Thailand 2005-2006 Home Base and Eldertreks Tour

Suan Pakard Museum

At 9 a.m. we took vans to the Suan Pakard Palace Museums. Seven beautiful traditional teak houses have been restored on a former cabbage patch to hold Thai treasures from the collections of the Prince and the Princess Chumbhot of Nagara Svarga. We trailed through the elevated houses and grounds, especially enjoying the remarkable Thai instruments and musical tradition in one house.

Jim Thompson House

The Jim Thompson compound, also teak and modeled on traditional Thai houses was notable for us as an example of westernized architectural enhancements tastefully done. Remarkable Mr. Thompson, who is remembered for his contribution to the Thai silk industry was also devoted to the preservation of the rich Thai cultural heritage. The mystery of his disappearance in Malaysia in 1967 inspires rich speculation but remains unsolved.

Delivered to the Central World Trade Market for lunch on our own, we sampled some food from the temporary food court and, used the ATM and a photo shop to transfer our digitals to cds before returning to the Royal River to dress for our final dinner. From our delivery by boat to The Sala, an Oriental Hotel Restaurant, to the final traditional dance we enjoyed a splendid banquet evening! Said our good-byes to fellow Elder trekkers in the lobby after we were vanned back to the Royal River Hotel.

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