Tuesday, 05 July 2011 17:14
10 Must See Temples & Monuments in South East Asia
1. Burma (Myanmar) - Rangoon (Yangon) - Shwedagon Pagoda
At nearly 100 metres high, the Shwedagon Pagoda is visible from all over Rangoon. Though the site dates from the 16th century, the main stupa is painted with over three tonnes of gold and was built in the 18th century. Surrounding the main pagoda are eighty-two other buildings. The best time to visit the site is in the early morning or before the sun goes down because of the heat. This is important to note because you have to remove your shoes before entering the site, so arriving during the peak of the afternoon will make it seem like you're walking on hot stones.
2. Cambodia - near Siem Reap - Temples of Angkor
From the 9th to the 12th century, Khmer Kings established their capitals at Angkor. At one point in history, Angkor was a highly developed civilization. Today, it covers more than 400 square kilometers and still boasts more than 100 temples. You'll need at least a couple of days to see the main attractions. The most impressive sites, in my opinion, are Angkor Wat, the Temple of Bayon and Ta Phrom. Angkor Wat, which was originally designed to be a small replica of the universe, is the largest and most famous site. The central tower stands at 65 meters and represents the mythical Mt. Meru. The Temple of Bayon has over 200 faces staring downwards from 54 towers. Ta Phrom is one of the most photographed sites as a result of the large tree roots that have grown over time to envelope the temple.
3. Cambodia - Phnom Penh - Royal Palace
The enclosed area that houses the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda is by far the most colorful (and clean) area of Phnom Penh. The bright yellows, greens and golds are captivating. Coupled with the cleanliness of this place, you almost feel like you're in a far richer part of the country.
4. Indonesia - near Yogyakarta - Borobodur
Borobodur, located 45 kilometers from Yogyakarta, was built between 750 and 850 AD out of 60,000 cubic meters of lava stone from Mount Merapi. Abandoned shortly after its completion, the site remained hidden until 1815. The temple has a base of approximately 100 x 100 meters and is built to represent a Buddhist vision of the cosmos starting with basic human traits, such as desire, at the base and making its way up to nirvana. As a bonus to this already impressive structure, the view from the top is spectacular!
5. Indonesia - near Yogyakarta - Prambanan
The original complex was built in the ninth century about 50 years after Borobodur. Though the original sites were destroyed some years ago, they were rebuilt in 1937. The largest and most photographed temple, Candi Shiva Mahadeva, stands at 47 meters and boasts magnificent details of the Ramayana story. Many of the sites are now off limits due to damage caused by earthquakes, but the grounds are still worth visiting.
6. Laos - Luang Prabang - Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham
Built in the 18th century, Wat Mai (The New Monastery) is the largest and most impressive temple in Luang Prabang. Located beside the Royal Palace, it served as a temple for the royal family.
7. Laos - Vientiane - Patuxai (Victory Monument)
Patuxai, or the Victory Monument, is relatively new compared to the other sites on the list. The Laotian Arch the Triomphe, which has four arches as opposed to two from its Parisian cousin, is amusingly known to many as the "vertical runway." Built in the 1960s, the monument was constructed using U.S. purchased cement that was supposed to be used to build a new airport. Patuxai is about halfway out of town en route to Pha That Luang.
8. Laos - Vientiane - Pha That Luang (Great Sacred Stupa)
Pha That Luang, the most important monument in Laos, means the Great Sacred Reliquary, or Great Stupa. It is a symbol of both Buddhism and of Laos sovereignty. Construction on the original monument began in 1566 AD, though the version that you currently see was rebuilt in the 20th century after years of damage at the hands of the Burmese and Siamese. The monument is built on a 68 by 69 metre base.
9. Thailand - Bangkok - Wat Phra Kaew
Wat Phra Kaew, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand. It is located in the historic centre of Bangkok on the grounds of the Grand Palace. The Emerald Buddha has done quite a bit of traveling over the years. Discovered in Chiang Rai, it moved to Lampang, then Chieng Mai, brought to Luang Prabang and Vientiane and then finally to Bangkok.
Though it didn't make the top 11, you should also visit Wat Pho, Temple of the (46 meter!) Reclining Buddha, located right around the corner.
10. Thailand - Chiang Mai - Wat Prathat Doi Suthep
This Buddhist temple, located 15 kilometers from Chiang Mai, sits on a mountain called "Doi Suthep". The View from the sacred temple, which is your reward for climbing the 309 steps in sauna-like heat, is very impressive.
