Down on the Jim Thompson farm
Many delightful attractions and activities are awaiting visitors at Jim Thompson Farm in Nakhon Ratchasima, which will open its doors for the annual fun tour from Saturday to Jan 6 next year.
Held under the “Zap Nua Huamuan — Happy Flavors” theme, the “Jim Thompson Farm Tour 2018” will be a sensory experience, celebrating culinary delights of the Northeast. Visitors can learn about Isan culture beyond what keeps locals’ stomachs full as their diets have deep-rooted, multidimensional correlations with local traditions, culture and rural way of life.
Among the attractions on the 600 rai farm will be a multicoloured organic fruit and vegetable orchard, a penta-colour fruit castle, and installations inspired by Isan food culture. The installations include various multicoloured foods, pickled fish jars, mats, ant eggs and, the centrepiece, a gigantic pestle and mortar with a slide and a 360degree high-angle view from the top.
Two impressive art installations titled Breast Stupa Topiary Jim Thompson Farm and The Mats And The Pillows Jim Thompson Farm have been contributed by seasoned artist Pinnaree Sanpitak.
There will also be a host of activities packed with knowledge around Isan eating culture from foraging, cooking and eating through to livelihoods and foods only found in merit-making occasions and traditional festivals.
Another highlight is the Folk Cuisine pavilion, a melting pot of local Isan cuisine where visitors can try the unique flavours of original delicacies from various parts of Isan. Quality products and organic produce will also be available and visitors are invited to join a wicker workshop on crafting local insects using palm leaves. They can contribute their own craft works to an insect nest art installation or take them home as a memento.
Tickets cost 180 baht (130 baht for children) on weekdays and 220 baht (160 baht for children) on weekends. Tickets for senior citizens are 90 baht. Pre-visit tickets at special prices are available from thaiticketmajor.com.