Wat Lok Molee (or Moli) is known for its large brick chedi, built in 1527 by King Chettharat. In front of it stands a magnificently decorated wooden viharn dating from 1545. The ashes of several members of the Meng Rai dynasty, the founding family of Chiang Mai, are interred in this temple. Wat Lok Molee is oriented north-south, whereas Buddhist temples are generally oriented more towards the east.

Free admission. Open from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Depending on your location in Chiang Mai, you can easily reach Wat Lok Molee, situated on the edge of Chiang Mai's central square, on foot. The Chiang Mai Smart R3 bus stops directly in front of the temple. Alternatively, as is common in Chiang Mai, you can use the red taxis that roam the city, or tuk-tuks (which are more expensive). Another great way to explore Chiang Mai is to rent a bicycle for the day.

Wat Lok Molee is a temple, and when visiting a temple in Thailand there are some rules to follow: appropriate clothing (knees and shoulders should be covered), take off your shoes when entering the building, be quiet, do not hug or kiss, do not point your feet at the Buddha statue, do not smoke.

How to get there

How do you get to Wat Lok Molee? Depending on where you are in Chiang Mai, you can easily reach Wat Lok Molee on foot. It's located just outside Chiang Mai's central square. The Chiang Mai Smart R3 bus stops right in front of the temple. Alternatively, as is common in Chiang Mai, you can take the red taxis that travel around the city, or tuk-tuks (which are more expensive). Another great way to explore Chiang Mai is to rent a bicycle for the day.