Black house, Chiang Rai

There’s almost no information about this cool place outside of Chiang Rai. Black house, also known as Black Temple or Baan Dam (or Bandaam Museum) is a must see if you are in Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai.

Here’s what WikiTravel says: “Created by Thailand national artist Thawan Duchanee, the grounds include nearly 40 small black houses made of wood, glass, concrete, bricks, or terracotta in various unique styles and design scattered around the temple area. The cluster of houses accommodates Thawan’s collections of paintings, sculptures, animal bones, skins, horns, and silver and gold items from around the world.”

There’s very little information about this place, some say this piece of art is Duchanee’s interpretation of what earthy sins and sufferings Buddha had to go through. Some – that it’s a mockery to contrast all festive Thai temples that are so colourful and shiny.

Some people also said the place made them feel uncomfortable. Especially the vegetarians – there are bones, skins and voodoo looking stuff all over the place.

I, however, was fascinated. I was so excited, curious and impressed by the amount of work and wit that was put to create this space.

It’s believed that all the bones were taken from animals who died their natural death, so that’s reassuring, right?

This is probably one of the very few posts here I can’t write anything purely factual – there is so little information about the Black house.

Wait, here’s the fact. The whole area looks like a whimsical resort for funky group parties, but the artist’s house looks rather modest and is a bit to the side of the museum territory:

Oh, and another fact. I did find the working hours of the place, here you go: open from 9am to 12pm and from 1pm to 5pm every day. See, this post is becoming quite useful already!

Impressive creation, very impressive. It was such a rewarding contrast after the White Temple that hurt our eyes. But that’s a different post, stay tuned, it’s coming next week!

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