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 center for ecotourism and culture, combining tradition, sustainability, and Thai hospitality. What stands out most is the abundance of Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides), an epiphytic plant from the bromeliad family that grows in hanging strands, absorbing moisture from the air and used as garden decoration, giving the garden a striking design.
Today, the garden is managed by Porntip Tiensup, a 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 offering innovative experiences to visitors.
“We don’t just preserve the past; we also cultivate the future,” emphasizes Sirimongkolsatian.
Family Roots and Living Memory
According to Sirimongkolsatian, the garden’s history is deeply connected to her mother-in-law’s passion. “The motivation starts with my mother-in-law. She always valued what she inherited, recognized her roots, and wanted to preserve childhood memories. 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,” she said.
Sustainable Gastronomy: From Garden to Table
One way the garden ensures sustainability is by running a restaurant and café on-site. The menu is based on family recipes, making use of the natural resources grown on the premises. “We started with a few family dishes straight from our garden. Of course, we can’t produce everything, so we partner 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 growing demand for exclusive events in natural settings, Poomjai Garden has also become a destination for celebrations. “Many people come to us for weddings. Today, our seating is scattered throughout the space, but next year we will have a new building that can host up to 80 guests for formal ceremonies,” revealed Sirimongkolsatian.
Environmental Education for New Generations
Education is another pillar of the garden. Traditional cooking workshops, art activities, and even playful experiences such as scavenger hunts help transmit sustainability values to children and young people. “We believe new generations need to be protagonists in preservation. That’s why we develop educational programs that combine fun and learning while keeping traditions alive,” Sirimongkolsatian emphasized.
Tradition, Innovation, and National Recognition
Poomjai Garden’s work has earned important recognition, such as the Tree of Siam Award (2018), the geographic indication for lychees (2018), and certification as a MICE event venue in Thailand (2023). These achievements confirm the garden’s role as a model for sustainable and ecocultural tourism in Bangkok.
Exclusive Experiences: From the Garden to the Giant Buddha
Beyond its green paths, Poomjai also offers immersive experiences. Among them is a boat ride along the Thonburi canals to the monumental Giant Buddha at Wat Paknam. The one-hour trip reveals the tranquility of the waters and connects visitors to Thai spirituality.
Thailand’s capital has two main canals: Khlong Bangkok Yai and Khlong Bangkok Noi, located in the Thonburi area, where Poomjai Garden is also situated. These canals are part of the river network that 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 badly needs,” concludes Sirimongkolsatian.
Founded by a local family of gardeners, Poomjai Garden has transformed a century-old family space into an ecocultural experience in Bangkok. In 2025, during the Global Meaningful Travel Summit, held from September 7 to 13 in Bangkok and Krabi, the garden was featured as one of the “Green Bangkok” experiences, where tourism leaders gathered to discuss sustainability, culture, gastronomy, and inclusion.
Report and photo: Mary de Aquino.