Siam Paragon or Iconsiam: which shopping mall to choose?

Siam Paragon and Iconsiam are two of the most visited malls in Bangkok, but they suit different days. Siam Paragon is in the heart of the city, linked to the BTS and to other malls by walkways; Iconsiam is on the river, with an indoor floating market and a park. Both open daily from 10 am to 10 pm and entry is free. This guide compares them point by point. Information checked in October 2026; ticket prices change, so check on site.

At a glance

	Siam Paragon	Iconsiam
Opened	2005	November 2018
Area	Siam, Pathumwan	Khlong San, Thonburi bank
Access	BTS Siam, directly connected	Gold Line (Charoen Nakhon) or boat
Highlights	SEA LIFE aquarium, gourmet food hall, cinema	SookSiam, park, fountains
Hours	10 am-10 pm	10 am-10 pm

Choose Siam Paragon if…

you want to combine several malls: Siam Center, Siam Discovery and CentralWorld are a walk away via the walkways (see shopping in Siam);
you travel with children: the SEA LIFE aquarium is in the basement;
you need shelter when it rains: see what to do in Bangkok when it rains;
you arrive by BTS and want no change of transport.

Choose Iconsiam if…

you want to see the indoor floating market SookSiam, with its regional stalls;
you want the river: a waterside park, a view of the other bank and fountains, free at 7, 8 and 9 pm according to the mall;
you like arriving by boat from Sathorn pier;
you want somewhere more spectacular than practical. See the Iconsiam page.

Access: often the deciding point

Siam Paragon: BTS Siam station, no extra journey. Iconsiam: BTS to Krung Thon Buri, then the Gold Line to Charoen Nakhon (17 baht per trip, January 2026 fare), or the river shuttle from Sathorn. Allow more time than for Siam. For transport, read transport in Bangkok.

Eating

Siam Paragon has a gourmet food hall and chain restaurants, smarter than the food courts; Iconsiam combines SookSiam and floors of restaurants. Details: where to eat near Iconsiam and food courts in Bangkok.

Both in one day?

It is possible: Siam Paragon in the morning (aquarium, lunch), then a boat or the BTS in the late afternoon to Iconsiam, for the river at sunset and the 7 pm fountain. Our Siam and Pathumwan guide covers the rest of the area.

Tips

Air conditioning: it is strong in both malls, bring a light layer.
VAT: the tourist refund exists in shops displaying "VAT Refund for Tourists"; conditions are on the Siam page.
Weekends: both malls are very busy.
Shopping: see also the Bangkok shopping guide.