Contrary to what some visitors might think, this place isn't a temple, but rather a collection of 40 black houses (though not all of them are actually black) created by the Thai artist Thawan Duchanee. The interiors are quite unusual, consisting of collections of paintings, sculptures, animal bones, furs, horns, and much more. It's not exactly the most peaceful and tranquil spot in Chiang Rai. The many buffalo skulls and bones of all kinds might disturb or even repel some visitors. Like it or not, the Black Houses are certainly the most famous and most visited attraction in Chiang Rai after the White Temple. If you have the chance, I also recommend a visit to the beautiful Blue Temple, which is almost directly on the way from Chiang Rai to the Black Houses, and why not also Wat Huai Pla Kung, with its large white statue of Guan Im, which is only a few kilometers away.

Open from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission: 80 THB.

The Black House is located a few kilometers outside of Chiang Rai. There is a bus that drops you off on the highway near the Black House, from where it's about a 10-minute walk. However, the best way to reach the house is by car or motorbike taxi, or by haggling with one of the small blue taxis that roam Chiang Rai. There are always some waiting at Bus Station 1 in the city. If you hire a blue taxi or a tuk-tuk, ask about a short tour to the Blue Temple, the Black House, and Wat Huai Pla Kung Temple.

How to get there

How do you get to the Black House (Baan Dam)? The Black House is located a few kilometers outside of Chiang Rai. There is a bus that drops you off on the highway near the Black House. From there, it's about a 10-minute walk. However, the best way to reach the house is by car or motorbike taxi, or by haggling with one of the small blue taxis that operate in Chiang Rai. There are always some waiting at Bus Station 1 in the city. If you hire a blue taxi or a tuk-tuk, ask about a short tour to the Blue Temple, the Black House, and Wat Huai Pla Kung Temple.