Explore Southeast Asia's Stunning Golden Temples

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10 Spectacular Golden Temples in Southeast Asia

Throughout the world, there are countless religious buildings adorned with incredibly intricate and stylish architecture, exuding profound artistic essence with towering domes... However, the following magnificent Golden Pagodas can overshadow them all.

Most temples serve as repositories for sacred relics and places of worship for Buddhist devotees. The Shwedagon Golden Pagoda in Myanmar is one such revered temple. It houses 4 sacred treasures for Buddhist followers, including relics associated with Buddha Gautama and Buddha Siddhārtha. It's considered the most sacred temple in Myanmar. Surrounding the temple are golden plates (the base is covered with bricks) crafted by Myanmar artisans using traditional techniques. On the base is the platform accessible only to monks and men. Next is the bell-shaped section of the tower. Above the bell section is the spire section. Above the spire section are the lotus petals. Above the lotus petals is the crown section. The crown section is encrusted with 5448 diamonds and 2317 rubies. At the top is the umbrella-shaped structure with a 76-carat (15g) diamond attached.

Perhaps the most precarious temple is the Kyaiktiyo Golden Rock Pagoda, also known as The Golden Rock, also located in Myanmar. Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is just a small temple, 7.3m high, perched atop a large rock covered with gold leaf applied by pilgrims when they visit the temple. Both the temple and the rock are perched precariously on top of Mount Kyaiktiyo. According to legend, the only thing that can keep it standing is... a hair of the Buddha!