Jong Kham Lake Lake
Freshwater lake in northern Thailand
A northern Thai lake framed by low mountains; visitors come for boat rides, temple views nearby and late-afternoon light over the water.
Jong Kham Lake at a Glance#
Exploring Jong Kham Lake#
Mae Hong Son is ringed by mountains, and at its heart lies a small, tranquil lake called Jong Kham, which reputedly was once a watering hole for elephants that dragged logs from the surrounding forest.
The area around the lake has been prettified, and the view across it from the northern edge, with the spires and rooftops of Wat Jong Klang and Wat Jong Kham reflected in the water, is the iconic image of Mae Hong Son. The lake is small enough to walk right round in 10 to 15 minutes, a pleasant thing to do in the morning or evening. During the high season a night market runs along its banks in front of the temples, where you can tuck into phad thai or a tasty roti.
How to Get to Jong Kham Lake#
Jong Kham Lake is in Mae Hong Son town; from the Mae Hong Son bus terminal/town centre the lake and surrounding temples are a short tuk‑tuk ride or roughly a 10-20 minute walk. If coming from Chiang Mai, expect a road journey of about 240-260 km (around 4-5 hours) by car or regular intercity bus/minivan services to Mae Hong Son; from there local songthaews or tuk‑tuks will take you to the lake.
Best Time to Visit Jong Kham Lake#
Best visited in the cool, dry season (November-February) when skies are clearer and temperatures are comfortable for lakeside walks.
Weather & Climate near Jong Kham Lake#
Jong Kham Lake's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with very hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 14°C to 37°C. Abundant rainfall (1265 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 5 mm and clear sunny skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 28°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
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May
May is hot, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (175 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (175 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (214 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (244 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (199 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.