Wat Fa Ham

The Wat Fa Ham is a beautiful temple found on the eastern banks of the Maenam Ping river in Chiang Mai.

Although small, this temple is one of the most intricately adorned, and features numerous interesting little details.

Wat Fa Ham Temple, Opening Hours, Address & Dress Attire, Chiang Mai

The temple only takes a few minutes to explore. Besides that, there are a handful of shops selling colourful potted plants and flowers. Near the temple, there is a large public boat dock which provides canoe, kayak, and boat rentals for sightseeing while on the Maenam Ping river. It’s a terrific way to see Chiang Mai through another perspective – not to mention the fact that it’s extremely relaxing.

Try to visit Wat Fa Ham and the Maenam Ping river during the night of the 12^th lunar month, on the full moon by the end of the rainy season. You will be treated to an authentic experience as the local community gathers along the river’s banks as a way of paying homage to the river and its spirits. They perform rituals and ceremonies as a symbol of gratitude to the Goddess of Water, known as Phra Mae Khongkha – the Thai version of Ganga, or the Hindu goddess of India’s holy Ganges river. The ceremonies are also done to ask for forgiveness for any pollution that has been added to the water over the last year.

Loy Krathong, or the festival of lights, is another fantastic time to visit this area. The locals follow an ancient tradition of releasing sculptures made out of banana stems onto the river banks together with candles that light up the river and the city. Sky lanterns are also released up into the sky.

The temple is conveniently located near some of the city’s best restaurants, including two notable khaoi soi establishments. Before or after your visit to the temple, eating at one of these restaurants is highly recommended so you can taste Chiang Mai’s most popular curry noodle dish.