There are many famous Buddhist Heritage sites in Southeast Asia that are recognized and protected by UNESCO. Here is a list of the most famous World Heritage Sites in the region.

Angkor, Cambodia

One of the most prominent and famous sites in Asia, Angkor stretches over 40,000 hectares. This was the last remaining stronghold of the Khmer Empire and today the ruins are visited by thousands each year. The most prominent sites are the Bayon Temple with its detailed sculptures, and Angkor Thon together with Angkor Wat.

Borobudur Temple Compounds, Indonesia

Indonesia’s most famous Buddhist temple is built in three layers and dates from the 8th and 9th centuries. Located in Central Java it has a distinctive appearance with a pyramid shaped base with five square terraces, a cone with three circular platforms, and a stupa at the top. There are 72 stupas around the circular platforms and each has a statue of Buddha.

Wat Si Sawai

Ayutthaya, Thailand

Located in Central Thailand are the remains of the Siamese second capital city at Ayutthaya. The site was constructed in 1350 and destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century. Today it is famous for its reliquary towers or prang and giant Buddha statues and stretches over many hectares. It is an hour from Bangkok and an evocative reminder of the past.

Luang Prabang, Laos

The city of Luang Prabang is a fusion of architectural styles and renowned for its Buddhist culture and architecture. It is said that when Buddha visited Luang Prabang he smiled when resting in the area, indicating it would one day be prosperous. Some of the most famous Buddhist architectural structures are at Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Hosian Voravihane but there are literally hundreds of temples in and around the city.

Sukhothai, Thailand

Sukhothai was Siam’s first capital city in the 13th and 14th century and has a wealth of architectural gems. There are many Buddhist features here including huge statues of Buddha. The complex consists of the remains of the Royal palace and 26 temples. The largest one is Wat Mahathat. Wat Si Sawai is another highlight and one of the oldest temples in Sukhothai. The large stupa at Wat Chang Lom is also a must see when visiting Sukhothai.

Pyu Ancient Cities, Myanmar

The ancient cities of Pyu include three sites at Beikthano, Halin and Sri Ksetra and they are located in the Ayeyarwady Basin. They date back over 1000 years when the Pyu kingdom thrived in 200BC and AD900. There are three huge Buddhist stupas here as well as excavated palace citadels and ancient walls.

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At the time of writing, the UNESCO World Heritage list includes 1007 places. Explore all of them via their excellent online map:

For our whole Pinterest gallery click here!

The most sacred and impressive destination for travellers, pilgrims, and residents, Shwedagon Pagoda stands witness to the history and importance of Buddhism in Myanmar (Burma). Almost 110 meters in height, covered with hundreds of gold plates – and the top of stupa coated with diamonds, the structure of the pagoda is truly amazing. The current structure is accepted by historians to originate from the 10th century AD.

The pagoda is located on Singuttara Hill which is west of the Royal Kandawgyi Lake. The pagoda contains important Buddhist relics including hairs of Gautama Buddha himself. There are a lot of legends about this pagoda as well as academic history, and visitors can learn more detail within the pagoda compound and photo gallery on the platform.

There are four entrances with staircases in unique styles. A pair of fantastical lions guard each entrance. Visitors will encounter a lot of vendors selling gold leafs, traditional toys, musical instruments, lucky charms, and many other items at the South and East entrances. The Western entrance is is the only one with an escalator stair and is more quiet. The North entrance gives a shorter way to reach the hill and has a visitor center for foreign tourists. Apart from the West entrance, all three entrances have the option to take an elevator.

In the pagoda compound, there are eight corners representing days from Sunday to Monday, plus Yar Hu which divides Wednesday into two parts. If a person born on a Tuesday visits the pagoda, he or she will donate flowers or water and pray at the corresponding Tuesday corner.

A few unique and astonishing Buddha images can be found on the pagoda complex: Dhama Seidi, Sun & Moon Buddha, Lawka Parla Mal Taw are the most popular places. There are  donation boxes located in every corner of the places for different purposes, for example for renovation, for flowers, electricity, water, etc…

Every travel itinerary of course puts Shwedagon at the top of the  list. Travelers frequently request to visit a second time before they leave the country. But the Shwedagon Pagodia is not only popular with foreign tourists, but also is highly important to local worshipers as well. Most Buddhist people spend a peaceful time with family sitting on the platform while admiring the magnificent pagoda. and Burmese usually walk clockwise around the stupa on the platform. A strict dress retriction is not imposed but basically ladies are not allowed to wear shorts, and all visitors must take off their shoes before the first step of the stairway to the hill.

