ICONSIAM of Bangkok, Thailand
ICONSIAM is a relatively new luxury shopping mall and mixed-use development in Bangkok, Thailand. It is touted to be THE “Ultimate Shopping Destination on the Chao Phraya River.” Additionally, ICONSIAM includes the 52-story Mandarin Oriental and the 70-floor Magnolias Waterfront residential spaces and More.
Viewed from the Chao Phraya River, it’s easy to see the krathong inspired design. Furthermore, the abundant use of glass allows the natural light and the beauty of the river to both reflect and shine through. Having grown up in America and witnessing the rise and fall of shopping malls, I was in no hurry to explore the complex. On the other hand, I didn’t see any photos that really captured it the way I knew I could, so I set out to do it 180º style! I’m sure glad I did, as I now have a new favoorite place in Bangkok.
Why Build One Mall When You Can Build Two?
The ICONSIAM building comprises two shopping malls, the IconSiam and IconLuxe. Special glass imported from Germany adds to the luxurious feel of the IconLuxe mall. Moreover, beautiful lighting shows-off this area featuring international luxury brands. Looking to buy the latest iPhone, Porsche, or Versace outfit? You’re in the right place!
Walking through the IconLuxe area, one is filled with a feeling of opulence. No, I didn’t buy a Porsche this time, I was too busy taking photos.
The IconSiam Mall
The IconSiam mall contains many of the stores you’re find more familiar. Along with some sales in progress, we were able to explore the first Siam Takashimaya department store in Thailand. There are many restaurants in different price ranges throughout the mall.
SookSiam – Food and Fun from the Kingdom’s 77 Provinces
We decided to go back downstairs to the SookSiam zone. Before eating, we took a quick overall tour of this area, which reminded us of our travels around Thailand’s 77 provinces. Along with food, we found larger than life statues of Phi Ta Khon. If you’ve never heard of the Phi Ta Khon Festival, check out our blog here.
A Food Court with a Difference
Undoubtedly, the highlight of SookSiam is the food court that feels like a floating market. Here we found some of our favorite street food and snacks at reasonable prices. Admittedly, this was a difficult area to photograph, given the authenticity of the lighting (bare light bulbs).
In between bites, I clicked away at the excellent displays of food. I suggest that you bring a Thai friend who can describe in detail the treats from different regions. You may want to gather some of the packaged food to take home as a souvenir. Also, if your trip involves homestays, the treats will make excellent gifts for your hosts.
Back Upstairs for More!
There are seven levels to the mall, and feeling satiated, we headed back upstairs to the upper floors. Some of the floors are still works-in-progress. Even so, the upper floors are worth exploring. We found some beautiful greenery areas and a fountain with computer-controlled lighting. Capturing the fountain was particularly tricky with my lens as I had to jump in front to take photos. Since there was a big crowd behind me, we decided to return another day and perhaps make a short movie of the fountain. (Watch this space!)
Iconsiam Heritage Museum (River Museum Bangkok)
ICONSIAM Heritage Museum features artifacts and images from Thailand’s different areas and eras. This is a joint venture with The Fine Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture of Thailand. I’ve placed a link at the end of this article so you can check for the latest exhibit. Wouldn’t this be a great space to exhibit some of the 500+ images from our THAILAND 180º Collection? It seems like a good match-up as our photos feature the Food-Culture-Temples-Thainess & Natural Sites from the Kingdom’s 77 provinces! #JustSaying
ICONSIAM is Thrillling to Photograph!
For a photographer, the space is a pleasureful challenge to photograph. I enjoyed showing off the mind-blowing architectural design. Without a doubt, even if shopping isn’t your bag, you’ll have fun clicking away. IG users will find several specially designed places to snap selfies. Here’s a link to their website to check for special exhibits and more information.
Clearly, this mall is a breed apart from our malls in America and worth checking out! Last, but certainly not least, I’m curious if my photos made you want to visit ICONSIAM. Please comment below or on our FaceBook page.
About the Authors
Photographer George Edward Giunca, and his Thai wife, Apisatha, have traveled around Thailand armed with a circular fisheye lens to create a photo essay on the rich cultural diversity, and abundant natural beauty of the Kingdom of Thailand. Fleeing from angry water buffaloes, slapping huge mosquitoes, watching exotic festivals and religious rituals, gorging on delicious spicy food, applying aloe vera cream to sunburned skin, wading through rice paddies, getting drenched to the bone by heavy monsoon rains, and gawking at breath-taking scenery; made it a journey of epic proportions! The result is the book, THAILAND 180º. Later, they traveled extensively through Myanmar, Malaysia, and India, gathering a massive collections of 180º photos. Now Based in Bangkok!
หนังสือ – THAILAND 180º Collector’s Edition is a large 12×12″ coffee-table book (ISBN 9780615641548). This unique book contains over 450 fisheye photos highlighting Thailand’s rich cultural diversity, and abundant natural beauty is now available for order. See inside and get more information here > http://www.thailand180.com
I’ve just lowered the price of our book at Amazon, for the Holiday season. This is a perfect gift for lovers of photography and the Kingdom of Thailand! No Book Dealers Please! This is a limited edition collector’s book and once they’re gone, They’re GONE! Order From Our Amazon Page Now
Why Is Our THAILAND 180º Book So Special? ~ ทำไมประเทศไทย180ºของเราถึงจองสุดพิเศษ? (In English and ภาษาไทย) https://www.giunca.com/EdWorld/2015/06/09/thailand-180o-collectors-edition/
Why Do We Use a Fisheye Lens ~ ทำไมเราใช้เลนส์ Fisheye? https://www.slideshare.net/180books/180-books-a-new-way-of-seeing
Don’t be shy!