The Mystical House of Jim Thompson
After our trip to Bangkok in 2008, I have always wanted to go back.
I loved their food, transportation and cheap finds in MBK. Apart from that I have always wanted to revisit Jim Thompson's house.
I had this magical feel in Jim Thompson's house - i don't know why. But I felt I was in somebody's house in the province where I have to behave or else "mababati" ako. Yung ganoong feeling?
Or maybe what ate told me about him how he left for Malaysia, took an afternoon and stroll and was never found. Baka dahil doon parang natakot na there's something about his house and all.
I am writing this post also to remind me someday, when I am able to build my own house, to incorporate some of his house's designs.
Who is Jim Thompson?
(As I vaguely remember from the tour guide and the help from www.thejimthompsonhouse.com ) He was an architect and later on volunteered to be part of the US army in the 40s. He went to Italy, Asia and France. However, when he went to Bangkok the war has ended.
To make the story short, he stayed in Bangkok and he revived the Thai silk industry which gained him worldwide recognition.
In the house, the guide showed us a paper with dates written on it. According to her, Jim approached a monk and asked for an auspicious date as to when he would build his house. Then the monk gave him a second date, saying that date is unlucky for him and that he should be careful.
In 1967, Jim Thompson went to Malaysia and said to have stayed in Cameron Highlands with his friends. One afternoon he went out for a stroll and since then was never found.
Unfortunately, guests aren't allowed to take photos of the interior of the house, but you can take photos of his lush garden.
JIm Thompson's house is built from teak and was completed in 1959. It has stilts as the water sometimes rises due to typhoons, plus the house is also facing a canal. The guide says that boats were then a common mode of transporation.
With my sister at the gate. After this you'd walk a bit and then enter actual complex where the house is built and a charming store where you can buy Jim Thompson products such as silk, bags, toys, postcards, etc.
You are greeted with lots of orchids and big vases of lotus flowers.
The counter on the right is where you buy tickets for the tour. On the left is the cafe. The ticket was not more than 200 baht and there was a discount if you're not older than 23 years old if remember correctly.
Waiting for our turn on the tour. Behind me was sort of like a bookstore i think. Basta I remember seeing postcards. I like their garden furnitures.
The tour starts in the garden, then you are led to the guests house, then to the main house, In the main house, there's this area where you leave your shoes and your valuables in the locker. Cameras and video cams are not allowed during the tour inside the house. But you can take photos of the exterior of the house after the tour.
The lush garden leading to the guest house.
(to be continued...)