Jim Thompson House
Jim Thompson House
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
This former home of an American named Jim Thompson, who started the Thai silk industry after World War II, houses a magnificent collection of Asian art and many unique displays.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Pathum Wan
Pathum Wan, a neighborhood in Bangkok, is the epitome of urban charm and sophistication. With the iconic CentralWorld and Siam Paragon shopping malls offering a plethora of high-end retail and dining options, this district is a paradise for luxury enthusiasts. Cultural attractions abound, including the Erawan Shrine and the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, which offer a glimpse into the country's rich history and artistic heritage. The area is well-serviced by the BTS Skytrain, with several stations including Siam, Chit Lom, and Ratchathewi, making it highly accessible for travelers. As night falls, the neighborhood reveals a new persona, with lively street food stalls, trendy bars and clubs adorning the streets of Pathum Wan.
How to get there
- National Stadium • 5 min walk
- Ratchadamri • 6 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.3
14,551 reviews
Excellent
7,384
Very good
5,199
Average
1,564
Poor
278
Terrible
126
KyFlynn
Munich, Germany2,007 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
You can pay 200 baht to join a tour through the house where you will follow a guide leading you through parts of the garden before it’s time to head inside. You learn a lot about Jim Thompson, but mostly the items he collected. There is pottery, figures, ancient paintings and some really interesting items from times back then.
The tour was really incredibly well made and there was just so much information. But never was the tour boring, it was just fascinating. Just notice that while photography is allowed inside, it’s not allowed to take selfies or film inside. We had one guest who sadly ignored these rules so the security often talked to them which quite disrupted the experience.
At the end of the tour, you enter the souvenir shop, and while there are some really stunning pieces, the price sadly is really high.
The tour was really incredibly well made and there was just so much information. But never was the tour boring, it was just fascinating. Just notice that while photography is allowed inside, it’s not allowed to take selfies or film inside. We had one guest who sadly ignored these rules so the security often talked to them which quite disrupted the experience.
At the end of the tour, you enter the souvenir shop, and while there are some really stunning pieces, the price sadly is really high.
Written 5 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ianwyj
Singapore5,178 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
In a modern city like Bangkok, I think it's refreshing that a traditional Thai wooden house has been preserved as a museum. And I'm thankful that I've had a chance to visit it, take in the artistic aspects of both the architecture and art pieces, as well as enjoy the sheer grenery of the gardens it's housed in (where other smaller buildings also stand). The life of Jim Thompson and his role in promoting Thai silk remains a significant achievement for the local Thai culture, and is to commended.
Visiting the house museum involves waiting for a guided tour - visitors aren't allowed to wander all over on their own apart from perhaps in the lower floor after the guided tour is over. Tours are in several languages, so it helps to ask if there's one the guides can put together if the language is apparently available. The adjoining building houses a pleasant, if a little pricey, restaurant which makes a cosy place for a meal either before or after the tour. And while it may not be part of the tour, the museum is located just a short distance from a quiet canal which makes for a pleasant way to get to and from the museum.
Visiting the house museum involves waiting for a guided tour - visitors aren't allowed to wander all over on their own apart from perhaps in the lower floor after the guided tour is over. Tours are in several languages, so it helps to ask if there's one the guides can put together if the language is apparently available. The adjoining building houses a pleasant, if a little pricey, restaurant which makes a cosy place for a meal either before or after the tour. And while it may not be part of the tour, the museum is located just a short distance from a quiet canal which makes for a pleasant way to get to and from the museum.
Written 12 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Playgroundmama
63 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
I’ve been to Jim Thompson House several times over 20 + years and it’s still one of my very favourite Bangkok things to do. The house is stunning and provides a great insight into life in Bangkok (for the wealthy…) in times past.
You are required to do a tour which is offered in several languages and at what appear to be varying (not pre-set) times. The tour takes about 20 min and is included in the entry price of 200 THB for adults and 100 THB for children under 18.
It’s easy to find from the train station and pretty cool even in the rooms that are not air conditioned.
You are required to do a tour which is offered in several languages and at what appear to be varying (not pre-set) times. The tour takes about 20 min and is included in the entry price of 200 THB for adults and 100 THB for children under 18.
It’s easy to find from the train station and pretty cool even in the rooms that are not air conditioned.
Written 26 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bones54
Bangkok, Thailand93 contributions
Feb 2025 • Solo
So many things really work well. The skytrain is always on time and the organization at the Jim Thompson House is very well done. I've done this tour before and it was a pleasure as usual to tour the Jim Thompson House and his collection again. Our guide was very well informed and charming. The entry fee was very reasonable ( 200 Baht) and the queue was very easy to deal with. The Thais are very good at this stuff. A very interesting visit to see where the mysterious Jim Thompson lived and the amazing art collection he put together. If you want to learn about amazing Thailand this is the place to come to.
Written 24 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kevin777david
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia38 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Went here in May 2024 with my wife. This is Jim Thompson's house that has been turned into a museum to tell the story of his life and career.
The entrance is through an alley. You need to buy a ticket. The fee is THB 200 per person. The ticket comes with a tour guide which is mandatory since none of the objects or places have labels. You need a guide to explain the significance. The tours can be done in various languages depending on what you prefer but it is usually in a group. You may need to wait a few minutes until they have enough people. The tour takes about 30 minutes and has 3 parts.
Part 1 - The Compound
The guide will take you around the compound and explain about the area surrounding the house and the various architecture.
Part 2 - Inside the house
1st NOTE: You will need to remove your shoes and place it in the shelf provided. You also cannot bring any bags into the house for fear that someone may steal small object. You are allowed to bring your handphone.
2nd NOTE: You can take pictures of the objects in the house but not with people in it (no selfies)
The house is wooden and has 2 floors. It is very interesting to see how Jim Thompson adapted to the Thai culture and the things he collected.
Part 3 - The store and cafe
Once the house is complete, you can collect your shoes and bags. The guide will take you across the compound to another wooden house. This is like a mini museum with pictures and articles. I have attached a few of these photos in my review. The guide will end the tour here. As you make your way through the house, there is a cafe with a lovely view from a balcony. As you head for the exit, you will pass the store that sells the silk products of Jim Thompson.
Good for a one time experience :)
The entrance is through an alley. You need to buy a ticket. The fee is THB 200 per person. The ticket comes with a tour guide which is mandatory since none of the objects or places have labels. You need a guide to explain the significance. The tours can be done in various languages depending on what you prefer but it is usually in a group. You may need to wait a few minutes until they have enough people. The tour takes about 30 minutes and has 3 parts.
Part 1 - The Compound
The guide will take you around the compound and explain about the area surrounding the house and the various architecture.
Part 2 - Inside the house
1st NOTE: You will need to remove your shoes and place it in the shelf provided. You also cannot bring any bags into the house for fear that someone may steal small object. You are allowed to bring your handphone.
2nd NOTE: You can take pictures of the objects in the house but not with people in it (no selfies)
The house is wooden and has 2 floors. It is very interesting to see how Jim Thompson adapted to the Thai culture and the things he collected.
Part 3 - The store and cafe
Once the house is complete, you can collect your shoes and bags. The guide will take you across the compound to another wooden house. This is like a mini museum with pictures and articles. I have attached a few of these photos in my review. The guide will end the tour here. As you make your way through the house, there is a cafe with a lovely view from a balcony. As you head for the exit, you will pass the store that sells the silk products of Jim Thompson.
Good for a one time experience :)
Written 29 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ryu0803
Hong Kong, China2,187 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
The Thai House Museum was a fascinating attraction to spend a few hours exploring. Visitors were required to join a guided tour in order to see the interior of the historic Thai house. The tours were offered in multiple languages, and the guide was both informative and pleasant.
The tour lasted about one hour. Learning about the history of Jim Thompson’s home as well as the person himself was quite captivating. There was also a shop carrying a wide array of Jim Thompson merchandise that will certainly satisfy the shopping desires visitors might have. We concluded our visit with a delicious lunch at the museum’s restaurant. They served Thai cuisine with a modern and creative twist that was thoroughly enjoyable. There was also a an outdoor cafe where you could find some snacks and drinks.
As an added convenience, the museum provided complimentary golf cart rides back to the nearby BTS station, which was very much appreciated especially when it was sunny and hot.
The tour lasted about one hour. Learning about the history of Jim Thompson’s home as well as the person himself was quite captivating. There was also a shop carrying a wide array of Jim Thompson merchandise that will certainly satisfy the shopping desires visitors might have. We concluded our visit with a delicious lunch at the museum’s restaurant. They served Thai cuisine with a modern and creative twist that was thoroughly enjoyable. There was also a an outdoor cafe where you could find some snacks and drinks.
As an added convenience, the museum provided complimentary golf cart rides back to the nearby BTS station, which was very much appreciated especially when it was sunny and hot.
Written 25 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
daven44
Warrington, UK622 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
A very well preserved house. Entrance fee is reasonable. Shoes must be removed when walking round. It’s open every day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM with the last guided tour at 5:00 PM. When visiting the main house, customers are not allowed to enter the house without a guide. The museum provides guides in five languages: Thai, English, French, Chinese, and Japanese. The attraction is easily reached by boat ferry, Tuk Tuk or on the BTS transport. An hour and a half is about right to spend here.
Written 30 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ErkiBear
London, UK407 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Don't miss this house! It's easy to get to on the skytrain, only about 2 mins walk from the national stadium stop. You have to join a guided tour, they'll tell you the time of the next one in your language when you buy your ticket. It's both beautiful and fascinating. Don't miss the arts centre down the lane too, they have really interesting exhibitions and there's a cafe there with more choice and cheaper than the one at the house ;-)
Written 15 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Khun ErkiBear,
Thank you very much for visiting the Jim Thompson House and taking the time to give us a review of your visit. We hope for the opportunity to welcome you again in the near future.
Best Regards,
Phenarpa A.
Written 27 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MR P
Leeds, UK79 contributions
Oct 2024 • Solo
What a remarkable turnaround for Jim Thompson Restaurant. My previous visits had left much to be desired, with subpar food and poor service. However, after being encouraged by K. Pai, who assured me that significant changes had been made—new management, a new chef, and a revamped menu—I decided to give Jim Thompson one final opportunity.
To my surprise, this visit exceeded expectations. The service was attentive and the menu far improved. K. Nan, in particular, stood out for her professionalism. She took the time to acknowledge my past negative experiences and assured me that this time I would leave with a positive impression. Her confidence was well-placed.
I also had the opportunity to speak with K. Bow and Chef Lek, both of whom were candid about their commitment to improving the restaurant. Their shared vision for the future was both ambitious and inspiring. It was clear they are dedicated to ensuring that customers enjoy a high-quality dining experience, with a focus on both authentic Thai cuisine and excellent service.
The most notable improvement was the return to authentic Thai dishes, which aligns with the restaurant’s core identity. It is refreshing to see Jim Thompson move away from ill-conceived fusion dishes, returning to what it does best—showcasing the beauty and richness of Thai culture through its food.
While I appreciate the significant improvements, I would caution that consistency will be key moving forward. It is one thing to deliver an impressive experience on one occasion; sustaining this level of quality over time will determine the restaurant’s long-term success.
Nonetheless, I commend the management and staff for their efforts in turning things around. Jim Thompson is once again a place I can recommend for an authentic and refined Thai dining experience.
To my surprise, this visit exceeded expectations. The service was attentive and the menu far improved. K. Nan, in particular, stood out for her professionalism. She took the time to acknowledge my past negative experiences and assured me that this time I would leave with a positive impression. Her confidence was well-placed.
I also had the opportunity to speak with K. Bow and Chef Lek, both of whom were candid about their commitment to improving the restaurant. Their shared vision for the future was both ambitious and inspiring. It was clear they are dedicated to ensuring that customers enjoy a high-quality dining experience, with a focus on both authentic Thai cuisine and excellent service.
The most notable improvement was the return to authentic Thai dishes, which aligns with the restaurant’s core identity. It is refreshing to see Jim Thompson move away from ill-conceived fusion dishes, returning to what it does best—showcasing the beauty and richness of Thai culture through its food.
While I appreciate the significant improvements, I would caution that consistency will be key moving forward. It is one thing to deliver an impressive experience on one occasion; sustaining this level of quality over time will determine the restaurant’s long-term success.
Nonetheless, I commend the management and staff for their efforts in turning things around. Jim Thompson is once again a place I can recommend for an authentic and refined Thai dining experience.
Written 23 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
arnavaznaeini
Tehran, Iran80 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
This beautiful house belonged to an American merchant who revived the silk industry in Thailand. Its stunning architecture, lovely courtyard, and unique household items captivate every tourist. In almost every shopping mall in Bangkok, you may come across the name "Jim Thompson," which is the name of the late owner of this house. It is a clothing brand that uses silk in its products. One of these stores is located in his house. The entrance fee is 200 baht per person, and guided tours inside the house are available.
Written 30 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear arnavaznaeini,
Thank you very much for your review. We truly appreciate hearing about the experience that you had. We hope for the opportunity to welcome you again in the near future.
Best Regards,
Phenarpa
Written 5 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Är National stadium skytrain närmaste hållplats om jag vill ta mig dit med just skytrain?
Is National stadium skytrain the closest stop?
Written 9 January 2019
Har glömt vad stationerna hette men vi gick av där vid det stora köpcentrumet med tre bokstäver. Sen var det en rätt liten promenad dit. Minns att man svängde ner i gatan där typ ett kulturhus fanns (gratis inträde och det fanns konst att titta på, man kunde fika mm)
Written 10 January 2019
Any good thai food around Jim Thompson House?
Written 28 September 2018
Yes they have a resturant and the food was some of the best we had on our trip. I really enjoyed the beautiful atmosphere too. Also iced coffee was the best I've ever had... I will always remeber it lol. Service is a touch slow and menu is touch expensive but I think worth it for sure.
Written 28 September 2018
Is jim thompson house will be open during the songkran days? Today? Thank you
Written 13 April 2018
yrs, it's open during Songkran, I just came back from there yesterday.
Written 15 April 2018
Would elementary school aged kids enjoy this? How long is the tour?
Written 2 April 2018
Older elementary students might enjoy it. Jim Thompson's story is a fascinating one and his disappearance remains a mystery which would no doubt intrigue the students. The house is beautiful and the tour only half an hour. The exhibits outside might be of more interest.
Written 2 April 2018
Can i see there traditional Thai dance?
Written 9 March 2018
They had 3 young ladies in traditional Thai dress dancing for a few minutes outside. Very lovely. We watched them while we waited for our tour to begin. It is NOT a full show, but nice to see.
Written 9 March 2018
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