Wat Phuak Hong (??????????); the 'Temple of the Flight of Swans'; is located in the southwest corner of Chiang Mai Old City. A typical small Lan Na temple; it is chiefly notable for the round stupa that stands to the west of the viharn. Built in the 16th century; the rounded structure has seven diminishing tiers encircled by a total of 52 niches for images of the Buddha;some of which survive today; though in a rather damaged condition.

This unusual structure; one of only four round; stepped stupas in northern Thailand; is sometimes described as a pagoda; while some experts suggest it shows signs of influence from neighbouring Yunnan Province in China. An alternative explanation is that it is a round version of the square stepped stupas dating from the 12th century found in nearby Lamphun.

King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai (meaning "new city") in 1296; and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom. Chiang Mai sometimes written as "Chiengmai" or "Chiangmai"; is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand.