Jan 2025 - Julien - General Manager Thailand & Vietnam

In January 2025, I went to Khao Yai with my family to visit the Jim Thompson Farm, and I must  say it’s been an excellent surprise. I love the Jim Thompson Museum in Bangkok*** so we  thought it would a nice escape for the weekend but I was not expecting something like so  creative, colorful and educational.  

Works of art are being exposed in gigantic flower fields in full bloom and rice fields, mingling  perfectly with nature. Visitors can participate to hands-on workshops that are being organized  for families to learn more about agriculture (mulberry and silk farming), traditional Isan music  are being organized and of course… street food is available everywhere (an event in Thailand 

without food is unimaginable! A shop for organic produce from local farmers is also available on  the site.  

***Jim Thompson began his career as an architect before serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. He left for Thailand in 1946 and founded the Thai Silk Company Limited in 1948, bringing  the silk industry to a boom in the mid-20th century. He was awarded the Order of the White  

Elephant (the highest recognition for foreigners in the kingdom) in the silk industry. The “Jim Thompson House Museum” in Bangkok is a meticulously preserved residence that brims  with luxurious silk fabrics and exquisite ornaments, offering a fascinating insight into the opulent  lifestyle of its former owner.  

In 2009, the farm launched the “Art on Farm” project in collaboration with the Jim Thompson Art  Center, inviting artists to create works that blend art, agriculture, and traditional Isan  architecture.  

The farm is open only 1 month per year (next one will be held from December 5th, 2025 to  January 4th, 2026) It is located on the foothills of Phaya Prab Mountain, 1 hour drive from the  famous Khao Yai National Park (which is 2 hours drive from Bangkok). You can combine both over  3 days / 2 nights.