Indeed. Its because of this that Jim Thompson, an American expat with a fascinating past, chose to build his landmark home in the midst of Thailands centre of silk. Its already there on the standard tourist list of things to see in Bangkok but who wants to visit another old house full of relics? . Our kids loved learning about how silk was made and exploring the house and garden. The historic Wick House is nearby and has a beautiful kitchen garden. Enormous double height rooms with chandeliers contrast with small, cosy private chambers. There are covered and open galleries and courts. However, as with all theories regarding his disappearance, there is no concrete evidence to support this possibility. The lake offers boating, canoeing, fishing, ice-skating in the winter, while other amenities and activities in the park include modern restrooms, sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The historic Wick House is found on this site, along with 27 miles of walking trails to explore. Really interesting to learn about a man I hadnt heard of before now but he sounds to have played a really big part in the community of Bangkok for the time he lived there until he disappeared. He was the youngest of six children, and grew up in a family that valued education and travel. They recognized each other, but he quickly looked away and passed her without another glance. Fortunately, the Jim Thompson house has a foundation supporting it that is working towards preserving this historical landmark and other facets of Thailand's cultural heritage. Furthermore, his disappearance occurred during a time of heightened political tension and instability in the region. He used to go on buying trips to Cambodia, Burma and Laos for his collection, which he intended to leave to the Thai state. The guide explained to us that the threshold is also the place for your guardian spirit to perch. The Ford Mansion is an original 18th-century structure that was used as General Washington's military headquarters for six months during the harsh winter of 1779-80. JIM THOMPSON HOUSE - 2023 What to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor The Friends of the Frelinghuysen Arboretum is located at 353 E Hanover Avenue in Morristown and is open to the public from 8:00 am until dusk daily, throughout the year. On the day of his disappearance, Thompson went for a walk alone in the surrounding jungle and did not return. The Arboretum offers a range of curricula-based home-school classes and programs with hands-on, science and botany- focused experiences, along with nature photo scavenger hunts, Family Discovery Backpacks, field trips for schools, cub and scout troops, and girl scouts. Wise is the cheapest and fastest way to send money to Thailand. It is unclear who exactly reported Jim Thompson missing. And as plausible as anything, I have been to Jim Thompson house on two occasions. There is also an accessibilty book available online and at the museum visitor services desk for those . While he was a strong business man and architect, Jim Thompson's success would not be possible without a deep appreciation and understanding of Asian ideals. 45 MacCulloch Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960, Phone: 973-538-2404. jimthompsonhouse Should You Use a Travel Agent for Your Disney World Vacation? We are thrilled to hear that you found it fantastic and well worth visiting. One cocoon contains somewhere between a third of a mile and mile of a single filament. His father had been in the textile industry, and he realised an opportunity here. You'll learn about the life of Jim Thompson, his passion for Thai silk and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his disappearance. 16. It was an empire that brought Thompson success, wealth and notoriety. Visiting Jim Thompson House, Bangkok, Thailand - MapTrotting After he finished his service and spent some time in Bangkok he came back to live here permanently because he fell in love with everything Thai. No doubt these setbacks add to the spirit of the house. Im heading to Bangkok in about two weeks and this made me even more excited for my upcoming adventures. Best VPN to Protect Your Online Privacy, 5. (662)216-7368 Google Map Link Visit The James H.W. Food here is excellent traditional Thai dishes served in beautiful tableware that mirrors the opulent artefacts in Jim Thompsons house. Cost: 100 baht for adults, 50 baht for students. A golf cart outside the Jim Thompson House will take you to the end of the Soi (Rd) after the visit if needed. The Thai guide was very nice, but speaking fast with an accent, so if you want to listen, make sure to stay physically close to the guide as you move through the house.I did not try the cafe located at the House Museum, so this review does not apply to that. Jim Thompsons architectural creativity must have been bubbling away as he ran his business. Required fields are marked *. I'm glad I wrote this now. The actors were all clothed in Jim Thompsons silk, and his empire finally found a footing. Everywhere there are views out into the lush foliage of the