Although Wat Lok Molee may not be one of the best known, but it is one of the oldest temples in Chiang Mai. It is located a little away from the busy tourist area, maybe that is the reason that it remains unnoticed by the tourists. Wat Lok Molle is popular for its magnificent Cheddi which is one of the largest in the city. The exact date of the temple’s foundation is not known but it is believed that it dates back to the fourteenth century and recently it has received a facelift. Wat Lok Molee is really a gem and worthy to be included in any tour of temples in Chiang Mai.
Wat Lok Molee in Chiang Mai
Posted on: 19th February 2016
History of Wat Lok Molee
The entrance of the temple is guarded by two elephants (not real) which leads to a staircase with two naga sculptures on each side. Wat Lok Molee was a royal temple and it was maintained by the kings of Mengrai dynasty. The ashes of several kings of the Mengrai dynasty are buried under the Cheddi. The Cheddi of Wat Lok Molee was constructed in 1527 and it have been restored several times. After the invasion of Burmese who ruled for over two centuries, the temple lost its importance and it was left deserted. For a long period of time, Wat Lok Molee remained in poor conditioned and it was restored in the second half of the twentieth century.
Practical Information
Wat Lok Molee is located on Thanon Manee Nopparat Soi 2, just near the old walled city. It is less than a half kilometers from Chang Puak gate. The temple can be visited on any day of the week between 6 am and 5 pm. There is no admission fees. If you want to move freely and explore all the attraction comfortably, book a car rental in Chiang Mai and make most out your journey.