Friday 17 January 2025
Exploring Wiang Kum Kam Again
Wat Chang Kham
The second site we visited was Wat Chang Kham, formerly known as Wat Kan Thom. It is called Wat Chang Kham today because of the elephant statues at the base of the chedi (“chang” in Thai translates to “elephant”). I did not see the elephant statues among the ruins.
This is a small excavation site, with essentially only one structure uncovered, the foundation and base of a viharn (assembly hall) and a smaller foundation of what might have been a chedi. Here are two photos of the site of the former Wat Chang Kham temple:
Directly next to the Wat Chang Kham ruins is a more modern temple still in use. From what I can tell, the same name is used for both the new temple and the ruins of the ancient temple. Here are two photos.
James the Intrepid Pilgrim 