Top 10 temples of Southeast Asia that are definitely worth seeing

It can take decades to get acquainted with the entire cultural and religious heritage of Southeast Asia - it is so rich. Therefore, we have chosen the most remarkable temples recommended for visiting in the first place.

1. Wat Rong Khun, Thailand

The age of this building is less than 20 years, but its impressive architecture leaves no one indifferent. Most often, Wat Rong Khun is simply called the White Temple. This Buddhist complex is located in the north of Thailand, near the city of Chiang Rai.

The White Temple was designed by Thai millionaire artist Chalermchai Kositpipat and built at his own expense, which makes it even more unlike other temples whose construction is sponsored by the government.

The artist plans to devote the rest of his life to improving the complex, the construction of which began in 1997.

2. Temple of Literature, Vietnam

The Temple of Literature is dedicated to the Chinese philosopher Confucius and is more significant for philosophy than for religion. The complex has five courtyards, and the building itself copies the temple in the city of Qufu, which is the birthplace of Confucius.

But the Vietnamese Temple of Literature is also interesting because 116 steles were erected on its territory in 1484 in honor of 1307 graduates of the three-year royal examinations, which were conducted by the Le dynasty. To date, 82 steles with the names and places of birth of exemplary graduates of ancient times have been preserved.

3. Pura Besakih, Indonesia

Pura Besakih is located on the paradise island of Bali, right on the slope of Mount Agung, and is represented by 23 separate Hindu temples. Every year about 70 religious holidays are celebrated in the temple.

The Besakikh Temple was built more than 1000 years ago, but in 1917 a tragedy happened: the temple was almost completely destroyed by a volcanic eruption, and its reconstruction lasted for many years. In 1963, another volcanic eruption occurred, but, fortunately, the lava flow passed just a few meters from the temple, and it survived.

4. Wat Arun, Thailand

This Buddhist temple is located in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. Its name translates from Thai as "Temple of Dawn". You can visit it if you cross the Chao Phraya River by ferry.

The temple is famous for its 79-meter pagoda decorated with ceramic tiles and colorful porcelain, which begins to glow as soon as the sun rises. To visit this wonderful temple, foreigners will have to pay 50 baht (a little more than 100 rubles).

5. Wat Sieng Thong, Laos

The Buddhist "Temple of the Golden City" is located in the city of Luang Prabang in Laos. The whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sieng Thong was built in 1560, a Tripitaka library was added to the temple in 1880, and a drum tower was added in 1961. The temple building is the embodiment of the classical temple architecture of Luang Prabang, when the roof slopes literally descend to the ground due to its curved shape. The walls of the temple outside are decorated with mosaics depicting various birds and animals, while inside they are decorated with wall paintings. In addition, there is a very rare statue of a reclining Buddha in the temple.

6. Baroque churches, Philippines

Four churches located in Manila, Santa Maria, Paoay and Miagao, were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1993. These churches played an important role in the spread of Christianity in the Philippine Islands. During the reign of Spain, they were not only religious, but also political centers, which also determines their significance for history. And the Church of St. Augustine in Manila, moreover, is the oldest existing church in the Philippines – its age is more than four hundred years.

7. Pha Thatluang, Laos

Pha Thatluang is considered one of the most significant architectural monuments of Laos and acts as a national symbol of the country. It is believed that it was built in the III century BC, but the current form of Pha Thatluang acquired in the XVI century. The temple is the venue for the Big Stupa Festival, which lasts for three days during the full moon of the 12th lunar month (in November). Today, the temple houses the residence of the Lao Buddhist patriarch and, unfortunately, only the courtyard of the complex is accessible to tourists. However, even there is something to see.

8. Batu Cave, Malaysia

Located in the Gombak district, 13 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur, this cave temple system is the most famous Hindu temple outside of India. The caves were formed about 400 million years ago and are now not only an important place for pilgrims, but also one of the most popular attractions in Malaysia.

The most important Temple Cave can be reached by a steep staircase, which has 272 steps. Also, a kind of art gallery has been created in this complex, where many statues are located. In addition to well-equipped caves with deities, there are others that are not ennobled, where it is better not to go without special equipment.

9. Bagan, Myanmar

In this medieval city (or rather, in its surroundings), you can find the remains of more than 2,200 Buddhist temples and pagodas! From the eleventh to the thirteenth centuries, this area was the capital of a Dynastic kingdom, and it was during this time that a large number of temples, monasteries and pagodas were erected. It doesn't make sense to talk about each object separately – everything will get mixed up in your head anyway. Therefore, just enjoy the general panorama and the stunning sunrise views from here.

10. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Angkor Wat is known worldwide as the largest religious temple complex of all time: its area is about 200 square kilometers. From the Khmer language, the name Angkor Wat translates as "City of Temples".

Located five and a half kilometers from the city of Siem Reap, the temple complex is the most popular place among tourists traveling to Cambodia, and is also depicted on the flag and coat of arms of the country. Since Angkor Wat faces West, like most other Khmer temples, historians believe that it acted as a temple for burial.