The Jim Thompson House Museum is in Bangkok, Thailand. It houses the private art collection of famous American architecture. Jim Thompson came to Thailand towards the end of World War II and decided to make the country his home. He was fascinated by the Thai silk-making process, supported the weavers and developed an international market for Thai silk. He was interested in the traditional architectural forms of Thailand and dismantled some old wooden houses and reassembled them to make the present house. With the help of royal patronage and the establishment of a trust, his house was declared as a museum open to the public.
Quick Details About Jim Thompson House Museum
Location: Central Bangkok, Thailand
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
How To Reach: Private Taxi, Public Transport
Nearest Airport: Suvarnabhumi Airport (32.6 Km)
Nearest Railway Station: Ploenchit Station
Places To Visit Around Jim Thompson House Museum
Photo: Clay Gilliland / Wikimedia Commons
The centre of Bangkok offers many other attractions around the Museum. These attractions can be perfect spots to unwind and enjoy the trip.
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit Near Bangkok For An Unforgettable Day Trip
1. Bangkok Art And Culture Centre
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The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre is a creative public space which promotes local and international arts and culture. The Centre offers exhibitions and various performances related to art and music. It also has art galleries, and an art library and conducts educational activities related to art and culture. It is located at 939 Rama I Road, Khwaeng Wang Mai in Bangkok. It is an 8-minute walk from the Jim Thompson House Museum.
Timings: 10 AM – 9 PM ( Monday and Sundays are off)
Entry Fee: Free
2. MBK Center
Photo: Christian Henrich / Wikimedia Commons
The MBK Center is a bustling eight-storey mall in central Bangkok. It offers a good experience to foreign tourists as the various shops, restaurants and entertainment avenues in the mall give them a flavour of local cuisine, traditional Thai products, souvenirs, spa, Thai boxing performance and very important for any foreign tourist, passport services. The mall also caters to the local public. It is located at 444 Phaya Thai Road, Wang Mai in Bangkok. It is a ten-minute walk from the Jim Thompson House Museum.
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Bangkok For Couples
3. Khlong Saen Saep
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Khlong Saen Saep is a popular tourist destination in the heart of Bangkok. It is a 72 km canal where one can enjoy a boat service on an 18 km route. This boat ride is an excellent way to see Bangkok and relish its old charm. It also offers a glimpse into the traditional living ways of the city. The point from where one can take a boat or a ferry is a seven-minute walk from the Jim Thompson House Museum.
Timings: 5:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Entry Fee: 8 – 20 Baht
4. Chalerm La Park
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For lovers of Graffiti art, Chalerm La Park is the place to be in Bangkok. The place has abandoned buildings and is home to paintings and installations. One can also find works of various Thai and international graffiti artists. Photography is allowed. The Park is a seven-minute walk from the Jim Thompson House Museum. It is located near Ratchathewi Station. The easiest way to reach the Park from anywhere else in the city is to take the Skytrain, take exit 2 from the station and walk south. The Park is on the left side.
Timings: 5:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
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5. Siam Discovery
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Siam Discovery is a retail complex known for its sophistication and style in the heart of Bangkok. It has a unique way of displaying products. It is a lifestyle destination for the young and urbane of the city. One can find top international designer brands in this mall. The Madame Tussauds wax museum is located on the sixth floor. The mall is a ten-minute walk from the Jim Thompson House Museum.
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
Entry Fee: Free
6. The Grand Palace
Photo: Slyronit / Wikimedia Commons
No visit to Bangkok is complete without visiting the majestic Grand Palace. The Palace has been the ceremonial royal residence of the kings of Thailand since 1782. It is a complex of many buildings with lawns and courtyards. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha can also be visited on the premises of the Grand Palace. The Palace can be reached by car in eleven minutes from the Jim Thompson House Museum. The Palace is also accessible by Skytrain.
Timings: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Entry Fee: 500 Bhat
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Bangkok For An Unforgettable Experience
Where To Stay
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Being one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Bangkok has something for every budget when it comes to a stay in the city. There are high-end hotels such as the Novotel Bangkok Platinum, the Carlton Hotel, the Sheraton Grande, the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel and there are cosy bed and breakfast accommodations.
The best localities to stay in Bangkok are Sukhumvit, Silom area, Siam Area, the Riverside area, areas near the International Airport and the Khao San Area. To avoid any inconvenience it is better to book rooms in advance.
Where To Eat
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Thai cuisine is known for its exotic curries and other preparations. The city is full of restaurants and street food stalls. One can enjoy the local cuisine and one can also taste the flavours of one’s own country. Some of the good restaurants where a meal can be enjoyed are the Blue Sky Rooftop Bar, The Silk Road and the Nourish to name a few. Guan Jub Mr Jo is one of the popular places where local Thai food can be relished. The Jim Thompson House Museum also has a Thai restaurant.
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Best Time To Visit
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The best time to visit Bangkok is from November to February as it is relatively cooler and less humid in these months. The city can also be visited in June or July as there is a possibility of getting discounts on hotels due to off season.
Other Factors To Consider
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Here are some other important factors to consider while visiting Bangkok
- The average cost of visiting Thailand is INR 50,000 for an Indian National, excluding additional expenses and airfare.
- Be careful of your belongings such as your passport, cash and other expensive items.
- Be mindful of personal safety
- Be respectful towards the locals
- Carry essential medications
- Carry a sunscreen and an umbrella
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The Jim Thompson House Museum is a must-visit destination to understand traditional Thai art and architectural forms and learn about the silk of Thailand. It is an oasis of peace amidst the bustling city centre. Plan your trip with TripXL to Bangkok to visit this wonderful museum and other tourist destinations in the city. Hope you have a memorable holiday where you learn and enjoy to the fullest!
Cover Photo: Deror_avi / Wikimedia Commons