Wat Chong Klam and Wat Chong Klang are twin Shan Burmese style temple

Wat Chong Kham and Wat Chong Klang is in an area adjacent Adjacent to the Nong Chong Kham, Mae Hong Son city public pond. If you suspect that measure what is Wat Chong Kham or Wat Chong Klang. Which way is simply to stand back turned to Nong Chong Kham, facing the temple. Measured at the left is Wat Chong Kham. The right is Wat Chong Klang.

The twin temples of Wat Jong Klang and Wat Jong Klang situated on the north side of the lake were built in the early 19th century in more of a Burmese style, making them distinct architecturally from other temples in Thailand.

Nong Jong Kham Lake is a public park situated in the center of the city next to Wat Chong Kham and Wat Jong Klang temples. It originated by the nature which has water throughout the year it also is a recreation place for both local people and tourists. Moreover, Nong Jong Kham Lake is still used to be a place to hold the important traditions of the province, too.

The area comes to glow at night when it is illuminated by lights and the daily evening market which sells local food to take away, souvenirs and hill tribe products.

Wat Chong Kham is the oldest temple of Mae Hong Son. It was originally built in 1827 by Tai Yai artisans during the rule of Phraya Singharat Racha, the fist governor of Mae Hong Son. Unfortunately, the original wooden temple buildings were damaged by a fire in 1970 and much of what can be seen today is a reconstruction. There are still some fine examples of workmanship with the metal fretwork that the Tai Yai are renowned for and it remains an attractive temple to stroll around and enjoy the views of the lake and mountains beyond.

Outside, The temple of Chong Kham is enshrined Luang Poh To which imitates from Pra Sri Sa Ga Ya Mu Ni of Suthat temple in Bangkok invented by a skillful Myanmar.

Next to Wat Chong Kham is Wat Chong Klang, that noticeable by white and gold Burmese Shan styled chedi. Inside the Wihan behind the chedi is a replica of the Phra Phuttha Sihing is installed on an altar. Wat Chong Klang is also famous for the glass paintings depicting the Jataka tales which tell the story of the previous lives of the Lord Buddha, on the ways of life of the time. The captions are in Burmese. There also notations that the paintings were by Shan artisans from Mandalay.

Also the temple represents the traditional Shan architecture style with its roof layers. And wooden figurines of human and animals depicted in the legend (pronounced Cha Dok which means one of odd stories of former incarnation of the Buddha) created by Burmese craftsmen and woodcarvings brought over in 1857 from Burma.

In a room behind the paintings is a collection of small wooden ‘dolls’ also bought from Burma.

Getting to Wat Chong Kham and Wat Chong Klang :

Wat Chong Kham and Wat Chong Klang is located on the bank of the swamp Nong Chong Kham that in the center of Mae Hong Son town.

Entracce Fee : Admission is free

Opening times : 6:00 am – 6:00 pm