One time while I was at Gourmet Market in Bangkok and checking these whole section of dried fruits quite similar from those in Cebu (but more diverse), I was thinking of the idea of having a one-stop shop of all locally made and indigenous products, and not because there is a festival or a tradeshow where we only got a chance to fill our basket for a limited-time. I thought it would be a good concept store, but bigger under one fully air-conditioned roof.
Welcome to SookSiam!
...a place that presents the best products, services and artistic creations from Thailand's 77 provinces in a single, exciting destination and in a dramatic, new 'co-creation' format that is immersive, emotional, and entertaining.
SookSiam’s food was very delicious and really affordable (considering that we were in a upscale mall). A packet of Thai-style fried noodles for just 60 THB, as well as a packet of Mango Sticky Rice for only 50 THB. Other than the street food vendors, we also saw many stalls selling local produce, Thai clothing and garments, a Taokaenoi LAND shop (for the seaweed tidbits lovers), a two-storey Naraya shop and even a Naraya cafe.
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There was even a glittering gold entrance that was flanked by two life-size elephant statues! Walking through this vibrant market was a wonderful sensory experience that provided the perfect start to our exploration of IconSiam.
SookSiam’s food was very delicious and really affordable (considering that we were in a upscale mall). A packet of Thai-style fried noodles for just 60 THB, as well as a packet of Mango Sticky Rice for only 50 THB. Other than the street food vendors, we also saw many stalls selling local produce, Thai clothing and garments, a Taokaenoi LAND shop (for the seaweed tidbits lovers), a two-storey Naraya shop and even a Naraya cafe.
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There was even a glittering gold entrance that was flanked by two life-size elephant statues! Walking through this vibrant market was a wonderful sensory experience that provided the perfect start to our exploration of IconSiam.
The ICONSIAM Co., Ltd. dedicated almost 4 acres of space within ICONSIAM's 750,000 square metre gross floor area to an extraordinary local Thai shopping experience. SookSiam presents the cultural heritage of all the four, main geographic regions of Thailand, capturing their arts, handicrafts, performing arts, and local wisdom. Within SookSiam are outlets of varying types that are built in the style of their respective regions, and which offer regional specialties, whether they be crafts, foods, beverages, or services that are unique to that region.
Authenticity
"What's never been done before and what makes SookSiam truly unique is its authenticity," says Mrs. Chadatip Chutrakul, a director of ICONSIAM Co., Ltd. "SookSiam is like a window into every province and into every corner of Thailand. People can see, feel, and experience the true heart and soul of each locality. The outlets at SookSiam are real stores that all have real counterparts in towns and villages around Thailand and which are transposed into SookSiam."
SookSiam is being produced and curated by Mrs. Luckana Naviroj who is known for her expertise in sourcing authentic products and foodstuffs from around Thailand.
Mrs. Naviroj said, "We travelled the entire country to find these unique shops, artisans, and artists, and invited them into SookSiam. They are all small mom-and-pop operations that are famous in their localities and operated by several generations of the same family. Despite their extraordinary offerings, they have never had a chance to present themselves to a wider national or global audience because of their limited means."
Preserving the nation's heritage
While helping these small operators, the purpose is also to help preserve Thailand's cultural heritage and the rapidly disappearing Thai way of life. SookSiam offers a platform that will help the next generation turn their legacies into bigger enterprises, incentivizing them to continue with their occupations and preserving Thailand's cultural heritage and way of life at the same time.
While helping these small operators, the purpose is also to help preserve Thailand's cultural heritage and the rapidly disappearing Thai way of life. SookSiam offers a platform that will help the next generation turn their legacies into bigger enterprises, incentivizing them to continue with their occupations and preserving Thailand's cultural heritage and way of life at the same time.
Co-Creation
Mrs. Chutrakul said that SookSiam represents the inauguration of a new retail concept called 'co-creation'. She said, "Everything special being presented at SookSiam is actually created by someone somewhere else in Thailand. We 'co-create' with them by adding our knowledge of consumer preferences and supporting them with innovation as well as with retailing and marketing techniques based on our insights into the needs of Thai and foreign visitors. We also assist them in 'curating' the selection and the presentation of their offerings, adding value to their intellectual property and proprietary skills."
Mrs. Chutrakul said that SookSiam represents the inauguration of a new retail concept called 'co-creation'. She said, "Everything special being presented at SookSiam is actually created by someone somewhere else in Thailand. We 'co-create' with them by adding our knowledge of consumer preferences and supporting them with innovation as well as with retailing and marketing techniques based on our insights into the needs of Thai and foreign visitors. We also assist them in 'curating' the selection and the presentation of their offerings, adding value to their intellectual property and proprietary skills."
"All our co-creators at SookSiam benefit from a new retail ecosystem that we have developed and which offers a boundaryless offline and online experience for visitors blending eCommerce with eFinance and eLogistics," Mrs. Chutrakul said.