Normal opening hours are from 4 in the morning till 10pm. But there are two days where the pagoda keeps its doors open 24 hours. One is full moon day of Ta Baung and another one is full moon day of Wah Khaung. If you can get up early, take the chance to witness how Burmese people donate an early breakfast to Buddha with the backdrop of the golden pagoda at sunrise.

The entrance fee for the Shwedagon Pagoda is USD 5 for foreign visitors and free of charge for local visitors.

If you are planning to take public transportation, by bus the maximum cost would be 200 kyats to reach there. Here are the bus lines to take: No. 3 (Yellow), No. 54 and No. 204.

More convenient and private, by Taxi, it might cost 1500 kyats to 4000 kyats for one way depending on the distance. Most hotels and travel agents can arrange a limousine service for around 25000 kyats for two way trips.

The Shwedagon has become one of the best recognized and most loved wonders of the world because of its architecture, sculpture and arts dating back hundreds of years. It reflects an ancient time as well as the enduring peace of Buddhism.

One of the busiest cities in Asia, Bangkok has some beautiful places to see. Some of the most incredible sights in Bangkok are the temples and gardens. Here are some of those highlights…

Wat Pho

One of the major temples in Bangkok, Wat Pho or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha is a prominent Buddhist site. This gigantic Buddha measures 46 metres in length and is close to the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Buddha’s feet are 5 metres in length and covered in mother of pearl depictions from Buddhist taksanas or characteristics. This is a must see sight for visitors to the capital.

Wat Phra Kaew

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is considered the most important religious site in Thailand. Located in the historic part of Bangkok this complex houses a Buddha carved from a single piece of jade and in the meditating position.

It has been carved in the style of the Lanna School which dates from the 15th century. No one is allowed near this Buddha with the exception of the King of Thailand and there is also a special robing ceremony at this temple.

Wang Saen Suk Monastery Garden

Also known as Wang Saen Suk Hell Garden, this is one of the more unusual places in Bangkok… a Buddhist depiction of hell. With statues positioned through the garden, some of which are quite gruesome, it is definitely a remarkable place to visit.

Wat Benchamabophit

Known as the Marble temple, the Wat Benchamabophit complex is a beautiful Buddhist site in the Dusit area of Bangkok. It is one of the most modern temples in Bangkok and has a Sukkothai design with peaked roofs and marble everywhere. Building commenced on Wat Benchamabophit in 1899 under the reign of King Rama V. This complex is also known for its beautiful gardens surrounding the temple.

Wat Bowoniwet

The temple complex at Wat Bowoniwet is renowned for its connections with the Royal Palace. This gives it an auspicious significance amongst the Thai people. It has enjoyed royal connections since 1836 and is the place where King Bhumibol was ordained. Other royal family members have spent time as monks here. Parts of Wat Bowoniwet have Chinese features, especially the ceramics and the gilded windows and tiles make this a beautiful place to visit.

Wat Chanagonkram

Located close to the busy Khao San Road, Wat Chanagonkram is a haven of peace. It dates back to the Ayutthaya period but was restored in the eighteenth century. Its name means, “Victory in War, ” and it was built to commemorate the Battle of Nine Armies. The gilded wood of the ordination hall are very impressive and a Buddha sits inside in the relaxed position. There is a lovely tree lined courtyard here where monks and locals can be seen going about their daily work.

Bangkok has many exquisite temples and gardens which are a joy to discover. Whether it is a small temple or a large complex, take time to see some of the most beautiful Buddhist architecture in Asia.

The Taung Kalat Monastery is located at the summit of Taung Kalat, a volcanic plug, just southwest of Mount Popa, in central Myanmar.

Taung Kalat’s peak is at 737 metres (2,417 ft) and can be reached on a stairway of 777 steps. At the top, a spectacular panoramic view of Bagan awaits the visitors.

For more photos of the monastery, visit our Pinterest album!