Wat Lok Moli

"Wat Lok Moli stands as a testament to Chiang Mai’s historical Buddhist heritage, marked by its unique architectural elements and deep ties to the Mengrai dynasty. Although the exact date of its founding remains unknown, records first mention the temple in 1367, when King Kuena, the sixth ruler of the Mangrai dynasty, invited ten Burmese monks to share Theravada Buddhist teachings with the community. These monks made their residence at Wat Lok Moli, establishing it as a vital center for Buddhist learning. Significant additions to the temple came in the 16th century. In 1527, King Ket commissioned the construction of the large chedi, while in 1545, he oversaw the addition of the viharn, or assembly hall. The temple became a royal family mausoleum for the Mengrai dynasty, housing the ashes of several dynasty members, including Queen Wisutthithewi. This ongoing royal connection meant that the family took an active role in maintaining the temple until the dynasty’s decline. The architecture of Wat Lok Moli is particularly notable for its distinctive brick chedi, which remains largely unstuccoed, giving it a raw, authentic character not often found in other temples in the region. Finely sculpted Nāga serpent figures and a detailed wooden façade add to its aesthetic appeal. Wat Lok Moli is also one of the few temples aligned on a north-south axis, a contrast to the usual eastward orientation toward the rising sun seen in many Buddhist temples. This alignment and its unique architectural choices set Wat Lok Moli apart as a fascinating site with both historical and spiritual significance."

"Wat Lok Moli is a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. The temple is situated on the north side of the north moat surrounding the old part of the city, about 400 meters west of the Chang Phuak city gate. It is not known when the temple was built but it is first mentioned in a charter in 1367 CE. Entrance fee: FREE Hours: 6AM-7PM"

"I recommend doing a walking tour of all the temples from the hotel. But this was my absolute favorite temple and recommend making it the one you go to. We were lucky enough to hear monk chanting/prayer while we were there. It was amazing to have that experience. "