Getting to ICONSIAM
During my stay at the Shangri-La Bangkok, I found myself heading to ICONSIAM whenever I wanted a quick bite or a bit of shopping. It is incredibly convenient to have everything from luxury boutiques to local Thai brands in one comfortable, air-conditioned space. If you are staying at the Shangri-La, the shuttle boat to ICONSIAM departs from the pier in front of the breakfast area on the basement level at 15 minutes past every hour. The ride offers a beautiful view of the river, especially at night.
Exploring SookSiam
Located on the ground floor, SookSiam feels like a traditional market brought indoors. While it is a fantastic place to browse, I recommend being cautious with souvenir shopping here. Prices can be significantly higher than what you would find at Chatuchak Market or other city locations—sometimes by a wide margin. Unless you absolutely cannot find the item elsewhere, it is worth comparing prices before you commit.
Local Eats: Jaedang Samyan
One of my top recommendations for food is Jaedang Samyan. Originally a local favorite near the Samyan MRT, they have expanded into a reliable chain. They specialize in grilled pork intestines and grilled pork neck, both of which are delicious. I enjoyed their food so much that I even made it my final meal before heading to the airport. Every meat dish I tried here was excellent.
Traditional Treats at Chada Pavilion
For something sweet, I visited Chada Pavilion, which specializes in traditional Thai desserts. They offer them in sets, such as a 6-piece pack, allowing you to mix and match. While the flavors are unique and sophisticated, the real highlight is how beautiful they look. I bought a set to enjoy in my hotel room with some tea, which made for a lovely, relaxing experience.
Unique Finds and Fruits
SookSiam is also a great place to try exotic fruits. I highly recommend picking up some mini pineapples or custard apples if you see them, as they are hard to find back home.
I also came across a shop called Madam Slow Life. They sell beautiful, handmade clothing that feels very unique. The items were priced around 1,800 THB. While I ultimately decided to pass, I truly appreciated the craftsmanship behind the designs. If you are looking for something one-of-a-kind, it is definitely worth checking out their collection.
