31 Travel Bloggers Share Their Favorite Asian Temples

The Angkor Wat is among the most popular tourist attractions in the world. Located in the outskirts of Siem Reap in Cambodia, this historic temple is a symbol of pride and respect for the Cambodian people. I personally was in awe of the sheer magnificence and the intricate detailing on the walls of this gigantic structure. Each and every stone depicts a chapter from the history of the kingdom of Cambodia. Shades of cultures from Hinduism and Buddhism can be seen in every nook and corner of this beautiful temple. Look beyond the awe-inspiring sunrise/sunsets in the backdrop and you will find yourself immersed in the tales of the bygone eras from the history of Cambodia. This is definitely the most beautiful religious and architectural monument I have ever seen.

Kenchogsum Lhakhang, Bhutan | Swati of Lost in Maps

Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia | Stefan & Sebastien of Nomadic Boys

 Golden Temple, India | Christabel & Shaine of Two Nomads One World

Just 53 miles from Mysore, Namdroling Monastery is located in the town of Bylakuppe in the southern state of Karnataka, India. Bylakuppe is a Tibetan refugee resettlement area provided by the Indian government to Tibetans fleeing instability. The monastery is home to over 5,000 monks and nuns, as well as a college and hospital. The largest temple on the monastery grounds is the Golden temple or Padmasambhava Buddhist Vihara.  As soon as you enter the grounds, you’re made aware of the need to be silent. If you’ve ever been to India, you know the hustle and bustle can get overwhelming. It takes a while to get used to the constant noise from traffic (never heard so many horns beep before in my life), street vendors, and dogs barking all the time. A couple of hours meditating in silence & serenity was pure bliss!

Wat Tham Ta Pan, Thailand | Chris of One Weird Globe

Tanah Lot, Indonesia | Carole of Travels with Carole

More than the temple history at Tanah Lot, which was vaguely relayed to me, I enjoyed the here and now.   This seaside temple is spread out in a beautiful setting, making exploring pleasurable.  Visitors were wild about taking selfies up on a bluff overlooking another temple area below, and two visitors were even busy getting married in full formal dress.  But perhaps the experience I enjoyed most was watching the sunset while sipping fresh coconut water through a straw in a cliff-side cafe overlooking the temple.

Songzalin Monastery, China | Anita of The Sane Travel

Songzanlin Monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan province, China. It is located near Shangri-La County, at the foot of Foping Mountain. Construction of the monastery began in 1679 and was completed two years later. The monastery looks like a group of ancient castles composed of two lamaseries: Zhacang and Jikang. The monastery is full of treasures including golden figures of Buddha josses, golden lamps, silver censers. It is also called the little Potala Palace, because of the traditional style. I love it because of very special feeling and mysterious atmosphere.

Wat Tham Pha Plong, Thailand | Andrea of Andi on Adventure

On a recent scooter trip on the Mae Hong Son loop, we stumbled upon a secret gem of a temple near Chiang Dao, Thailand, a small village famous for the Chiang Dao caves. We had extra time to explore, so we drove to the end of the road past the caves and stumbled upon Wat Tham Pha Plong temple. Buddhist meditations lined the pathway, so climbing the 500 steps to the temple turned into a walking meditation and eased the pain! When we finally arrived we found something amazing for Thailand temples – no tourists! We were alone except for a couple of monks, and the view was breathtaking! Our timing was perfect too, as we witnessed the 3pm ringing of the gong. Tranquil, peaceful, quiet, meditative, mesmerizing. A secret temple!

Ulu Watu, Indonesia | Claudia of My Adventures Across the World

I haven’t seen much of Asia yet, and Indonesia was the first country I have ever visited in this incredible continent. My favorite temple so far is Ulu Watu, in Bali. The temple itself is beautiful, spread over some incredible cliffs over the ocean. What I like the about it is the presence of monkeys who, although cheeky (they tried to steal my sunglasses!) make the overall experience funny, and the Ramayana ballet show which is – despite geared to tourists – incredibly interactive and a lot of fun to watch. Yet, what I truly enjoyed there has been the sunset over the sea. Simply spectacular!