Mr. Chayapong Naviroj, Chief Executive Officer of SookSiam said, "We have secured the collaboration of more than 3,000 people, families and enterprises from around Thailand, and almost all are opening their first establishment outside of their home town. We are fully utilising technology and interactive virtual reality software so people experience the story behind everything and everybody at SookSiam," he said
If you are visiting Bangkok soon, you might want to drop-by at SookSiam and the local Thai experience, minus the sweaty feeling.
BRB, coz I need to plan ahead as well for my next SookSiam trip!
xoxo, Blair
Wow...so beautiful. I don't do much travelling, so love travel blogs like this. I feel like I get the experience without even leaving my home. That mall! Like you said, is it a mall, or is it a park? It's out of this world.
ReplyDeleteHahaha true! The management of this mall combines the traditional Thainess in their mall, its like hitting two birds in one shot!
DeleteWow! I think this is the coolest mall I've ever seen! I will probably never make it to Thailand, so it's cool to see other people's travel adventures. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteOh why?! However you can always visit Thailand, and add SOOKSIAM in your future itinerary.
DeleteThis is a dreamland! Your beautiful images truly captures SookSiam in all of its glory.
ReplyDeleteI have never visited any of the Thai restaurant. I'm just scared about the Veg options.
ReplyDeletehttps://hackytips.com
Oh why? Thai foods are one of the best and mostly organically grown.
DeleteThe place looks outstanding. Who wouldn't want to eat there. I'd add this to my foodie trips. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's fantastic and the foods are cheap as well.
DeleteI definitely want to eat here
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Ashleigh!
DeleteSookSiam looks incredible. I asked my fiance if he went there when he visited Thailand, but he didn't. Well, more to discover for both of us if we ever decide to visit it together :)
ReplyDeleteThat's cool and you will love this place both for entertainment and dining.
DeleteThanks for introducing us to these unique shops at SookSiam. Can’t wait to visit. Keshia Richmond
ReplyDeleteBangkok is always waiting for you!
DeleteThank you Blair! Keshia Richmond
DeleteSince I don't live anywhere close to Bangkok I won't be visiting this market. Nice photos of the place.
ReplyDeleteIs your city also have a mall like this?
DeleteIt looks so beautiful! I’m going to keep this in mind when planning our trips!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea and bet you will enjoy it!
DeleteSookSiam looks amazing! I love that they are promoting local products and a genuine Thai experience. Very interesting read!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lindsay :D It is quite humid outside the mall so this is a best idea to experience authentic Thainess inside the air-conditioned area.
DeleteOhmaygaaaddd. ICONSiam is in my bucket list. Thank you for sharing your experience.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.itsbeyondimaginations.com/
You're welcome Ann!
DeleteBangkok such a wonderful place and one of my bucket list the pictures Amaze me <3
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you like Bangkok too!
DeleteOMG! How could I miss this?!!! This place looks amazing. Hopefully I get to see this place on my next trip to Bangkok.
ReplyDeleteSave it to your travel list!
DeleteWow! Thank you for this information. It's a good thing that I came across your blog since I'm going to Thailand in June. I'd like to drop by here if possible!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome Ara! You will enjoy Bangkok :D
DeleteThis place looks like something from a fairy tale! It is amazing. I wish they had places like that around here.
ReplyDeleteI also wish that my country is as active like Thailand in promoting and actually patronizing the local products.
DeleteI've never been to Thailand but if I do, I'll definitely visit here.
ReplyDeleteYou've been missing a lot of adventures!
DeleteWow! This looks absolutely amazing! SookSiam looks like paradise. I really need to get to Thailand!
ReplyDeleteStart booking for flights now!
DeleteHeard a lot about Bangkok. Saw many places in movies. Nice pictures and article. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWell hope you can finally visit Thailand and experience it not only from your tv screen :)
DeleteSook Siam is my type of place. We are heading there in two months time and I am always on the look out for unique places to visit. We are definitely visiting. Can't wait to try out the food. It looks amazing. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteOh that is exciting Jane! I will return next month!
DeleteThe Thai Heritage therapy sounds amazing. In fact, I could really use one now :) The place looks like it literally just popped out of a fairy tale. I would definitely want to visit someday.
ReplyDeleteI will visit them again next month and see more of them.
DeleteWow, what an incredible place. The Thai culture is definitely something that i want to explore.
ReplyDeleteOne of the best in Asia!
DeleteDefinitely a great concept. To be able to find all you need under one roof. Thai Food is so delicious and your post make me hungry so I will go now for some Pad Thai!
ReplyDeleteHope you will visit Thailand very soon!
DeleteSookSiam looks really unique. It is like a cross-section of Thailand all in one place. Like the fact that the place has recreated authentic local shopping experiences from across the country at one place.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that you like SookSiam!
DeleteI love the idea of having every province represented in one location. Like you said, when we travel, it's hard to make it to every corner of a country. Having so many items centrally located is so beneficial. And it's such a beautiful location!
ReplyDeleteYes and enjoying it under a good roof and fully air-conditioned is a huge plus!
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