Wad Pou Khong

Rating: 4.3/5 (4 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: Approximately 08.00–17.00

 

Wat Phuak Hong is an old temple located within Chiang Mai’s historic Old City, on Samlan Road, opposite Samlan Soi 7, in Phra Sing Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District. Although it is not widely known among general tourists, the temple holds significant historical and architectural value, especially as the site of a rare circular ancient stupa, a form that is extremely uncommon in Chiang Mai.

 

In the past, Samlan Road was an important area of Chiang Mai, situated close to Wat Phra Singh and the political and religious heart of the Old City. The area has long been home to settled communities, giving Wat Phuak Hong a setting deeply connected to the city’s historical continuity. Even today, although the surroundings are urban and residential, the atmosphere within the temple remains calm and contemplative, suitable for worship and historical exploration.

 

The most remarkable feature of Wat Phuak Hong is its ancient circular stupa. In Chiang Mai Province, this architectural form is found at only three temples: Wat Phuak Hong, Wat Ram Poeng, and Wat Chedi Plong. The stupa is constructed of brick and mortar, with a single square base level, above which rise three circular base tiers. The main body of the stupa consists of seven circular tiers stacked from largest to smallest, demonstrating both refined craftsmanship and advanced architectural knowledge of the Lanna period.

 

Surrounding the stupa are a total of 52 Buddha image niches. Beyond their artistic function, these niches reflect Buddhist beliefs and Lanna cosmology, reinforcing the stupa’s role as the spiritual center of the temple and a focal point for devotional practices.

 

According to historical records, the stupa at Wat Phuak Hong was constructed in 2030 BE during the reign of King Yot Chiang Rai, a period of political stability and cultural prosperity in the Lanna Kingdom. It was later restored in 2364 BE during the reign of King Chaiyachettha Thirat, indicating the temple’s continued importance across different historical eras.

 

In addition to its architectural significance, Wat Phuak Hong is known for preserving ancient Buddhist manuscripts related to spirit beliefs and “Mul Satsana,” the foundational religious concepts of Lanna Buddhism. These manuscripts reveal how Buddhism in northern Thailand developed alongside indigenous beliefs, ancestor worship, and spiritual traditions rooted in the natural world.

 

Thanks to its location within the Old City, Wat Phuak Hong is easy to reach and can be conveniently combined with visits to nearby temples and historical landmarks, particularly around the Wat Phra Singh area and the southern section of Chiang Mai’s moat.

 

 

A: It is located on Samlan Road in Phra Sing Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District, within Chiang Mai’s Old City and close to Wat Phra Singh.

 

A: It is a rare circular ancient stupa, found at only three temples in Chiang Mai, featuring seven stacked circular tiers and 52 surrounding Buddha image niches.

 

A: It was built in 2030 BE during the reign of King Yot Chiang Rai.

 

A: The temple preserves ancient Buddhist manuscripts related to spirit beliefs and Mul Satsana, reflecting the unique integration of Buddhism and indigenous beliefs in Lanna culture.

 

A: It is ideal for cultural and historical exploration, especially for visitors interested in Lanna history, architecture, and traditional beliefs within Chiang Mai’s Old City.