Hagia Sophia, Turkey | Izzy of The Next Somewhere

The three masterminds behind the Hagia Sophia were no ordinary architects: they were scholars of their time — a scientist, a mathematician, and a physicist. The name of the church-turned-mosque comes from Greek, meaning “Holy Wisdom“. Upon entering this monument, you are given an education about human history. When the Turks turned this Christian house of worship into one of Islam’s holiest sites, they never torn down the beautiful Byzantine art that were etched on the cathedral’s domes. Instead, they erected their own Islamic artwork beside each existing decoration and today, this temple shows two faiths coexisting as one beautiful entity. Here, no one is denied entry. It is a temple that welcomes all, a lesson I believe the world-at-large needs a better understanding of.

What Arun, Thailand | Hannah & Adam of Getting Stamped

With so many temples in Asia it’s hard to pick just one, but if I had to it would be Wat Arun. Wat Arun is situated on the Chaio Phraya River bank, and the most stunning temple in Bangkok.I have been to Wat Arun at least 5 times, and I keep coming back as it is my favorite temple to visit while spending 3 days in Bangkok. I love going to Wat Arun for several reasons: it’s not nearly as busy as the Grand Palace, it’s only 100 Baht entrance which is 1/5th of the price of the Grand Palace (500 Baht). I definitely recommend coming down to the river to watch the sunset over Wat Arun. Wat Arun is directly across the river from Wat Pho, another Bangkok favorite of mine. Come right before they close as the temperatures will be in your favor and there won’t be nearly as many tourists. The temple is open 8:30-5:30 daily.

White Temple, Thailand | Jennifer of Moi, Mes Souliers

The White Temple in Thailand’s northern Chiang Rai is simply bizarre, yet unbelievably fascinating. I can’t remember how many times I said wow! Contrary to all the other South-East Asian temples, it’s all white and doesn’t respect any traditional architectural rules. Here, everything’s possible, even a Spider Man figure painted on the inside walls (and he’s not alone)! I can guarantee you’ll have your camera going on and on again while you stare puzzled at this thai icon.

Jokhang Temple, Tibet | Jenny of Jenny Far Away

The Jokhang Temple in Lhasa is the holiest place in all of Tibet, and people come from all over the country to worship here. The atmosphere is powerful; an assault on the senses and the soul like nowhere else. Inside is dark and shadowy, flickering candlelight illuminating the chapels lining the walls. The pilgrims enter all of these with hands clutching their prayer beads, dripping yak butter into the candles and bowing to the deities. A steady hum fills the room; the sound of hundreds of pilgrims reciting different mantras. The air is heavily scented with incense and yak butter, mixed with the unique smells of an ancient wooden building as well as those of the throngs of humans passing through. Visiting the Jokhang means experiencing a depth of spirituality and a dedication to faith that both far surpass anything I have a frame of reference for. I am slightly outside of my comfort zone, observing but not participating, but no one seems to mind or even acknowledge my presence. So I sit and watch quietly, soaking up the atmosphere and witnessing the incredible devotion of the pilgrims. It’s a place I wish I could visit over and over again.

Grand Palace, Thailand | Malerie of Getaway Mavens

Built in 1782, this former residence of the King (think King of Siam. Think Yule Brenner), and its collection of Royal Temples is what Disneyland would look like if Walt Disney had been Buddhist. I love it because it’s a fantasia of gilded, sparkling whimsical structures; each step and turn offers another breathtaking revelation. Exploring this Temple complex with college-age kids who love to travel is incredibly fun, as you might tell from this photo.

Boudhanath Stupa, Nepal | Lance of Travel Addicts

My favorite temple in Asia is the Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal.  My time in Nepal was troubled – I lived there during the Maoist troubles and the early days of the civil war.  Despite the problems, I would head the 2km to the stupa for my morning incantations.  I would walk around the stupa and spin the prayer wheels.  I’d occasionally be approached by tourists and asked to explain what was happening.  Now, nearly two decades later, my thoughts often return to the Himalayas and the Boudhanath Stupa.

