Muang Boran, translated "Ancient City", is a museum park in Thailand located in Samut Prakan, just outside of Bangkok. This is not an amusement park, but instead is a real-life open-air museum where the most famous monuments of the country are replicated.
Thailand: Chiang Rai – The Black House Museum (Baan Dam)
Often referred to as the “Black House Museum”, this building is not really a temple at all. It’s actually more like an art museum and studio. Its construction is a blend of traditional Thai architecture with a contemporary and unorthodox flair.
The Black House Museum or Baan Dam Museum is a complex of 40 buildings, mostly made of dark teak wood, set in large, beautiful gardens. The buildings house a collection of paintings, sculptures, silver and gold items, animal bones and skins. These buildings and artworks were the brainchild of Thai artist Thawan Duchanee, who started the project in 1975 and lived in several of the houses.
The architecture of the Black House is a mix of Lanna, Laotian and Southeast Asian styles, both traditional and modern. There is a great variety in styles; several of the wooden buildings adorned with very intricate carvings are built in the traditional style of Lanna; a few modern structures resemble white igloos.
The main building is a huge, dark teak wood house in the traditional style of the North. Inside are several unusual objects. On a huge table, you can see an enormous snakeskin as well as a very large crocodile. Other things to see include several paintings, antlers, buffalo skulls, large seashells, furniture decorated with buffalo horns and wood carvings. There is also a huge golden Hintha bird, which in Hinduism is the vehicle of Brahma.
At first, I was not quite sure what to make of the place. The architecture was stunning, and I found many of the artworks interesting, but it felt very dark and ominous. Yet as I wandered around the complex the beauty and serene atmosphere of the museum grounds lifted my spirit and an air of calmness came over me. Whilst I was elevated to a higher spiritual plain, Karen was becoming obsessed with the sculptures that were sporting ginormous penises, some of which had sharp and dangerous objects protruding from them, which if used as a sexual aid would feel most uncomfortable.
It was a very interesting and unique museum, and we were both glad that it was included on this tour. I think I could go back and see many things I missed on this first visit. It was definitely one of those places that dazzled the brain and overloaded the senses.
Getting to the Black House (Baan Dam) Museum
The Baan Dam far from the Chiang Rai city center about 10 kilometers. From the city of Chiang Rai, drive up to the airport, pass Chiang Rai Airport and go straight to Singha Brewery Company Limited on the left hand and turn left at Soi 1. Straight ahead about 3 kilometres to reach the Museum. Another way is to take a group or a private tour.
Other places to visit while in Chiang Rai
1. THE WHITE TEMPLE – WAT RONG KHUN
Wat Rong Khun, better known as “the White Temple”, is one of the most recognizable temples in Thailand. was designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat, a famous Thai visual artist. To date, the temple is not finished. Eventually, there will be nine buildings.
2. BLUE TEMPLE – WAT RONG SUEA TEN
The Blue Temple is immediately recognizable for its brilliant shade of rich sapphire. The temple walls, roof, and surrounding statues are all covered in this gorgeous hue, an unusual decorative choice in a country where most temples are made of gold.
3. GOLDEN TRIANGLE
The Golden Triangle is where the Mekong River, the border between Thailand and Laos, meets the Ruak River, the border between Thailand and Myanmar. In the past, the Golden Triangle was the world’s largest source of drug trafficking.
The best time to visit Chiang Rai
Marked by its geographical position in Northern Thailand, the climate in Chiang Rai resonates with the Koppen climate classification of Aw, also referred to as Tropical Wet and Dry or Savanna. The city experiences altering spells of wet and dry spells with a high temperature difference across the year. Monthly average day temperatures range from 27.2°C (81°F) in December to a peak of 34.8°C (94.6°F) in April.
Sharp fluctuations in precipitation levels can be observed over the course of the year. Substantial rainfall initiates in April, peaks during August with 358mm (14.09″) and finally ends around November. The annual dry period begins from December and extends until March, with significantly lower rainfall ranging from 8mm (0.31″) to 28mm (1.1″). These rainfall patterns hence divide the year into clear wet and dry seasons.
The best time to visit Chiang Rai
With regard to preferred weather conditions for visitor comfort, the best time to visit Chiang Rai may be from November to February. During these months, the city experiences a drier climate with an average rainfall between 14mm (0.55″) and 59mm (2.32″). Coupled with moderate temperatures that vary from a high of 27.2°C (81°F) to 30.5°C (86.9°F) and low of 13.5°C (56.3°F) to 21.1°C (70°F), these conditions are ideal for outdoor activities and exploration. With 7 hours of sunshine each day, visitors may fully experience the attractions and natural beauty this region offers.
The worst time to visit Chiang Rai
June to August proves to be the least desirable period to visit Chiang Rai owing to the high humidity levels, ranging from 80% to 84%, and increased rainfall, with an average monthly precipitation of 284mm (11.18″) to 358mm (14.09″). Moreover, temperatures during these months can rise up to 32.1°C (89.8°F). Clearly, the high likelihood of rainfall combined with the heated environment may deter outdoor activities and sightseeing expeditions.
Where to stay in Chiang Rai
1. MID-RANGE – SLEEPY HOUSE CHIANG RAI
Just a 10-minute walk from Clock Tower Chiang Rai and 0.6 miles from Chiang Rai Saturday Night Walking Street, Sleepy House Chiang Rai features accommodations in Chiang Rai, with a garden. The property is around a 16-minute walk from Statue of King Mengrai, 0.9 miles from Wat Pra Sing, and 2.2 miles from Central Plaza. The bed and breakfast provides rooms with air conditioning, free private parking, and free Wifi.
The bed and breakfast offers a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a hair dryer, free toiletries, and shower. For added convenience, the property can provide towels and linens for a supplement. The rooms are equipped with heating facilities.
2. LUXURY – MORA BOUTIQUE HOTEL
The Mora Boutique Hotel is a 4-star hotel located right in the center. It’s a very perfect location within walking distance to all the major attractions in Chiang Rai. For example, the famous Saturday Night Walking Street is just 300 meters from the property, the Hill Tribe Museum can be reached within a 5 minutes’ walk and the nightly Bazar is 7 minutes away.
The hotel ambience is completely relaxed and laid-back, and the beautiful Thai-style design, guarantees a feeling of well-being. So, after an exciting day of sightseeing this hotel is the perfect to unwind. If you like, you can treat yourself a massage in the beautiful spa area or enjoy delicious tea and cake at the free afternoon tea on the roof terrace.
3. BUDGET – BAAN JARU
Baan Jaru is located 1640 feet from Clock Tower. It offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and free public parking. The property is equipped with a tour desk and rental bicycles
The property is 2625 feet from Chiang Rai Saturday Night Walking Street.
More to Explore
