Wat Jong Kham & Jong Klang
Two Shan-style temples on the lake in the middle of Mae Hong Son town, white stupas reflected in the water.
Wat Jong Kham and Wat Jong Klang sit side by side on the lake in the middle of Mae Hong Son town. They are free, take 45 minutes, and the Shan-style chedis reflected in the water at dusk are the town's signature image.
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Two Shan-style temples on the lake in the middle of Mae Hong Son town, white stupas reflected in the water.
The two temples were built in the late 19th century by Shan artisans and are the best examples of Shan religious architecture in Thailand. Wat Jong Klang holds a collection of over 30 wooden and lacquer Buddha images donated by Burmese traders, plus glass paintings of the Jataka stories. The lake between them is a reservoir built in the 1800s by a Shan ruler.
It is the image of Mae Hong Son — Burmese-influenced architecture you will not see elsewhere in Thailand, best at dusk when the lanterns come on and the mist settles on the lake.
What you’ll actually see
- The Shan-style chedis and their reflection in Nong Jong Kham lake at dusk
- The wooden and lacquer Buddha collection at Wat Jong Klang
- The glass Jataka paintings on the temple walls, imported from Burma
- The lake walk at 6pm, when the temples are lit and the night market starts
How to visit it well
- Come at sunset for the reflection and the cooler air.
- The morning market next door starts at 6am and is worth the alarm.
- Dress code applies; it is an active temple.
Mistakes worth avoiding
- Coming at midday; the temples face east and the light is flat
- Skipping Wat Jong Klang's museum, which is the reason to come inside
- Wearing shorts — both temples enforce the dress code
Is it worth it?
Worth 45 minutes and the most beautiful thing in Mae Hong Son. Come at dusk when the lights come on and the lake reflects the chedis. Combine it with the night market that runs along the lake shore from 5pm.
Common questions
Yes, entry to both temples is free. Wat Jong Klang's Buddha collection accepts donations.
Dusk, around 6pm, when the temples are lit and reflected in the lake, and the night market is setting up.
Along the lake shore next to the temples, from about 5pm to 9pm. It is small and mostly food.
Yes, they are 50 metres apart on opposite sides of the lake. Both are within five minutes of the town centre.
Tours that include Wat Jong Kham & Jong Klang
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Last updated: October 2026 · Prices and hours checked by Kanya Pongsak