garden. Within the grounds youll find a book shop, a shop selling silks and other products and an attractive restaurant. One should take care to step over Thai thresholds. From importing dyes and hiring villagers as weavers to introducing Thai silk to the international arena, he helped revive an almost-forgotten art and a dwindling industry through the Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company (which lowly backpackers like me can never afford!). The next time when we were in Thailand with Nick we wanted him to see it. But some 110 years later, Jim Thompson put the waterway to his own more artistic, industrial purposes. There are many theories about what happened to Thompson, ranging from the plausible to the outlandish. Thompson persuaded its producers to feature Thai silk in the set designs. In this article, I delve into the captivating story of Jim Thompson and explore the significance of his house in Bangkok. One of the houses, in fact, was built for the display of Thai paintings that date back to the 1860s and portray everyday scenes from traditional Thai life. He suffered great embarrassments. GKs Red Dog Tavern is open for lunch and dinner daily. During his tenure in the National Guard during WWII, Thompson was recruited to join the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) the forerunner to the CIA. Visitors can explore some of these huts and a wealth of exhibits and displays at the parks Visitor Center. But poor silk worms, It was a great place to visit, pity we couldnt take more photos inside. Gertrude Green, a teacher in the nursing school at Mission Hospital was a personal friend of Jim Thompsons. The mystery seems to add even more of a halo of enigma to this unique individual who saved Thailands silk trade from extinction. The first time the girls and I chanced upon it because we lived on the same street, and we loved it. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Thompsons designs owed very little to traditional Thai design. Home Best Bangkok Museums Worth Visiting Popular for Tourists. Its a compilation of 7 wooden Thai houses carried from different regions at the country making a wonderful big house amazing gardens around. 5 Olyphant Pl, Morristown, NJ 07960, Phone: 973-267-4039. This strategy accounts for the fond respect that a mention of his name creates today in Bangkok.Demonstration of how silk filaments are combined into threads. Seaton Hackney Stables offers horseback riding on a property next to the Loantaka Brook Reservation, where riders can enjoy trail riding near the Loantaka Brook. There is evidence to suggest that Jim Thompson was gay. The store has many quality silk and other clothing items which includes scarfs, handkerchiefs, ties, handbags and more for sale. Have you been to Bangkok? The casual tavern boasts inviting wooden dcor and hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from quiz nights to cooking demos. We hope to welcome you back again soon.Best Regards,Phenarpa A. The compounds layout and architecture is not the only thing that will impress you when you drop by. This helps keep the site running and free for all. A member of a group wanting a French language tour was in front of us in line and based on the tour time, was having difficulty ensuring his companions would arrive on time. The kitchen wing, which came from the same village, was once part of a mid-19th-century palace. The park is home to Sunrise Lake, sandy beaches, picnic areas and sports fields, miles of hiking trails for cycling and jogging, and offers facilities for camping, horseback riding, ice skating, fitness activities, and dog-walking. He came through all this, and his legacy speaks for itself. He had already started assembling his finds before building the house. Thompson also collected a huge number of artefacts during his life in Southeast Asia. + Get COVID Insurance Additionally, Thompson was known to have had conflicts with some of his business partners, leading to further suspicion. Thompson also amassed an impressive collection of Southeast Asian art, including Buddhist artifacts, ceramics, and paintings, which he housed in his Bangkok home. Interesting, and quite possible because we know he had some disputes going on with competitors. It is the Thai house of James H. W. Thompson,the American soldier who is also known as Thai Silk King' who initiated Thai silk industry in Thailand. The bathrooms and staircase, traditionally found outdoors, were placed indoors. They have hundreds of video and audio lessons to help you start speaking Thai today. We hope to visit Bangkok in the future and would definitely check this place out. Students grow herbs, flowers and vegetables to take home and cook with. Jim Thompson was an American entrepreneur and businessman who played a pivotal role in reviving the Thai silk industry in the mid-20th century. While youre there, I also highly recommend their caf and restaurant. The rooms and art pieces in the house museum are maintained in excellent condition. Find nearby businesses, restaurants and hotels. Jim Thompson House Jim Thompson House 14,299 #5 