BAAN DAM MUSEUM BLACK HOUSE

About Baan Dam Museum

Baan Dam Museum is commonly known as the Black House and is one of Chiang Rai’s most unusual attractions. This remarkable collection of dark buildings, sculptures and cultural objects was created by the celebrated Thai artist Thawan Duchanee. The Thai word “Baan” means house or home, while “dam” means black.

Despite sometimes being described as Chiang Rai’s “Black Temple”, Baan Dam is not a Buddhist temple but rather a private art museum and architectural complex.

The first building you see when visiting is the museum’s enormous Lanna-style main hall with its dark timber walls, steep rooflines and finely carved wooden details.

The cavernous space of this hall is filled with long wooden tables as well as heavy chairs, animal horns, hides, bones and carved forms that are arranged alongside traditional furniture and artworks.

Some buildings contain collections of furniture, pottery, household objects, sculptures and historic implements. Others can be viewed only from the outside or through windows and open doorways.

This attraction is uniquely different from the usual mix of temples, markets and cultural landmarks.
The deep black buildings contrast with green lawns, tropical plants and a blue sky, making it an outstanding location for photography.
Using a wide angle lens on your camera will be needed to include outside buildings and gardens in one photo.
A short telephoto lens would be ideal to capture all the amazing details of individual carvings, furnitiure, and artwork. Best time to visit Baan Dam Musuem is in the middle of the day with a clear sky and plenty of light to capture details of the dark buildings.

How Long to Spend at Baan Dam Museum

Take time exploring the museum grounds where you will discover pathways that lead through gardens containing a mix of wooden houses, pavilions, decorative walls, unusual furniture, sculptures, shrines and spacious gardens.

It will take you up to 2 hours to explore everything at a relaxed pace.

How To Explore the Museum

If you are uncomfortable with taxidermy or displays involving animal remains then you may need to reconsider visiting the Baan Dam Museum.

Animals play an prominent role throughout the museum. Buffalo horns, antlers, shells, skins, bones and taxidermy are incorporated into furniture, sculptures and decorative arrangements.
 

Best Time to Visit Baan Dam Museum

Visiting earlier in the morning can provide cooler conditions and may help you avoid some of the larger tour groups. As usual, use sun protection and insect repellent, bring drinking water, and wear comfortable shoes for walking around the large garden area.
 

Opening Times and Entry Fees

Baan Dam Museum is generally open daily from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm and an admission fee of 80 Baht (as of 2026) applies. Opening times may change during special events or maintenance work. Its best if you avoid visiting on major Thai holidays.
See below for the interactive map of exact location, and how to get to the Baan Dam Museum in Chiang Rai. This attraction is out of the way and you will need to plan your visit and return journey.

Baan Dam Museum is situated to the north of central Chiang Rai city. Travelling by taxi, tuk-tuk, hired car for the day, or organised tour is usually the easiest option. Tours can be a bit rushed if you are very interested in particular attractions but they do offer a more stress free and air-conditioned experience.

Ensure you organize a return trip back because it may be difficult to locate an available tuk-tuk or taxi. I suggest you install the Grab App on a mobile cell phone using an active simm card for Thailand.

See below for the interactive map and exact location of Baan Dam Museum.