Thailand Travel Guide -> Mae Hong Son  - > Sightseeing in Mae Hong Son Town

The center of Mae Hong son is an artificial lake called Jong Kum  - well, to be honest, a more adequate word would be "large pond", but it is commonly referred to as a lake. In the early morning mists hand over it and is a very romantic, "mystical" sight. Of course, it is almost as lovely in the afternoons! Start at the post office and  take a stroll around the lake until you arrive at Wat Kong Kum. Like its neighbor, Wat Jong Klam, it is a fine example of the local architecture which is strongly influence by Burmese, or rather, to be more exact, by Shan styles. The square bases of the chedis, the little roofs stacked on top of one another and the lace work like wood carvings all show this influence, as well as the golden crowns on the tops of their chedi's spires. You can walk into the temple areas; if you want to enter the teakwood sermon hall (virharn, it holds an later and Buddha images) don't forget to take off your shoes at the steps. Temples at the Lake The temple next door, Wat Jong Klam, is even more interesting. It holds a collection of statues that is quite famous - they depict a touching story, stations in the life of Vessanthara Cadok, the man in whose next life would become the Buddha. Vessanthara Chadok is a king who is so noble and selfless that he gives away everything to the poor. When he gives away the precious royal white elephant, however, he is dethroned and expelled from his kingdom. Nevertheless, he continues to be noble and generous. When an old man comes along and demands that Vessanthara gives him his children as servants he willingly send them away. Later someone demands that he gives ways his wife, too, but when Vessanthara is about to perform this ultimate sacrifice, the gods intervene an. Vessanthara Chadok is reunited with family and welcomed back to his form realm where he becomes again king. After the visit to the temples you can rest at one of the little lakeside restaurants where you can enjoy the view and take a drink or a meal.   Statues in Wat Jong Klam Afterwards, walk again to the post office and from there do not use the road that runs along the lake, but walk into the little street to the left at the crossing. Follow it until the second intersection. Then turn left again and walk until you see a temple on the left side. This is Wat Phra Non. Its viharn holds a 12 meter long reclining Buddha (the position the Buddha assumed when he died). Explore the wat and watch the temple life, worshippers coming and going, chicken walking around and picking for food, novices sweeping the floors, older monks sitting around or dozing inthe shadow. Few places can be as peaceful and tranquil as a Thai countryside temple.

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