Jim Thompson's House & Suan Pakkard Palace Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore traditional Thai architecture
- Discover Jim Thompson's silk legacy
- Stroll through lush palace gardens
- Admire ancient Thai artifacts
- Learn about Thai art and culture
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Jim Thompson's House
- Visit to Suan Pakkard Palace
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
This jungly compound is the former home of the eponymous American silk entrepreneur and art collector. Born in Delaware in 1906, Thompson briefly served in the Office of Strategic Services (the forerunner of the CIA) in Thailand during WWII. He settled in Bangkok after the war, when his neighbours’ handmade silk caught his eye and piqued his business sense; he sent samples to fashion houses in Milan, London and Paris, gradually building a steady worldwide clientele.
Jim Thompson House - The lovely garden-enclosed compound sitting on the bank of the Saen Saeb Canal would have gone completely unnoticed, had it not been for a legacy left behind by a middle-aged American man named Jim Thompson. His elegant residential enclave, comprising six traditional Thai teakwood houses transported from Ayutthaya and Bangkok’s Ban Krua community, echoes Jim Thompson’s 30-year love affair with Southeast Asian art and cultural heritage.
Suan Pakkad Palace is a place to find visions of Thailand you thought long since vanished in Bangkok. Its name means 'cabbage patch', in reference to when the land was nothing more than just that. Today, however, it's a well-tended tropical garden with serene ponds surrounding eight traditional Thai houses, each of which brims to overflowing with fine arts, antiques and oddities belonging to Prince and Princess Chumbhot.
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates rain or shine
- Photography may be restricted in certain areas
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Bring a camera for photos
- Carry a bottle of water
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
- Infant Seats Available
Good to know
- Hotel pick up may be 30-60 minutes prior to tour Start time/Departure time (depending on hotel location).
- Ladies must wear a skirt or sarong (no pants or shorts) that covers your shoulders and knees for visiting Suan Pakkard Palace
- Men must wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees for visiting Suan Pakkard Palace.
- There are facilities to borrow suitable clothing if required.
- At least 2 people are required for this activity to take place. Single traveler may book this product, but is subject to availability and cancellation if minimum number of people is not met on the activity day.
Traveler reviews
Palace and Thai Silk
My guide was very knowledgeable with many good suggestions and tips for my stay in Bangkok. It was nice to have a half day tour available to explore in my own in the afternoon. Water was provided also along with hotel pick up and drop off.
Beautiful, but a bit boring!
Jim Thompson’s home was a beautiful and well-cared-for complex. My disappointment had most to do with how limited the shop was in inventory. The Suan Pakkard Palace was nice, but rather boring. Our guide, Luck, and driver were very helpful. And the Thompson house guide was excellent. More information and Thai-style architecture would have helped.
Not to be missed. Good 35 minute introduction then time to wander the grounds
The architecture, the story of Jim Thomson and the art make this well worth visiting, even on a hot steamy day. The gardens are very photogenic. I would suggest it’s not a place for families with your children as you have to take care and are asked to put anything larger than a small purse into a locker.
Aren't you curious about the successes and misfortunes of a passionate man?
With the guide's rich knowledge, the tour was really fun and exciting. I definitely recommend it to everyone at least once. Photography is prohibited indoors and is filled with the treasures he has collected. Personally, it was one of the most exciting times of my visit to Thailand. After the tour, it's good to stop by the souvenir shop to buy something, but it's not cheap. It is good to stop by on the way to or back from ICONSIAM, and it is convenient to use both taxis and BTS.
No parking , park at Holiday Inn
Supposed to have TukTuk picked up but was told that we had to walk to Jim Thomson . Do not listen to the hotel staffs, these was Tuk Tuk - Just wait . I saw Tuk Tuk (Jim Thomson) and I just needed to let them know that I wanted a ride . Overall tour is good, like good to know. Houses are very nice and very well kept. Garden is beautiful. I like it here.