Discover the mystery of the Thai Silk King at Jim Thompson House, Bangkok. This 2026 guide covers ticket prices, mandatory tours, and the best time to visit.
When I turned into the quiet lane off Rama I Road in Bangkok, Thailand, the silence caught me off guard. Jim Thompson House feels like a jungle hideout dropped into the concrete centre of Bangkok. It is not just a museum; it is a ghost story wrapped in silk and teak. The lush gardens and the dark, red-painted wood create an atmosphere that is equal parts serene and slightly eerie, especially when you know the owner simply vanished.
Quick overview: The essentials
The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entry costs 250 THB for adults and includes a compulsory guided tour. You cannot wander the house alone.
| Price | Opening hours | Address | Free for | Last entry |
| 250 THB | Daily: 10:00 – 17:00 | 6 Soi Kasemsan 2 | Kids under 10 | 17:00 (Last tour) |
How much does Jim Thompson House cost?
Tickets are sold at the entrance gate. Be aware that the “Youth” rate is strict about age and requires ID.
| Ticket type | Price (THB) | Who qualifies |
| Adult | 250 THB | Aged 22+ |
| Youth | 150 THB | Aged 10–21 (ID required) |
| Child | Free | Aged under 10 |
Note: There are no online tickets. Beware of third-party sites selling “vouchers” at inflated prices; just pay at the door.
Is Jim Thompson House free to enter?
No, it is a paid private museum. However, children under 10 years old enter for free when accompanied by an adult. There are no free entry days for the general public.
What time does Jim Thompson House open?
The museum operates on a consistent daily schedule, even on most public holidays.
- Daily: 10:00 – 17:00
- Last Tour: 17:00
- Restaurant: 10:00 – 18:00 (approx.)
Warning: You must join a guided tour to see the interior. If you arrive at 4:55 PM, you might miss the final slot if the group is full.
Do I need to book Jim Thompson House tickets in advance?
No, you cannot book in advance. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis at the museum entrance. I recommend arriving before 11:00 AM to avoid the midday tour crowds.
History of the house
Jim Thompson was an American architect and intelligence officer who single-handedly revived the Thai silk industry after World War II. He constructed this residence in 1959 by reassembling six antique teak houses collected from across Thailand. In 1967, at the height of his fame, he went for a walk in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia and never returned. His disappearance remains one of Asia’s greatest unsolved mysteries.
Inside: What to see
- The Living Room: This building was originally a weaver’s house from the Ban Krua village across the canal. Note the reversed walls; Thompson turned the exterior walls inward to show off the smooth teak.
- The Art Collection: Thompson was an avid collector. Look for the headless Buddha statues and rare Benjarong porcelain.
- The Garden: A dense, tropical jungle that feels miles away from the city.16 It sits directly on the Saen Saep canal.
- The Spirit House: A traditional wooden shrine in the garden, constantly adorned with fresh flowers and incense to appease the local spirits.
What’s included with your ticket?
A standard entry ticket includes:
- A mandatory guided tour (available in English, French, Japanese, Chinese, and Thai).
- Access to the tropical gardens.
- Free shuttle service (golf cart) to/from the main road.
- Use of secure lockers for bags and shoes.
Things to do near Jim Thompson House
Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (350m, 5 min walk)
A modern, spiral-shaped arts hub with free exhibitions and quirky independent shops. It is a great cool-down spot.
Ban Krua Silk Village (50m, 2 min walk)
Located just across the canal.22 This is the historic Muslim community that wove the silk for Jim Thompson. You can still see traditional weaving here.
Madame Tussauds Bangkok (600m, 10 min walk)
Located inside Siam Discovery. It features the usual celebrity wax figures, plus a section on Thai royalty.
Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World (1km, 15 min walk)
One of the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia, located in the basement of Siam Paragon mall.
Erawan Shrine (1.5km, 20 min walk)
A famous Hindu shrine that attracts thousands of worshippers. Traditional Thai dancers perform here daily.
Attractions elsewhere in Bangkok include the MahaNakhon Skywalk observation deck and the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute Snake Farm.
Practical tips
- Shoes Off: You must remove your footwear before entering the house. Socks are allowed.
- No Photos: Photography is strictly forbidden inside the house, though you can take as many photos as you like in the garden.
- Bags: Large bags (over 20cm) must be left in the free lockers.
- Getting There: Take the BTS Skytrain to National Stadium (Exit 1). The museum provides a free golf cart shuttle from the top of the soi.
FAQs
| Question | Answer |
| Is the tour mandatory? | Yes, you cannot walk through the house without a guide. |
| Is there a dress code? | Modest dress is recommended. Avoid very short shorts or revealing tops out of respect. |
| Is it wheelchair accessible? | No. The traditional Thai houses are elevated on stilts and have many stairs and high thresholds. Check the museum website for greater detail. |
| Can I buy silk there? | Yes, there is a large Jim Thompson retail store on-site selling high-quality silk products. |
| How long is the tour? | The guided portion takes about 35–40 minutes. |
More Thailand travel
Other Thailand travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Getting close to cobras at the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute Snake Farm in Bangkok.
- Why plastic seats are the sign of a great Bangkok bar.
- Guide to visiting the MahaNakhon Skywalk observation deck in Bangkok.
- Wat Rong Khun, the weird white temple of Chiang Rai.
