The legend of Jim Thompson is outlined in every Thailand guidebook, while the iconic brand’s products are in 13 shops around Bangkok and two factory outlets.

For the true experience, head for the historic Jim Thompson House and learn about the brand’s mysterious namesake, an American who gained worldwide recognition for rebuilding the Thai silk industry before disappearing in the Malaysian jungle in 1967.

The traditional Thai-style teak house, surrounded by plants and trees, is filled with Southeast Asian antiques that he acquired through his travels.

But don't let us convince you of its quality.

Somerset Maugham, who dined with Thompson at this house in 1959, summed it up best: "You have not only beautiful things, but what is rare, you have arranged them with faultless taste."

Jim Thompson settled in Bangkok after Word War II.

His home was the talk of Bangkok when he built it. Today it is like an oasis in the centre of Bangkok with the lush, cool gardens and peaceful setting.
The house, built in Thai style, has a wonderful collection of art work and original silk screen prints.

It's not a big place to explore so it's a good early morning side trip to other shopping destinations such as MBK and Siam Paragon since it's nearby.

Here you get a chance to explore the largest teak wood building in the world. Originally the mansion was built on the island of Koh Chang. Then in 1868, King Rama V ordered it to be moved to it's current location.

Inside this 81 room, 3 floor magnificent structure are all sorts of the Thai monarchy through history, gifts from foreign countries and even what may possible the first bathtub ever placed in a place of residence in Thailand. You can find many items and everyday objects in Vimanek Mansion once used by the Royal Thai family in the past.

There's much to explore outside of the Mansion with even more museums and beautiful gardens.

Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand.

Located in the historic centre of Bangkok, within the grounds of the Grand Palace, it enshrines Phra Kaew Morakot (the Emerald Buddha), the highly revered Buddha image meticulously carved from a single block of jade.

Raised high on a series of platforms, no one is allowed near the Emerald Buddha except HM the King. A seasonal cloak, changed three times a year to correspond to the summer, winter, and rainy season covers the statue. A very important ritual, the changing of the robes is performed only by the King to bring good fortune to the country during each season. The temple of Emerald Buddha is beautifully decorated and has a great sense of peace about it.

The Emerald Buddha is a Buddha image in the meditating position in the style of the Lanna school of the north, dating from the 15th century AD.

First time travellers to Bangkok will be surprised and shocked by the huge number of tourist, cheap holidays population fully compounding the unique and beautiful temple of Wat Phra KAew, throughout the year. It is very difficult to stay away from the people taking photographs of the temple to exclude yourself from it, where the travellers almost spend around a couple of hours to avoid being included in other’s photo. Eventually, you will be almost required to spend more than half a day to visit this amazing and pretty temple.