The perfectly manicured garden of the Nai Lert Park Heritage Home is a sight to behold.
The chilly morning air and luscious greens are refreshing.
I feel energized as I step into one of Bangkok’s best-kept wonders.
A thing of beauty is a joy forever. Its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness; but still will keep a bower quiet for us, and a sleep full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing. – John Keats
Who is Nai Lert?
Nai Lert Phraya Bhakdinoraseth (Lert Sreshthaputra) was an entrepreneur, developer, investor, and philanthropist.
Nai Lert was passionate about preserving the Kingdom of Siam’s culture and traditions.
King Rama VI held Nai Lert in such high esteem that the honor of “Beloved Millionaire” was bestowed upon Phraya Bhakdinoraseth in 1925.
Nai Lert was at the forefront of business and introduced many firsts to Thailand.
The first ice factory was the tallest commercial building in 1927.
He imported motor vehicles from Europe and the US and started the first bus transportation for the city’s capital.
At the end of World War II, Nai Lert passed away. His beloved wife, Khunying Sinn (Thevit), took over his empire with his only daughter and sole heir, Thanpuying Lursakdi Sampatisiri.
Nai Lert made many friends with the ex-pat community and was inspired to import various innovations and later build his own business.
Bangkok’s First Western-Style Park
Nai Lert opened Bangkok’s first Western-style park in his home for the public to enjoy.
He even welcomed Scouts to camp on the ground during the reign of King Rama VI (1910 – 1925)
Today, the well-preserved and maintained Nai Lert Park remains one of Bangkok’s renowned tranquil, verdant venues in the capital’s central business district.
Restoration & Preservation of Nai Lert Park Heritage Home
The picturesque Nai Lert Park Heritage Home marks 100 years of history and tradition.
Three generations of the Nai Lert family lived in the house until 2012.
The Nai Lert family unanimously converted the private residence (24,000sq.m) to heritage property.
After three years of meticulous restoration work, Nai Lert Park Heritage Home returns to its grandeur of marvelous architecture and rich cultural heritage.
They construct the fully restored building from robust and teak wood that has stood for over 100 years.
Teak is an extremely durable wood with a natural mold and rot resistance.
The wood’s original golden honey tone is beautifully restored.
The teak wooden floors, pillars, and low railings along the verandah have a pretty surface sheen.
The House showcases the family’s private collections of antiques and artifacts from World War II until the present.
Experience Dining in Nai Lert Park Heritage Home Bangkok
The Nai Lert family values the importance of dining as food brings people together on many occasions.
“Food brings people together on many levels. It’s the nourishment of the soul and body; it truly loves.” – Giada De Laurentiis
Ma Maison, a culinary institution since 1983, reopens its doors in Nai Lert Park Heritage Home with the family’s original 85-year-old cook. The restaurant proudly serves the Nai Lert family’s home-cooked recipes.
Khunying Sinn (Nai Lert’s beloved wife) created many dishes.
The idea behind this dining experience is to create a dedicated gastronomic community as part of Thai culture and lifestyle.
Nai Lert Park Heritage Home hosted Asean’s famous women bloggers and media representatives to a beautiful luncheon in the House.
The delicious luncheon required attention to detail, which surprised and delighted the ladies in the group.
Captivating Momento Gifts
WS Sirisampanth came up with the green idea of putting the menu and program on the scarf as a keepsake memento, which was approved by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
TAT Director Titiporn Manenate welcomes guests to Nai Lert Park Heritage Home during Women’s Journey Thailand 2017.
A beautiful setting.
The beautiful centerpiece incorporates fresh vegetables, chillis, herbs, and aromatics with flowers.
A uniformed bus conductor issues an old bus ticket memento to guests as a charming keepsake.
The replica of Nai Lert’s old-day bus ticket even has serialized numbers!
Chef Tam Chudaree Debhakam – Top Chef Thailand
Winner of Top Chef Thailand, Chef Tam Chudaree Debhakam, connects to the community that runs generations deep in her family.
Working on the “Anatomy of a Dish” project at Stone Barns Center changed her outlook on food and cooking.
She now advocates a farm-driven cuisine to unite farmers and chefs to cook seasonal, local, and responsibly grown food.
“I believe in celebrating the food that enriches the natural environment.
Farm-driven cuisine will encourage farmers to grow sustainable local seasonal and regional food,” said Chef Tam.
It was a pleasure to dine at Chef Tam’s sit-down luncheon menu.
Her menu reflects and defines her versatility in creatively using fresh ingredients.
Winner of Top Chef Thailand, Chef Tam Chudaree Debhakam, in an interview with Doris Lim
Grilled Tiger prawns, crab meat, salted egg “Nam Phrik,” local seasonal vegetables.
Wild Betel or Chaplu leaves wrapped in Red Grouper, organic heart cabbage, garlic, and Thai anchovy sauce.
Mountain Sticky Rice Cake, toasted rice, ice cream, puffed rice, and caramel nuts.
Luc Citrinot
The day’s program includes a presentation on “Living Heritage” by researcher and author Luc Citrinot, a French national who spoke about the unique mix of influential European structures and buildings in and around Bangkok.
Author Luc Citrinot. Photo: Doris Lim.
SARRAN
A private fashion show by young Thai designer “SARRAN” by Sarran Youkongdee.
His jewelry design combines Thai heritage and traditions with a blend of surrounding Asian cultures.
Exquisite perfumed flowers and blooms are prominently featured in his design.
This is a close-up of the exquisite pair of earrings and a bracelet with intricate flower and blossom motifs. The jewelry design is by Thai designer Sarran Youkongdee.
DIVANA
Divana Massage and Spa presented a session for guests to make their scrubs using natural and organic ingredients.
The ladies enjoyed a pamper session and a head and shoulder massage.
Thailand Launches Woman’s Journey’s Campaign 2017
SmartDory Editor Doris Lim was enjoying a relaxing head massage.
56 famous women celebrities and bloggers from all around the world attended the Women’s Journey Thailand 2017.
To learn more, please visit http://womensjourney.tourismthailand.org/.
Nai Lert Park Heritage Home
Address: 2 2 Witthayu Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Hours:
Sunday: 9:30 AM–4:30 PM
Monday – Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday – Saturday: 9:30 AM–4:30 PM
Google: https://g.co/kgs/VW175cJ
Blog Disclosure: This is a sponsored blog post, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. All opinions expressed are my own. Thank you, Tourism Authority of Thailand, for the media invitation to the Women’s Journey Thailand 2017 Campaign.
