Wat Lok Moli, Buddhist temple in northern Chiang Mai, Thailand
Wat Lok Moli is a Buddhist temple in northern Chiang Mai where a striking brick structure rises in tiers, crowned with a gilded top and surrounded by small Buddha figures at its base. The compound also contains a prayer hall built with dark wooden beams that create a solemn atmosphere inside.
This temple traces its origins to the 14th century, when a local ruler invited ten Buddhist monks from the west to establish Theravada practice in the region. That early foundation established a sacred site that would remain important through the centuries.
The temple holds deep ties to royal lineage, with members of the Mengrai dynasty resting here in a space dedicated to spiritual devotion. This connection gives the place special meaning for those who visit to pay respects.
The temple sits west of the Chang Phuak gate and is within walking distance from the northern side of town. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as you will move between buildings on uneven ground.
Unlike most temples that face eastward, this one follows a north-south orientation that sets it apart from others in the area. This unusual alignment gives the prayer hall its own character among the region's sacred places.
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