Bangkok has a reputation for being a backpacker’s paradise. From its cheap guesthouses, hair braiding, amazing street food, one would think that BKK is just one big party. But as evidenced by the towering malls and the huge park, Bangkok is so much more. It can cater to the trendy, the artistic, and the reserved as much as it does to the adventurous and the extrovert.
Bangkok Art and Culture Centre
If you’re the type who enjoys museums, check out the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre in Siam Square area. This interactive museum houses different kinds of arts – visual arts such as paintings and sculptures, performance arts such as music and dance, and film. Here, you can find works by Thai and international artists. The building itself is a work of art.
Besides shops selling artworks and collectibles, there are also small restaurants and cafés inside the building. My favorite was Gallery Drip Coffee, a quaint third wave coffee shop located on the ground floor of BACC. This café is famous for its pour-over coffees.
BACC is probably not on top of the list of tourist must-sees. It is plain compared to other landmarks in Bangkok. Even as a museum, it errs on the minimalist side. That’s not necessarily a bad thing when you’re just looking for a quiet place to hang out in. I found myself inside this museum a few times during my Bangkok stay. The first time, I checked out the shops and the paintings and other exhibits. But during the second and the third visit, I just went to sit down (there are seats and tables around the complex), write notes, and enjoy my coffee in silence.
BACC is at 939 Rama 1 Road, near the BTS Skytrain National Stadium station. Open from Tuesday – Sunday, 10AM – 10AM. Entrance is free.
Jim Thompson House & Museum
Another must-visit in Siam is the Jim Thompson House & Museum which gives you great insight to the Thai culture.
Jim Thompson was an American architect and an operative with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS, predecessor to the CIA) born in Delaware in 1906. Prior to World War II, he volunteered for service in the US Army, campaigned in Europe and was later sent to Asia. However, the war ended before he saw action. He was sent to Bangkok later and fell in love with Thailand. He left the service, returned to Bangkok and decided to live there permanently.
After World War II, Jim Thompson became known for being a large contributor to the revival of the hand weaving of silk, a long-neglected cottage industry. But he didn’t stop there. The man was so fond of Thai culture and was a talented artist and architect that he had his house assembled from six traditional Thai-style houses.
Entrance fee to the house is THB 150 and it comes with a 30-minute guided tour through the buildings. It was really fascinating how Thompson tried to adhere to authenticity. All the houses were elevated a full story above the ground because that’s the way old Thai houses were built to avoid flooding during the rainy season. Even the furniture were antique. The houses were adorned with Thompson’s art collection, too. The compound is surrounded by gardens and despite the heat, the place was airy. There was also a koi pond, boards showing how silk thread is “harvested”, and displays of silk pool. The museum made it seem like process of making silk is a fun, happy journey for silkworms but when you think about it, it’s rather cruel because these worms are boiled or roasted alive. 🙁 But that’s a story for another day.
Interestingly, Jim Thompson disappeared in 1967 while on a visit to Malaysia. There was no clue as what might have happened to him. However, almost half a century since his disappearance, his legacy – the thriving Thai silk industry and his house – is very much alive and has become a lasting reminder of his love for Thai culture.
Jim Thompson House is at 6 Soi Kasemsan 2, near BTS National Stadium. Open from 9AM – 5PM daily.
Make sure to check out these museums on your next Bangkok trip! 🙂
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