded into the night and the music came to a gentle close, I took a last lingering look at the shimmering lights of the Chao Phraya River. It was a fitting end to my visit to IconSiam — a place that blends luxury, culture, art, and entertainment into one unforgettable experience. With the show over, it was time to head back to my nearby hotel and start packing. After all, it was my last night in Bangkok, and an early flight back to Jakarta awaited me the next morning. Though the trip was short, it left me with lasting memories — and without a doubt, I will return here again someday.
IconSiam
Shopping Mall
Location 299 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok, Thailand
Operating Hours
Daily, 10.00 AM to 10.00 PM
The ICONIC Multimedia Water Feature
Daily, 07.00 PM, 08.00 PM, 09.00 PM
Entrance Fee: Free
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