In Bangkok, one of Asia's busiest metropolises, serenity finds a home in a unique space: Poomjai Garden. Founded over 100 years ago by the Tiensup family, the site has become a hub of ecotourism and culture, combining tradition, sustainability, and Thai hospitality. What's most enchanting is the abundance of Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides), an aerial plant in the bromeliad family that grows in hanging strands, absorbing moisture from the air and being used as garden decoration, giving the garden an imposing design.
Today, the garden is managed by Porntip Tiensup, the visionary matriarch, and her daughter-in-law, Krittaya (Pang) Sirimongkolsatian, who spoke exclusively with Travel2Latam about the importance of keeping the family heritage alive while also offering innovative experiences to visitors.
“We not only preserve the past, but also cultivate the future,” emphasizes Sirimongkolsatian.
Family Roots and Living Memory
According to Sirimongkolsatian, the garden's history is deeply connected to his mother-in-law's passion. "The motivation begins with my mother-in-law. She always valued what she inherited, recognized her roots, and wanted to preserve the memories of her childhood. Seeing the changes in the city, she realized what was being lost and decided to maintain this space to tell stories and share nature with new generations," he said.
Sustainable Gastronomy: From Garden to Table
One way to ensure the space's sustainability was by creating a restaurant and café within the garden. The menu was inspired by family recipes, leveraging the natural resources grown on site. "We started with some family dishes, straight from our garden. Of course, we can't produce everything, so we seek partnerships with local farmers to ensure quality and proximity. The concept is farm-to-table, but always with a community touch," explained Sirimongkolsatian.
Weddings and Celebrations: Nature as a Stage
With the growing demand for exclusive events in natural settings, Poomjai Garden has also become a destination for celebrations. "Many people come to us for weddings. Currently, our seating is spread throughout the space, but next year we will have a new building that can accommodate up to 80 guests for formal ceremonies," revealed Sirimongkolsatian.
Environmental education for new generations
Another pillar of the garden is education. Traditional cooking workshops, art, and even recreational activities like scavenger hunts help instill sustainability values in children and young people. "We believe that new generations need to be protagonists in conservation. Therefore, we develop educational programs that combine fun and learning, keeping traditions alive," reinforced Sirimongkolsatian.
Tradition, Innovation, and National Recognition
Poomjai Garden's work has already earned important recognition, such as the Tree of Siam Award (2018), the Geographical Indication for lychees (2018), and certification as a MICE venue in Thailand (2023). These achievements confirm the space's role as a model for sustainable and ecocultural tourism in Bangkok.
Exclusive experiences: from the garden to the Giant Buddha.
Beyond the green paths, Poomjai also offers immersive experiences. Among them, a boat ride through Thonburi's canals to the monumental Giant Buddha at Wat Paknam. The one-hour journey reveals the tranquility of the waters and connects visitors with Thai spirituality.
The capital of Thailand has two canals, the best known being Khlong Bangkok Yai and Khlong Bangkok Noi, located in the Thonburi region, where Poomjai Garden is also located. These canals are part of the river network that has earned Bangkok the nickname "Venice of the East."
A green lung in the heart of Bangkok.
More than just a leisure space, Poomjai Garden is a testament to the harmony between nature, culture, and community. "This place is about sharing: memories, traditions, art, and the greenery the city so desperately needs," concludes Sirimongkolsatian.
Founded by a local family of gardeners, Poomjai Garden transformed a centuries-old family space into an eco-cultural experience in Bangkok. In 2025, during the Global Meaningful Travel Summit, held from September 7th to 13th in Bangkok and Krabi, the garden was featured as one of the "Green Bangkok" experiences, where tourism developers gathered to discuss sustainability, culture, gastronomy, and inclusion.
Report and photo: Mary de Aquino.