Wat Lok Mo Lee

Rating: 4.2/5 (5 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 06.00–17.00

 

Wat Lok Moli is an ancient temple located just outside the northern section of Chiang Mai’s old city wall, in Si Phum Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District. The temple sits along Maneenopparat Road, close to Chang Phueak Gate and Chang Phueak Junction, making it extremely easy to reach for travelers exploring the moat area and the old city. One of the most striking features of Wat Lok Moli is its large brick chedi, left unplastered to reveal its raw surface, giving the monument a powerful sense of age and authenticity. When sunlight hits the chedi in the early morning or late afternoon, its texture and proportions become especially vivid. The atmosphere within the temple grounds is calm and shaded, suitable for worship, merit-making, or a slow architectural walk.

 

The exact date of Wat Lok Moli’s original construction remains uncertain, as no definitive founding inscription has been found. However, the temple’s name appears in historical references associated with the legend of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (printed in 1971). According to this source, in 1910 during the reign of King Kuena Dhammikarat, the sixth ruler of the Mangrai Dynasty, the king was deeply devoted to Buddhism and held great reverence for Phra Maha Uthumphonbuppha Mahaswami of Martaban (Mottama). King Kuena sent royal envoys to invite the senior monk to help strengthen Buddhism in Lanna. Due to the monk’s advanced age, Phra Ananda Thera and ten other monks were sent instead to Chiang Mai and resided at “Wat Lok.” This account suggests that Wat Lok must have been a sizable and well-prepared monastery, suitable as a sappaya-sthana (a comfortable and appropriate place) for respected visiting monks from abroad, rather than a small or insignificant temple.

 

During the reign of King Mueang Kaeo, Wat Lok Moli gained clearer architectural prominence. In 2070, the king ordered the construction of a viharn, followed by the building of the great chedi in 2088. The temple later became closely connected with important royal events. After King Mueang Ket Klao was executed, his cremated remains were enshrined in the chedi at Wat Lok Moli. Subsequently, in 2121, Queen Visuddhidevi, ruler of Chiang Mai, passed away and her cremation ashes were also enshrined in the same chedi. These events elevate Wat Lok Moli beyond the status of a visually impressive monument, marking it as a site deeply intertwined with the religious, political, and memorial history of the Lanna Kingdom.

 

For visitors interested in architectural details, the chedi of Wat Lok Moli is particularly rewarding to examine layer by layer. The massive structure rises from a square base composed of three stacked tiers, above which sits a lotus base encircled by twin decorative bands. The relic chamber follows a square plan with double recesses on each side, creating depth and rhythm rather than flat surfaces. Niches on each side house Buddha images, while guardian deities in stucco decorate each corner, reinforcing traditional Lanna beliefs in spiritual protection. Above the relic chamber, multiple tiers of lotus moldings support the bell-shaped dome, which is crowned by the finial, metal rings, and spire. Although the temple’s origins date back to the 19th Buddhist century, the architectural style of the chedi itself is generally attributed to the 21st Buddhist century. Walking around the monument reveals how the recessed design and decorative elements bring a sense of movement and vitality to the structure.

 

Getting There Wat Lok Moli is located along the northern moat of Chiang Mai, near Chang Phueak Gate and Chang Phueak Junction. Visitors can easily walk from the Chang Phueak area, or take a red songthaew or ride-hailing service. As the temple is situated within the city center, access is straightforward throughout the day. Visiting in the morning or late afternoon is recommended for cooler temperatures, softer light, and a more relaxed pace for exploring the chedi and surrounding grounds.

 

 

A: It is located north of Chiang Mai’s old city moat on Maneenopparat Road, near Chang Phueak Gate and Chang Phueak Junction.

 

A: The massive Lanna-style brick chedi with recessed sides, Buddha niches, guardian stucco figures, and its distinctive unplastered surface.

 

A: Historical references and temple legends associate the temple with King Kuena’s reign, particularly regarding the residence of visiting monks from Martaban.

 

A: Morning or late afternoon is ideal for cooler weather, fewer visitors, and beautiful light for photography.

 

A: No, entry is free, though donations are welcome.