Terri has always been an avid gardener, from potted flowers and herbs in our early apartments, to carefully designed landscapes around our many houses. Generally, my contribution has been as hole-digger, mulch toter, plant waterer, and cocktail wrangler when the job is finished.
So each of us has a real appreciation for pleasant, attractive gardens. And on our most recent trip to Bangkok, we revisited one of our favorites – The Jim Thompson Garden. So take a stroll with me through this wonderful garden.
Jim Thompson, no slouch in the talent department, was an American businessman whose impressive resume includes stints as architect, army officer, spy, silk merchant, and collector of Asian antiques. After leaving the army, he moved to Bangkok and devoted himself to revitalizing the Thai silk industry.
Never one for mediocrity, when Thompson decided to build a house, he cobbled together a masterpiece using parts of six traditional Thai houses from all over the country. And to complete his refuge, he designed his tropical garden.
His house and garden, which are now a museum, are at the end of a narrow, nondescript lane surrounded by noisy, congested Bangkok. The estate is an island of peace and quiet in a sea of pandemonium. The garden isn’t grand, but its appeal lies in its tropical lushness and serenity. And it’s protected by a charming Thai Spirit House – a replica of the big house.
Bangkok, like many Southeast Asian capitals, is a vibrant city. But it has an in-your-face quality that creates the need for a respite. And this is what the Jim Thompson Garden is all about.
Happy Trails,
James
*Music: Cast Your Fate to the Wind by Vince Guaraldi (of Charlie Brown fame), and performed by David Benoit
GALLIVANCE 
Lovely pictures! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Denise. This garden is a special place. ~James
Love this post! When we were in Singapore, I looked for a store selling Jim Thompson products. Bought some linens and a tiny zippered bag that stays in my purse. Had no idea that I would later run into a blog on his garden. The world is getting smaller! http://ohtheplaceswesee.com
Thanks Rusha. Jim Thompson was a very talented person, and his house, museum and textiles carry on his legacy. It’s also amazing what an oasis the house and garden are in the middle of noisy Bangkok. ~James
Thank you so much for introducing Jim Thompson’s house and garden! Beautiful post!
Thanks Amy. If you go to Bangkok, it’s definitely worth a visit. And if you spend much time in the city, you’ll appreciate the quiet break. ~James
Just realised how urgently I need a Thai spirit house in my garden, James. 🙂
With a few creative modifications and upgrades a standard birdhouse might do the job Jo. I’m not sure how the spirits will react, but it may be worth a shot. ~James
Definitely on our list when we get to Bangkok. James, your first paragraph sounds exactly like my husband Terry and me. Great post! 🙂
Thanks LuAnn. And if Terry’s like me, he’s in charge of tool purchases as well. ~James
He certainly is!
Enjoyed the walk through the garden at the end of a busy day. Thanks. –Curt
Thanks Curt. It really was a peaceful place. Thompson had the right idea. ~James
Hello again! I knew I recognized that song…thanks for the fascinating tour. As always, your blog is a joy to read
Thanks Jennifer. I love all of Vince Guaraldi’s stuff. Both David Benoit and George Winston did lots of covers of Guaraldi’s tunes. And actually, I think I like some of the covers better than the originals. But Vince is a genius, and he was way ahead of his time. ~James
Jim’s is such a beautiful oasis in the heart of Bangkok. A little romance is added with the strange nature of his disappearance. Lovely spot!
Thanks Chris. Oasis is exactly the right word for the JT house. I’ve read a bit about his disappearance, and I wonder if he was just at the wrong place at the wrong time. Given his history as spy etc, it’s easy to fabricate conspiracies, but there were (and are today) lots of criminals wandering around that part of the world.~James
Not to mention the native wildlife!