【Bangkok】An Urban Oasis

While it may not be a must-visit spot in Bangkok, here’s a place where you can escape the city’s hustle and bustle and enjoy a peaceful retreat. 【Jim Thompson House】 📍Location: About a 5-minute walk from BTS National Stadium Station This is the former residence of Jim Thompson, the founder of the iconic Thai silk brand, Jim Thompson. Jim Thompson, originally from the United States, moved to Thailand and played a pivotal role in reviving the declining Thai silk industry, spreading its fame worldwide. As an architect and a collector of antiques and art, Jim Thompson designed his home to showcase his collection. The house itself is a blend of traditional Thai architecture and Western influences, featuring elements like stairs, which were uncommon in Thai homes at the time. It was strategically built near a canal where silk weavers lived, allowing him to oversee their work closely. Interestingly, Jim Thompson mysteriously disappeared during a trip to Malaysia, and the cause of his disappearance remains unknown to this day. The property is lush with greenery, offering a serene escape from Bangkok’s chaos. Guided tours lasting about 40 minutes are available in several languages, providing insights into Jim Thompson’s life, his house, and the art collection. (Check the schedule for tour times.) The Japanese guide was particularly impressive, delivering explanations in fluent Japanese with a touch of humor. Although I didn’t have time to visit, there’s a café and restaurant on-site where you can relax. There’s also a Jim Thompson shop, perfect for picking up souvenirs.