Jim Thompson House, Bangkok – Intriguing tale of a silk tycoon
Jim Thompson House, Bangkok
Intriguing tale of a silk tycoon
Also see: FAM Trip of Thailand 2022
A winding lane guides visitors towards the Saen Saep canal (Also see: Khlong Saen Saep Express Boat) in Bangkok’s Siam locality. At the end of the lane, you can see a spacious plot of land adorned with numerous traditional Thai-style wooden houses.
The compound features water bodies and gardens in traditional Thai style, presenting a striking contrast with the concrete jungle that surrounds it. This is none other than the museum housing the private collection of James Harrison Wilson Thompson, the American architect and silk tycoon widely known as Jim Thompson.
Memorial of the Siamese Expeditionary Force in World War I, Bangkok
World War I Memorial, Bangkok
A Spanish Flu Connect
Also see: FAM Trip of Thailand 2022
I always have a passion for World War I (WWI) Memorials. Starting from my own city Kolkata to other Indian cities like Delhi, Chennai or Pune I have visited and documented several WWI memorials (Also see: World War I (WWI) Memorials)
Thailand, then Siam, is the most likely place for a WWI Memorial as Thailand was never been colonized and it has remained neutral for the majority of contemporary international events.
Holiday Inn Express, Bangkok, Siam
Holiday Inn Express, Bangkok, Siam
An amazing gateway to explore Bangkok
Also see: FAM Trip of Thailand 2022
Bangkok is a big city with chaotic traffic and it has a challenge for tourists who wants to see most og Bangkok in limited time. So a hotel with a good location and access to mass public transport is an absolute must. Holiday Inn Express, Bangkok, Siam definitely satisfies the requirement.
Run by the Inter-continental Hotel Group (IHG) a well-known hospitality brand providing everyday essential travel to luxury escapes and budget-wise staycations in over 6,000+ destinations worldwide.
Giant Swing, Rattanakosin, Bangkok
Giant Swing
Rattanakosin, Bangkok
Also see: FAM tour of Thailand
The bright red towering swing stands at a busy intersection in Rattanakosin area in the heart of Bangkok. Know as Giant Swing (or Sao Chingcha in Thai) it is a Hindu religious structure associated with the festival of Triyampawai.
The Giant Swing dates back to the time of the formation of the Chakri dynasty, which still rules Thailand. The huge teak wood structure was commissioned by the founder of Chakri dynasty Rama I (reign 1782 – 1809) in 1784.
Ban Bang Phalp, Community Tourism, Samut Songkhram
Ban Bang Phalp, Community Tourism
Samut Songkhram
Also see: FAM tour of Thailand
Thailand is not just about beautiful beaches, exotic sea food and exciting night life but the country has something more to offer.
Taking in the rural landscape on a bicycle, walking through coconut groves and watching local people go about their business is one of the best ways of experiencing rural Thailand.
Wat Pho, Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Bangkok
Wat Pho, Temple of the Reclining Buddha
Rattanakosin, Bangkok
Also see: FAM tour of Thailand
Wat Pho (also spelled Wat Po) is a large temple complex in Rattanakosin Island (Also see: Heritage walk of Rattanakosin Island) of Bangkok. It is located just south of the Grand Palace.
Wat Pho is popular, or rather wrongly, known as the Temple of Reclining Buddha. Apart from the shrine of Reclining Buddah the complex houses several other shrines including prayers hall, giant chedis (stupas) and galleries housing 1000+ Buddha statues, more than any other temple in Thailand.
Chao Phraya Express Boat
Chao Phraya Express Boat
A river boat service in Bangkok, Thailand
Also see: FAM tour of Thailand
My Heritage Walk of Rattanakosin Island, Bangkok started with a ride in the Khlong Saen Saep Express Boat and ended with a ride in the Chao Phraya Express Boat.
No trip in Bangkok is complete with a boat ride in the Chao Phraya River. There are plenty of options starting from luxurious sun set cruise, which comes with a gala dinner to tourist boats with English speaking guides. Read more…
The Grand Palace, Bangkok, the Royal Residence of the King of Thailand
The Grand Palace, Bangkok
The Royal Residence of the King of Thailand
Also see: FAM tour of Thailand
The Grand Palace (Phra Boromma Maha Ratcha Wang) is a complex of palaces, temples, pavilions and stupas in the heart of Bangkok, the capital of Thailand . It is located on the banks of Chao Phraya River and is on the Ratanakosin Island. (Also see: Heritage Walk of Rattanakosin Island)
The construction of The Grand Palace began in 1782 under Rama I, the founder of Chakri Dynasty. After overthrowing King Taksin, who ruled from Thonburi, on the other side of the Chao Phraya River, Rama I dug canals (Also see: Fortification of Bangkok) to set up the artificial island of Rattanakosin, his new capital.
Heritage walk of Rattanakosin Island, Exploring Bangkok’s Royal Legacy
Heritage walk of Rattanakosin Island
Exploring Bangkok’s Royal Legacy
Also see: FAM tour of Thailand
The island of Rattanakosin has the Chao Phraya River on the west an on the other three side is the ring canal of Khalong Maha Nak. The canal was dug by Rama I (Reign 1782 – 1809) the founder of the Rattanakosin Kingdom (Also see: Fortification of Bangkok).
Today Rattanakosin is the hub of built heritage in Bankok and also house the Grand Palace, the royal residence of the Rattanakosin Kingdom. The canal measures 7.2 km and the island covers an area of 4.142 km2, so the best way to explore the Rattanakosin Island is on foot.
Benjarong Porcelain Crockery, first hand experience of porcelain painting
Benjarong Porcelain Crockery
First hand experience of porcelain painting
Also see: FAM tour of Thailand
Benjarong literally means five colours (Benja = five, rong = colour) and is a form of traditional Tahi ceramic painting. The five primary colours consists of black, green, yellow, red and white which are mixed in different proportions to produce shades of other different secondary colours.
Although a traditional Thai art the origin of Benjarong dates back to China. According to historical records it probably originated during the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644) in China.