Wat Lok Moli
Come twice, once in daylight and once after the lights come on, and you'll see two different temples.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 06:00–18:00
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Details
- Address
- 298/1 Manee Nopparat Rd, ตำบล ศรีภูมิ อำเภอ เมืองเชียงใหม่ Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Website
- www.facebook.com/watlokmolee
Full opening hours
Tours that include Wat Lok Moli
Skip-the-line entry, guided visits and day-tour combos around Wat Lok Moli.
Why go, and how to do it well
This is a working temple first and a sight second, which is exactly why it's worth your time. Locals come to pray and leave flowers, there's a sizable community of resident monks, and if you turn up while they're chanting or walking meditation is underway in the main hall, you're generally welcome to join rather than hover at the edge with a camera. The Lanna architecture is the draw for most people, particularly the tiered chedi and the fine detailing on the hall, which repays standing still for a few minutes instead of circling once and leaving.
There's more to do here than look. You can write a wish and hang it on the line, and pull the rope that waters the Buddha image. Reviewers keep saying the same thing about the evening, when the complex is lit and the traffic noise on Manee Nopparat Road stops mattering. Given the gates shut at 18:00, aim for the last hour of the day and you'll catch the change.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026
Stay within reach of Wat Lok Moli
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Tours that include Wat Lok Moli
Skip-the-line entry, guided visits and day-tour combos around Wat Lok Moli.
Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of Wat Lok Moli, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
- 1 minWat RajamonteanTemples & Culture · 90 m · 4.7★
- 1 minKhao Soi Khun YaiRestaurants & Food · 100 m · 4.6★
- 2 minBaan Khun Nine KitchenRestaurants & Food · 120 m · 4.6★
- 2 minWat Khuan KhamaTemples & Culture · 160 m · 4.2★
- 3 minEuphoria Cocktail LoungeNightlife & Bars · 240 m · 4.9★
- 3 minReform Kafé - Vegan Garden RestaurantRestaurants & Food · 250 m · 4.7★
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Lok Moli, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Wat Lok Moli is a well-known temple in Chiang Mai where many locals come to pray and make wishes. It feels more like an active place of worship rather than just a tourist attraction, with a strong spiritual atmosphere. Highlights • A lively religious atmosphere with many people praying and offering flowers • Beautiful traditional Lanna-style architecture • Historic chedi and main hall with intricate details • A peaceful place to slow down and experience local Buddhist culture Best Time to Visit • Evening is highly recommended — when the lights turn on, the temple feels calmer and more atmospheric, and it looks especially beautiful at night Overall Wat Lok Moli is not just a photo stop but a meaningful temple where locals genuinely come to pray. Visiting in the evening adds a special atmosphere and makes the experience even more memorable.
This temple is stunning both by day and night🫶🏻 I walked past during the day to the restaurant I had reserved and marvelled at the temple, which impressed me and made me come back at night. The atmosphere was completely different, offering a new perspective on its beauty. Inside, you can write your wish and hang it up in the line above, and visitors can participate in activities like watering the Buddha image by pulling the rope. It was a fun and engaging experience. This temple is highly recommended for those visiting Chiang Mai, especially since it’s well-known for blessings related to prosperity and wealth❤️
Wat Lok Moli is conveniently located right next to the main road. I visited in the evening, and the temple was beautifully lit up. There are many Buddha images to pay respects to and pray for blessings. The place is quite popular with a steady stream of tourists. There are about 10 parking spots available in front of the temple. While it’s stunning at night with all the lights, the architecture is also impressive during the day. Definitely worth a visit!
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 8,881 reviews on Google.
298/1 Manee Nopparat Rd, ตำบล ศรีภูมิ อำเภอ เมืองเชียงใหม่ Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore temples & culture nearby
All within 5 min walk of Wat Lok Moli.
Wat Rajamontean
A peaceful 15th-century Lanna-style temple in Chiang Mai's old town, known for its ornate décor and imposing Buddha statue.
Wat Khuan Khama
A quiet, horse-themed Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai's Old City, dating to 1492 with striking golden interiors.
Jaeng Hua Lin
Ancient corner fortification marking the northwest edge of Chiang Mai's original 13th-century walled city.
Chang Phueak Gate
Ancient northern gate of Chiang Mai's walled old city, decorated with elephant sculptures and steeped in Lanna history.
Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Go Early Morning
Major temples like Wat Pho and Wat Arun are dramatically less crowded before 9 AM. You'll also avoid the worst of the midday heat and get softer light for photos.
Wat Lok Moli: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Lok Moli worth visiting?
Wat Lok Moli holds a 4.7★ rating from 8,881 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Wat Lok Moli?
Wat Lok Moli is typically open 06:00-18:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Wat Lok Moli?
The best months to visit Chiang Mai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January & Songkran (April) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (smoke & heat).
Where is Wat Lok Moli located?
Wat Lok Moli is at 298/1 Manee Nopparat Rd, ตำบล ศรีภูมิ อำเภอ เมืองเชียงใหม่ Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city center).
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