Wat Puak Hong

The Wat Puak Hong is an ancient temple located on Samlan Soi 7 in Chiang Mai.

The temple’s origins are unknown, but it is assumed that it was erected sometime during the 16^th or 17^th century, with its name meaning ‘Temple of the Flight of Swans’.

Wat Puak Hong, Thai Temple, Opening Hours, Address, Attire, Chiang Mai

This small temple is found within the old walled city of Chiang Mai; featuring all the classic elements of a traditional Buddhist temple, including a viharn, chedi, ubosot, and a bell tower. However, the primary attraction here is the unique multi-tiered round chedi, which has been created in a design that is rather unusual for northern Thailand. A pair of chinthe or mythological lions are found in the entrance to the temple, a common feature found in Burmese temples.

Its unique chedi is assumed to have been adapted from the design of the stepped Mon chedi found at the Wat Ku Kut located in Lamphun. Another guess is that it could have been created adding influences of Yunnanese architecture.

It is situated on a round base which has several golden vases known as Kalasa, which symbolizes the sun. Kalasas are usually found atop Hindu temples. There are also several round tiers in diminishing size on the chedi. Each tier houses a niche, which enshrines a total of 52 beautiful Buddha images. Ornate stucco decors adorn the arches on top of the niches.

Other notable features of the temple are the attractive viharn, and the stunning gold and blue flower motif on the background of the ordination hall (ubosot).

Wat Puak Hong is located in the south-western corner of Chiang Mai’s old walled city. If you are already within the old walled town, getting here is easy on foot because the distances between each of the temples is not very large. Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle or songthaew to get here.

The temple is open every day during daylight, and admission is free of charge.