Wat Lok Moli
Buddhist temple dating to at least the 1300s & featuring a prominent chedi (stratified tower).
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Lok Moli, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
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.
Wat Lok Moli is considered one of the best examples of Lanna style temple architecture. This is a very popular temple with locals and tourists, and it exudes a very relaxed and nearly casual aura and I love it because it is grounded with some large trees, it has a sizable contingent of resident monks, you are free to join in when they uave monks chanting or on my last visit- a group of people were practicing walking meditation in the main temple (actually being led by a senior monk). Really nice to experience Buddhism in practice (without having to seek it out). It is just north of the old city moat on the northwest. Enjoy!
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❤️
Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
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.
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.
Also Popular in Chiang Mai
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Central Chiangmai
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MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center
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Central Chiangmai Airport
Northern Thailand's largest shopping complex, ideally placed beside Chiang Mai International Airport.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew
Thailand's most sacred Buddhist temple, home to the Emerald Buddha
The Grand Palace
Built in 1782, this ornate royal palace complex now houses a museum & is open to visitors.

Pattaya Walking Street
Colorful red-light area, closed to vehicles nightly & lined with bars, nightclubs, eateries & neon.
Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan
Monumental Buddhist temple right on the river, with an iconic, ornately tiled central prang (spire).
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)