of 749 things to do in Bangkok Speciality Museums Architectural Buildings Closed now 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Visit website Call Email Write a review About Thompsons silk business employed local crafts people who had been spinning and weaving silk for generations. Some speculate that he was murdered by a jealous lover or a business rival, while others believe that he was kidnapped by communist guerrillas or that he simply got lost in the dense jungle of the Cameron Highlands. Overrated and not worth the ticket - Jim Thompson House - Tripadvisor He came through all this, and his legacy speaks for itself. Well-maintained history piece worth a visit - Review of Jim Thompson In addition, Thompson made sure to incorporate modern conveniences, including indoor plumbing and electricity. That makes it quite hard to adequately plan a solo trip without the help of a tour company. Nearer to the gate is the Silk Shop, here of course, you can browse and buy the stuff that its all about, beautifully presented. Address: Jim Thompson House Museum, 6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama 1 Road, Bangkok. The women gained financial autonomy with the benefit of retaining their position in the family. Everywhere there are views out into the lush foliage of the garden. But Thompson was set on modernising this remarkable building. Jim Thompson House - Wikipedia Yes: our kids loved it as much as we did. These Jim Thompson House Museums & exhibitions are taking additional COVID-19 precautions: Bangkok: Full-Day Private Customized Tour with Transport; Bangkok: Jim Thompson House and Baan Krua Community Tour; Bangkok: Ultimate Shopping Experience with Private Driver; Bangkok: Jim Thompson House Guided Tour with Transfers Built in 1772-74 and furnished in the style of the period, the historic house can be explored on daily guided tours. His house designs in the USA had to be approved and signed off by licensed architects. James H.W. The park also features a museum and extensive library collection with works relating to the encampments, George Washington, and pre- and post-Revolutionary America. The architecture is so grand. The company's silk fabrics were used to create clothing, upholstery, and other high-end products that were sought after by customers around the world. Besides the impact he left on Thailand and his impressive collection of artwork, the enigma surrounding his disappearance is intriguing. We truly appreciate your comments and well be working on making the information on the timing of the tours on the website more clear and readily available for the ease and convenience of our guests. Its Nathamons vision to help genuine guys find beautiful & trustworthy asian girls from proven backgrounds. Back in 2013, when I lived in Bangkok, I had more than enough time to go around the city and visit places that not so many tourists get to see, like the Fertility Shrine, as well as the more popular ones, like the Grand Palace. While in Bangkok, Thompson became enamored with the beauty and craftsmanship of Thai silk, and began to explore ways to help revive the struggling silk industry in the country. They entertained us by making origami from squares of coloured paper. Having visited his house in Bangkok twice, I can assure you that it's definitely worth the trip. King Rama III had built the canal in 1837 to transport troops and weapons. Children under 10 years, free when accompanied by an adult. The tour takes about 30 minutes and your guide will take you through the various rooms, explaining the displays. The ease of getting there and the uniqueness of the home alongside Jim Thompsons story made my visit well worth it. A range of porcelain ware graces the house too, including the blue-and-white Chinese porcelain set on the dining table, the colorful and ornate Thai Benjarong pieces in the kitchen, Sukhothai and Sawankhalok ceramics, and Lopburi-Khmer pottery. There are covered and open galleries and courts. I wish I got to see the house/museum itself oh well, all the more reason to head back to Bangkok! 145 Morris St, Morristown, NJ 07960, Phone: 973-432-8270, Attraction Spotlight: Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morristown. Thanks for the preview of what I missed , Oh wow, I wish I knew about this place when I was in Thailand, a friend who traveled with me at the time would have loved this place. There are books written about the mystery of Mr Thompson going missing and his life inside the shop at the house area or they can be bought from other bookstores worldwide, if visitors want to find out more about him. Shes been married to her western husband for 12 years and has written several books and informational DVDs about romance between asian women and western men. Decide for yourself if,like us, you would rate it as the highlight of the city. I use it and so do many of my readers. The mansion is surrounded by immaculately manicured gardens and grounds with over 45 varieties of roses and the garden in which the very first Jersey tomato was grown in 1829. The Friends of the Frelinghuysen Arboretum began life as the home garden of Matilda Frelinghuysen, granddaughter of Frederick T. Frelinghuysen, Secretary of State under President Chester A. Arthur. The collection includes paintings on paper, wood, and cloth. 