Jim Thompson House

What would happen if a Westerner falls deeply in love with Asian arts, architecture, and culture? The result would be an eye-catching legacy - such as that of Jim Thompson's.

Jim Thompson is an American soldier who settled in Thailand in 1946 and embraced Southeast Asian culture and The Jim Thompson House is a captivating compound situated in the bank of the Saen Saeb Canal and surrounded by gardens. His six teakwood houses are the culmination of a life spent in collecting and appreciating antiques, figurines, decorative pictures, porcelain wares, his lifelong affection for Thai silk, and even simple but culturally impactful items such as mahjong tables and pieces. Other than these noticeable displays, you can also feel the man’s respect for Thai religion as evidenced by the numerous Buddha murals you can see in each house, each depicting a story in Buddha’s life. The man’s exquisite taste is also evident with his penchant for using impeccable materials in his compound – Italian white marble tiles, the quality and the design in the teakwood, the Belgian chandeliers, intricately designed walls and statues, and the overall arrangement of the place. Jim Thompson House is truly the complete package that tells the best story about how East meets West.

Location

The Jim Thompson House is located in 6, Soi Kasem San 2, Rama 1 Road | Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok.

Opening Days and Hours

Jim Thompson House is open daily from 9:00 to 19:00.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance to the Jim Thompson House is THB 200 (USD 6).

How to Get There

• Fly to Bangkok via Air Asia.
• Take the SkyTrain (W1) to National Stadium Station.
• Walk all the way to Jim Thompson House.

Suggested For

• Solo travelers/backpackers
• Couples
• Families
• Groups

Time to Spend

Suggested duration in this attraction is 2 hours.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The best time to visit the Jim Thompson House is between 6:00 and 8:00 if you want to join the morning activities. Afternoon visits from 17:00 to 19:00 are also ideal.

Food

Jim Thompson Restaurant – a place serving wine and steaks – can be found inside the Jim Thompson House compound. Other dining options include Cafe at Ease, Cibo Bangkok, Feat Lab, and Da Mamma Restaurant.

Nearby Attractions

• Wat Pho
• Golden Palace
• Chao Praya River
• Siam ParagonLumpini Park

Stay

Marriot Hotel, The Peninsula, Siam Paradise, Rama Gardens, Riva Surya, and Eastin Grand Hotel are some of the accommodations to try. Rates range from USD 60 to USD 200.