Jong Kham Lake & Wat Chong Kham
หนองจองคำ / วัดจองคำ
A small lake in central Mae Hong Son with two white-and-gold Shan-style temples on its shore; morning mist and reflections make it the town's most classic scene.
Nong Jong Kham is a small lake in the centre of Mae Hong Son. On its southern shore stand two Shan-style temples: Wat Chong Kham, founded in 1827, and Wat Chong Klang. Their multi-tiered pointed roofs, white walls and gold openwork metal decorations are typical of Shan State architecture in Myanmar. Wat Chong Klang houses wooden puppets and glass paintings brought from Myanmar that depict Jataka stories. Mornings often bring mist over the lake and clear temple reflections, and after dark, when the temples are lit, a stroll along the lakeshore is pleasant. Around November, at the end of Buddhist Lent (Ok Phansa), Mae Hong Son holds the traditional Shan 'Jong Para' festival, when castle-shaped lanterns are set out along the lake. The lakeside has a small night market and cafés where you can try Shan specialties such as fermented soybean, sour pork and rice noodles. Admission is free. Getting there: 10–15 minutes' walk from the bus station or airport. Note: shoes must be removed when entering temples, and dress should be modest.
Opening hours
Temple approx. 6:00–18:00; lakeside open all day
Nearby sights
- Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu
- Su Tong Pae Bamboo Bridge
- Tham Pla (Fish Cave)
- Pha Suea Waterfall
- Pang Ung Reservoir
- Ban Rak Thai
- Ban Jabo
- Kiew Lom Viewpoint, Pang Mapha