68 Morris Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960, Phone: 973-267-3465. The Jim Thompson House, set at the end of a long road and surrounded by landscaped gardens, was owned by American businessman and art collector James H.W. Jim Thompson liked collecting pieces of art. I went to the restaurant for dinner (didnt get to the house in time while it was open), and had a blast! It is set in a delicious manicured jungle. His father had been in the textile industry, and he realised an opportunity here. Visiting Jim Thompsons House with Children is it worth the time? The doorways are of traditional Thai form. It is easily accessible by public transportation, including the BTS Skytrain, taxis, and tuk-tuks. Travel Binge! Jim Thompson House is open every day from 9am 6pm.Entrance fee: 200 baht (about $6.50) Visitors under 22yrs: 100 baht ($3.20)Children under 10 years, free when accompanied by an adult. Thompson had previously worked with the husband of Margaret Landon, author of Anna and the King of Siam. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. For the locals, silk was as an expensive fancy dress fabric not relevant to daily life. No reservation required MORE VISITOR INFORMATION JIM THOMPSON ART CENTER Cheapest Way to Send Money to Thailand, 4. Read the full disclosure, How to Have an Epic Girls Weekend in Miami, Florida, Where to Go for a Fabulous New Jersey Girls Trips. And the living room was constructed from a 100-year-old house, also from Baan Krua. The Friends of the Frelinghuysen Arboretum feature a variety of gardens, plant collections, trees, and shrubs, including ornamental grasses, summer, and spring-blooming shrubs, fall fruit and foliage, and shade trees, including beeches, crabapples, magnolias, bald cypresses, willows, and flowering cherries. He even had beautiful wooden floorboard laid, and truly stunning black and white marble tiles he somehow gleaned from the old royal palace. He introduced many things that Thais had never seen in houses before. I read a book on his disappearance and like you say somebody somewhere knows something but it is 53 years ago probably never will be solved. More Weekend Getaways in New Jersey, 91 East Springtown Road, Washington Township, NJ 07853. Well now I know the next time I go to Thailand Jim Thompsons house will now be on the list. Entrance fee: 200 baht (about $6.50) Visitors under 22yrs: 100 baht ($3.20) Children under 10 years, free when accompanied by an adult. - Top Places To Visit. So all of Thompsons finest pieces of art, icons and furniture are still here. His iconic house, located in the heart of the city, draws thousands of visitors each year to marvel at its traditional Thai architecture and lush gardens. Jim Thompsons wartime work for the American secret service (OSS) in Sri Lanka introduced him to Thailand. Over the years, Thailand, particularly Bangkok, has lost many emblematic buildings, making the preservation of its history a major concern. 3 Reasons Why You Must Visit Jim Thompson's House In Thailand This looks like a very interesting place to visit. The Adirondack-style venue also features a charming lodge for overnight stays and a newly renovated Boathouse with an expansive deck that can be rented for private events. Watch our quick video of the Jim Thompson House here: Click here to watch this video over on YouTube. They entertained us by making origami from squares of coloured paper. The Friends of the Frelinghuysen Arboretum also acts as an educational and regional center for a variety of horticultural activities and programs, including special guided tours, after-school and summer programs, and special events throughout the year. Whether you need life insurance, pension planning or other investment advice, I can connect you with my personal IFA. Need an international bank account that holds multiple currencies and lets you transfer, receive & spend wherever you are, with a MasterCard. Friendly experts demonstrate traditional silk manufacture in the courtyard. Among these are a limestone sculpture of Buddhas torso, a sandstone statue of Buddha meditating on a serpent, and a limestone bust of Buddha. I haven't heard that before. The Jim Thompson House is a museum in central Bangkok, Thailand, housing the art collection of American businessman and architect Jim Thompson, the museum designer and former owner. Pierogies House is an authentic Polish restaurant that serves traditional, handmade . Jim Thompson House is open every day from 9am 6pm. The guides will speak in English or French only. more, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Today, Jim Thompson's legacy is preserved through the Jim Thompson House, a museum and cultural center located in the heart of Bangkok. We are delighted to hear about your experience at the Jim Thompson House and we hope to welcome you back again in the near future.Best Regards,Phenarpa A.