Black House Museum (Baan Dam) – Chiang Rai’s Dark Art Masterpiece

If Chiang Rai’s White Temple is light and heavenly, then Baan Dam (Black House Museum) is its bold, mysterious counterpart. Designed by the late Thai artist Thawan Duchanee, this sprawling complex is part museum, part art installation—exploring death, nature, and spirituality through dark wood architecture, animal bones, and striking sculptures. 🖤 Expect to walk through over 40 buildings filled with surreal furniture, tribal art, taxidermy, and powerful symbolism. It’s a raw, immersive experience unlike anything else in Thailand. 🎟️ Entry fee: 80 THB 🕘 Opening hours: 9:00–17:00 📍 About 10 km north of Chiang Rai city center (30 mins by taxi or scooter) 🎨 What to see: – The main black teak house, shaped like a Lanna temple – Interiors decorated with buffalo horns, crocodile skins, and antique tools – Smaller structures in the garden, each with a different message – Art that invites questions rather than answers 📸 Photo tip: – Wide-angle shots work best for the dramatic architecture – Try black-and-white edits for an artistic look 💡 Local tip: Combine your visit with a trip to the Blue Temple and White Temple for a full day of Chiang Rai’s iconic art scene.