Buzz
Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary of Vietnam secures the 9th position in the list of the most beautiful and renowned temple fortresses in Southeast Asia.
Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary – Vietnam
Located in Duy Phú commune, Duy Xuyên district, Quảng Nam province, Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary is a complex of multiple Champa temples spread across a valley approximately 2 km in diameter, surrounded by hills. It was once a site for ceremonies and houses the tombs of the beloved royals of the Cham dynasty. Mỹ Sơn is in close proximity to Đà Nẵng and Hội An.
1. Bagan – Myanmar
Bagan, now a small city in the Mandalay region of Myanmar, was formerly known as Pagan, the capital of the Pagan Kingdom from the 9th to the 13th century in present-day Central Myanmar. Encompassing an area of nearly 70 km2, this region includes hundreds of temples and monasteries. These structures, built from the 11th to the 13th century, mark the inception of new Buddhist traditions in Myanmar.
2. Angkor Temple – Cambodia
Angkor was the majestic capital of the Khmer Empire, flourishing from the 9th to the 15th century. It boasts numerous temples, with Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom in Siem Reap province being the most renowned. Each temple showcases distinct sizes and shapes, reflecting the Khmer architectural style.
3. Ayutthaya Historical Park – Thailand
This park is situated within the ancient city of Ayutthaya in Thailand. Founded by King Ramathibodi I (U-thong) in 1350, it served as Thailand's capital until its destruction by the Burmese army in 1767.
This historical park is located 76 km north of Bangkok, covering an area of 2,556 km2. It encompasses various temples, pagodas, and museums with unique architecture.
4. Yogyakarta – Indonesia
The special region, an Indonesian province on the island of Java, is considered the cultural and traditional art center of Java. Amidst the predominantly Islamic nation, the Borobudur temple stands as a Buddhist monument, once recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
5. Shwedagon – Yangon, Myanmar
Shwedagon Pagoda, also known as the Golden Pagoda, is the most sacred temple in Myanmar. Situated on the Singuttara Hill, it offers a panoramic view of the city of Yangon.
6. Luang Prabang – Laos
Luang Prabang, a city in Laos with a history dating back to 700 AD, has been recognized by UNESCO as a cultural heritage site. It boasts numerous temples, ancient tombs with unique architecture. Two of the most beautiful tombs are Wat Xiengthong and Wat May. The most renowned temple is Wat Visounarath, among many other famous landmarks.
7. Chiang Mai – Thailand
Chiang Mai, a captivating city within the province of Chiang Mai in Thailand, is a haven for numerous temples boasting unique architecture that entices a plethora of tourists. Prominent among these temples are Wat Chiang Mai, Wat Chang Lom, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Suan Dok, and notably, the majestic Doi Suthep Temple.
From the base of Doi Suthep mountain, a 12 km ascent leads to the revered Doi Suthep Temple, regarded as the holiest in Chiang Mai and revered by many Thais.
8. Ubud – Indonesia
Ubud, a charming town on Bali Island in Indonesia, annually welcomes a multitude of global tourists. Prominent landmarks include the Ubud Palace, Pura Desa Ubud temple conducting Hindu rituals, the grand entrance of Pura Marajan Agung, and the uniquely designed Pura Tamna Saraswati temple.
10. Kek Lok Si – Penang, Malaysia
Kek Lok Si Temple, a Buddhist shrine in Air Itam, Penang, Malaysia, stands as the largest temple in Southeast Asia.
***
Source: Travel guide Mytour – As per Zing
MytourJune 28, 2013
