Jim Thompson's house is a real highlight of any trip to Bangkok. The house itself is beautifully decorated and preserved and provides a fascinating insight into the life of this mysterious man, who set up a huge empire trading in Thai silk before disappearing whilst walking in the Malaysian highlands in 1967. Various conspiracy theories have evolved to explain his sudden disappearance, spurred not least by the murder of his sister the same year in America.
What he has left behind, aside from the mystery, is a museum-quality exhibition devoted to his life and work and the development of Thai traditional arts and culture. This short trip can be a welcome diversion from temples and the hustle and bustle of the Thai streets.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Thailand specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Bangkok city safari
Travelling by tuk-tuk, Skytrain, or water taxi, you’ll see Bangkok through local eyes. Along the way, you’ll take in the city’s landmark sites and experiences, from golden Buddha statues and royal palaces to chanting monks and lively markets.
Eco-friendly canal cruise through Bangkok’s historic khlongs
After exploring the quiet bakery-lined streets of Bangkok’s Portuguese quarter, you’ll step aboard a solar-powered longtail boat to experience life along the historic Thonburi canals. Wooden shophouses on stilts, gilded temples, and a towering golden statue all line your route.
Experience the secret garden of Bang Kra Jao by bicycle
Just across the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok lies the city's secret garden — Bang Kra Jao. Only accessible by boat, you must cross the river on a small ferry to reach this beautiful area full of small villages, temples and tropical flora.
Experience the Songkran Festival
The Songkran Festival celebrates the New Year. They are colourful and lively celebrations, with music, traditional dance and, of course, water, which symbolically cleanses the body from the sins of the previous year.
Sizzling food tour of Bangkok by tuk-tuk
Sweet, sour, salty, and spicy — Thailand’s cuisine is known for its expert balance of all four flavours, and one of the best ways to taste them is on a privately guided tuk-tuk tour of Bangkok.
Street food walking tour of old Bangkok
You and your guide will walk you through the narrow streets to experience many local sights with various food tastings along the way. Try things like ‘kafae boran’, a classic Thai coffee, or the popular Thai dessert, 'Khanom Thua Paep' (mung bean rice crepe).
Wat Pho & The Grand Palace
An early start will get you to Wat Pho in time to experience the monks' early morning chanting ritual and avoid the crowds who arrive later.
Witness chanting at Wat Pho
An early start will get you to Wat Pho in time to experience the monks' early morning chanting ritual. Later you will visit the temple grounds and the famous 45-metre Reclining Buddha, and The Grand Palace, Thailand's most important landmark.
You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.
