Jim Thompson House Museum — Attraction in Wang Mai Subdistrict

I never would have thought that I'd enjoy my trip to Jim Thompson House Museum. This place is probably one of those places which will turn up when you search for 'what to do in Bangkok' or 'interesting places to visit in Bangkok'. Anyway, prior to my visit, I've heard and searched a lot already about Jim Thompson's life - because it's quite intriguing. Before I've been here, I have probably recommended this place to a lot of people whenever they'd ask me where to go in Bangkok (well, aside from the usual 'hotspots' - temples and the like).

Anyway, I honestly did not expect that I'd enjoy my visit here. The life of Jim Thompson who initiated the progress of Thai silk industry was very notable. Though I've read a lot of information about him, I was still very much impressed with all the information imparted by our lovely guide which are not 'on the books'. It's also noteworthy to know about his house's history and also the history of the intricate pieces (materials, furnitures, and fixtures) of Jim Thompson's house. Everything is well taken cared of and in good condition despite their age. Some of the pieces of his collection are aged 200 years or more so if you're a person who values history, you know that his house is priceless 😱😱

I won't delve into some deep information about the history of Jim Thompson's house, about his life and the controversy surrounding it, and how'd he decided to put his foot forward in introducing Thai silk to the world - it's available on Google and additionally, it'd be a good chance to pay them a visit if you'd like to know more.

Do note that there's an entrance fee and the 'house tour' is offered in different languages - Thai, English, Chinese. I'm not sure if other languages are offered but when we visited, there're only timeslots offered in English and Chinese.

In case you arrived hungry - like us 😅, they have a restaurant and a cafe - the restaurant menu looks awesome but it's quite pricey in all honesty but if you'd like to dine in and check out their awesome menu, up to you. (Some) Cafe menu was also on the pricey side but it's cheaper compared to the restaurant so if you'd like a quick bite, this is the best option. We ordered chicken salad, grilled ham and cheese, some Thai donuts, soda, and water - and honestly, the bill was just a bit shy to 1k 😅

After the house tour, you'd be exiting the shop's area (very smart marketing) so you could pick out some souvenirs or something for yourself. Quality is really good so I highly recommend to pick out a piece if you have 'the' budget.

All in all, I am very satisfied of our visit. We stayed for over two hours because we ate first then waited for the next batch of the English house tour. The house tour lasted for 45-minutes to an hour if you would like to linger a bit before exiting. Entrance fee is 200Baht and you have to show your passport (for adult foreigners) or Thai ID for locals. It's very convenient to go because it's near National Stadium BTS (there's a bit of a walk going to the soi where it's located) but they have free ride from the place to National...

This house can be best reached by the BTS skytrain. Just head to the station “National Stadium” and take exit Number 1. Then turn left and take the first side street to the right. They even had a free shuttle service that took us from there right to the house itself, but the walk is also not really long and actually quite interesting.

You can pay 200 baht to join a tour through the house where you will follow a guide leading you through parts of the garden before it’s time to head inside. You learn a lot about Jim Thompson, but mostly the items he collected. There is pottery, figures, ancient paintings and some really interesting items from times back then.

The tour was really incredibly well made and there was just so much information. But never was the tour boring, it was just fascinating. Just notice that while photography is allowed inside, it’s not allowed to take selfies or film inside. We had one guest who sadly ignored these rules so the security often talked to them which quite disrupted the experience.

At the end, you enter the souvenir shop, and while there are some really stunning pieces, the price sadly is really high.

The Jim Thompson house is open from 10 am to 5pm the tours are provided in Thai, English, French, Chinese and Japanese. We just headed inside and joined the next tour, as there was still enough room for us. Be aware, though, that you might have to put your bag in a locker, as anything over 20cm will have to be stored.

Right next to the house is the Jim Thompson Art Centre, where you can find modern exhibitions, educational programs and more. We didn’t visit this Centre, but it definitely looked interesting from the outside.

The garden here is really a green refuge and it instantly feels like you’re stepping into a completely different world. You forget the busy streets and the modern city and just retreat into lush greenery. There’s also a café and a restaurant here, so even if you decide to not experience the tour, there is plenty to do and see here. If you’re in Bangkok, then definitely think about including this into...

“The house should be a gem when it is finished”, Mr. Jim Thompson said this before the construction, and now we can answer him with confidence and certainty, “yes sir, it is!”. This sire is a must-visit for those interested in Thai art, culture, and history. The well-curated exhibits, combined with the enchanting setting, make it a captivating destination in the heart of Bangkok. Upon purchasing tickets, visitors are offered various time slots for guided tours available in Thai, English, French, Chinese, or Japanese. The tours are not only informative but also interactive and joyful. Our guide, a passionate and knowledgeable young lady, particularly excelled in providing insightful narratives about Thompson's personal art collection. This added a profound layer of understanding to the cultural and historical significance of the displayed artifacts. The museum itself is a showcase of traditional Thai architecture, comprising several teakwood houses interconnected by lush gardens and ponds. The interiors are adorned with a remarkable array of Asian art, antiques, and artifacts. Thompson's eclectic blend of Thai and Western design preferences is evident, reflecting his deep appreciation for traditional Thai craftsmanship. The serene atmosphere and well-preserved interiors guide visitors on a captivating journey through both Thai cultural heritage and the life of this fascinating individual. Notably, Thompson's innovative touch, seen in the addition of chairs and tables to the dining room, adds a personal and unique dimension to the traditional setting. There is even a dinning plate made of a bomb shell, which is insanely interesting. The Jim Thompson House Museum is not merely a physical space; it's a cultural gem nestled in Bangkok, narrating the story of ways in which Thompson, an American entrepreneur and silk merchant, significantly contributed to popularizing Thai silk. It stands as a testament to his legacy and the rich cultural tapestry he wove through his life and...