Wat Kan Thom Kum Kam Phirom (Wat Kan Thom Kum Kam Phirom) or "Wat Chang Kham" (Elephant-supported Temple) is one of the most important ancient temples in the ancient city of Wiang Kum Kam, Saraphi District, Chiang Mai Province. It is believed to be the first temple commissioned by King Mangrai the Great around 1289 AD, coinciding with the establishment of Wiang Kum Kam as the first capital of the Lanna Kingdom, before the center of administration was later moved to Chiang Mai. Thus, it is a historical site that clearly reflects the beginning of Lanna history.

The highlight of the temple is the Kan Thom Pagoda or Chang Kham Pagoda, a square-shaped pagoda in the early Lanna style influenced by Hariphunchai art. It features a two-tiered, tiered structure, with each side adorned with archways enshrining Buddha images. The base of the pagoda is decorated with half-elephant sculptures emerging from the base all around, which is the origin of the name "Wat Chang Kham." This reflects the Lanna belief that elephants are auspicious animals, symbolizing stability, abundance, and the support of Buddhism. Moreover, the pagoda's design is also influenced by Chedi Ku Kut at Wat Chamadevi, Lamphun Province, which was an important architectural prototype of the Hariphunchai Kingdom that was passed down to early Lanna art.

This temple also holds significance as a former religious and spiritual center for the people of Wiang Kum Kam, and is an important testament to the prosperity of the ancient city before the founding of Chiang Mai. Later, when Wiang Kum Kam regularly suffered from flooding from the Ping River, the city was abandoned and covered by sediment for hundreds of years. The Fine Arts Department has since continuously surveyed, excavated, and restored the historical site, leading to the discovery of numerous pagodas, vihan bases, artifacts, and archaeological evidence, which clearly explain the development of Wiang Kum Kam and the history of the Lanna Kingdom.

Currently, Wat Kan Thom Kum Kam Phirom serves as both a religious site and an important historical site in Chiang Mai Province. It is also the Wiang Kum Kam Tourist Service Center, which has an information counter, ticket sales, and services for tram and horse carriage tours to take visitors to over 20 important ancient sites throughout the ancient city. Tourists therefore often start their journey from this temple before exploring the historical route of Wiang Kum Kam.

In addition to its historical and archaeological value, the temple's atmosphere is peaceful and serene, suitable for paying homage to Buddha images, admiring ancient Lanna architecture, and taking photos of the Chang Kham Pagoda, an important symbol of Wiang Kum Kam. It is also conveniently connected to nearby historical sites such as Wat Chedi Liam Wat I Khang, Wat Nan Chang, and the Wiang Kum Kam Museum, making Wat Kan Thom Kum Kam Phirom an unmissable destination for those interested in Lanna history, art, and civilization.

• From Chiang Mai city center, take the Chiang Mai–Lamphun Road (Rubber Tree Road) or the 700th Anniversary Chiang Mai Celebration Road. Then turn into the Wiang Kum Kam area in Tha Wang Tan Subdistrict, Saraphi District. The distance is approximately 5–7 kilometers, taking about 15–20 minutes. There are clear signposts. You can travel by private car, motorcycle, taxi, public transport, or rental car.

• Start your tour of the ancient city of Wiang Kum Kam from this temple, as it serves as the tourist service center and a boarding point for tram tours.

• You can choose to use tram, horse carriage, or bicycle services to conveniently visit the ancient sites around Wiang Kum Kam.

• Please dress politely, refrain from making loud noises, and help maintain cleanliness, as it is both a religious site and an archaeological site.

• It is recommended to visit between 8:00 AM–10:00 AM or after 4:00 PM to avoid the hot weather and get beautiful photos.

Admission Fee:

• Free entry (additional charges apply for tram, horse carriage, or guided tour services within the ancient city of Wiang Kum Kam)

Opening Hours:

• Open daily, 24 hours (recommended visiting hours are between 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, when the tourist service center and tour services are operational)