Jim Thompson’s Rice Castle. When the rice is golden and ready to harvest, our rice growers remove the straw so that only the ears of rice are left. Skilled craft workers take the straw and golden ears of rice and weave them into beautiful patterns until, as if by magic, it becomes a rice castle. Throughout the opening period of the farm tour, visitors can see how the caste is created, Standing in front of a tranquil pond with lotus flowers, the Rice Castle is a magnificent sight.