The Black Temple of Chiang Rai

Everybody knows about the White Temple in Chiang Rai – but nobody seems to know the Black Temple. Here are a few pictures for you. And if you are the next time in Chiang Rai – visit the Black Temple – it is even more interesting that the White Temple. The Black Temple is not only one big building – it is many smaller ones behind and around the main building. Mostly dark wood buildings but a few are white and made from concrete. Each one decorated with lots of sculls and bones from different animals. Lots of skin and fur as well. Quite interesting and a stark contrast from the White Temple. And best of all – it is so much quieter here – you do not have to fight with the hordes – a nice place to spend a few hours if you happen to have the time.

Wikitravel has this to say: 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. Several of the houses exhibit Balinese and Burmese architecture and art dating back to the Ayutthaya Period. The artist uses bones as a source of inspiration to paint. It is definitely not a place for animal lovers. There are also various kinds of baskets and drums from many regions and countries on display at Baandam.

The roof construction in the main Temple


The main hall – a few very long tables with snake skin on them and big chairs on both ends




One of the many smaller buildings






One of the white concrete buildings


Interesting sleeping room


Lots of shells and a gator skin in a kind of meeting room?


Another one of those


This looks like the hall where the king is sitting and have his people report to him


Nice black swans


Looks like a elephant