Jim Thompson House and the mystery of the silk king

A teak house full of art, built by the American who revived Thai silk and then vanished.

Area

Modern Bangkok

Start from

BTS National Stadium

Distance

in the city

Time needed

2 hours

Best season

All year

Difficulty

Easy

Transport

BTS National Stadium

Tickets & rules

Entry ticket, guided tour

Why go

Jim Thompson was an American who came to Thailand after the Second World War and helped revive the Thai silk industry. His house, made from several traditional teak houses joined together, is filled with his collection of Asian art.

Guided tours take you through the rooms and tell his story, including his mysterious disappearance.

The house sits beside the Saen Saep canal, where the silk weavers of Bang Krua once worked. Thompson's collection includes Buddha images, Chinese porcelain and paintings, displayed as if he had just stepped out. The jungle-like garden makes it feel far away from the city around it.

Even if you're not interested in silk or art, the story of the man is fascinating.

The story

In 1967 Jim Thompson went for a walk in the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia and never returned. Theories about his disappearance range from an accident to political intrigue, and the mystery has never been solved.

The teak houses were moved from Ayutthaya and Bangkok, reassembled and decorated in a mix of Thai and Western styles.

Thompson arrived in Thailand at the end of the Second World War as an intelligence officer. He stayed, became interested in hand-woven Thai silk, and promoted it internationally. His company helped make Thai silk famous worldwide.

He built the house in the late 1950s, following traditional Thai beliefs: the houses were placed according to auspicious timing, and he included old architectural elements from other houses.

Getting there

Take the BTS to National Stadium and walk a few minutes. The house is next to a canal.

Combine with the shopping malls around Siam.

You can also arrive by canal boat on Khlong Saen Saep, getting off at Hua Chang pier and walking a short distance.

A suggested plan

1. VisitJoin a guided tour of the house.
2. GardenWalk around the tropical garden.
3. CaféRelax in the café or visit the shop.

Where to stay

Siam and Ratchathewi hotels are close.

Good to know

• Tours run regularly; arrive early to avoid waiting.
• Photos are restricted inside the house.
• The museum shop and silk shop are good places for quality souvenirs.