Forbidden Purple City, Vietnam | Katie of Feathery Travels

Surviving 200 years of termite and typhoon damage, before the majority of Huế was blasted to rubble in the America/Vietnam war, it’s somewhat of a miracle that there’s anything left standing of the Forbidden Purple City. Far from Thailand’s lustrous gold dragons and shiny new paintwork, I was attracted to the delicate decay that had crept over this abandoned palace complex. The remaining architecture is chipped and faded, leaving only glimpses of what once was the most prominent example of imperial Chinese influence in the region. Barely able to imagine the original splendour of the various buildings and temples, I enjoyed trying to decipher the fantastical imagery that adorns many of their most colourful walls. In the wake of decades in turmoil, I found the atmosphere calm and reflective. Compared to some of Vietnam’s more popular attractions, the Forbidden Purple City had an air of honesty. I was thankful for the chance to loose myself in the past and welcomed its sanctuary after the bustle of big cities and tourist traps elsewhere.

Kek Lok Si, Malaysia | Karolina & Patryk of KarolinaPatryk

Kek Lok Si  is a temple complex in Penang. For us, it is not only the best temple in Malaysia but also in the whole South East Asia! Kek Lok Si is situated on the hill, so you have to climb up to get to the top. There is nothing special about this temple when you look at it from the outside. But when you get inside, you will suddenly feel relaxed and you’d never want to leave. You really can feel God’s power in Kek Lok Si temple. Being there was one of the best experiences we had in Malaysia. It was very mystical.

Wat Phnom, Cambodia | Paige of For the Love of Wanderlust

Wat Phnom wasn’t the biggest or grandest temple I saw throughout my time in Southeast Asia, but it made one of the biggest impacts on me. I stood in awe watching all of the worship going on around me. Musicians were playing music on drums & xylophones, devotees were lighting incense & praying and I watched as a wide array of offerings were placed ranging from flowers to food to birds. I remember everything in my body feeling electric as each sense was intrigued, yet within that electricity was a sense of calm. It felt, all at once, so foreign and so natural to me.

Holy Spring Temple, Indonesia | Rain of Words and Wanderlust

Borobudur, Indonesia | Mihaela of World Travel Bug

Borobudur is one of the most special temples I have ever seen. It left such an impression on me that I went there twice within 24 hours: at sunset and sunrise. luckily I decide to spent the night at the only hotel on site, inside the Borobudur park. The sunset was in fact a stormy one which gave a completely surreal feel to the place and the sunrise….wow….the sunrise was simply magical! Borobudur is the largest buddhist temple in the world and it is both a shrine and a pilgrimage place. There is no room inside the temple so you cannot go inside. One can only watch from outside, by walking around on the many stories . At the top story of the temple there are 72 stupas, each of them containing a statue of Buddha. What is really interesting is that most of these statues have no head left. There are 2 open stupas with full body buddhas sitting in meditation somehow giving the impression that they are in fact contemplating the exquisite view surrounding the temple. And you want to to just the same!

Jade Buddha Temple, China | Maria of Maria Abroad

The Jade Buddha Temple in Shanghai is one of my favorite temples in Asia. I love it’s bright yellow walls surrounding the temple that look like warm sunshine on a summer day. When you enter through the thick wooden gates, it feels like you step into another world. You leave behind the hustle and bustle of the modern city and the smell of incense hits you. You see large tables full of pink colored lotus candles under an airy roof of red lanterns. Tourists and worshipers mingle side by side, yet they are miles apart. When you step into the hall of the Buddha, you see the pale green statue sitting in a lotus pose. His face is pure, almost child like. While not the main attraction of the temple, I find the laying Buddha even more beautiful. His relaxed pose and genuine smile make him more approachable, yet you see the respect and love that is brought to him through plates of fruit and other offerings that surround him. The Jade Buddha Temple in Shanghai is a beautiful temple and I am sure you will enjoy your visit.

Wat Umung, Thailand | Sarah of Please Don’t Die in Thailand 

Wat Umong was the first temple I tried to visit upon arriving in my new home of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Did I make it there? No, not for six months. En route, I skidded on spilled oil and crashed my motorbike. My Thai friends reacted in horror – and not to my broken foot. According to superstition, for something bad happen on the way to temple means an evil spirit is keeping you from your destiny. Or so they told me. I laughed it off at the time, but it bothered me. I’d go one day, I said, what’s the hurry? I could use a little destiny. But not now. Six months later I was walking among the broken statuary stacked precariously, but not unlovingly, around the temple grounds. I stood for the first time in the tunnels underneath the chedi at Wat Umong, and it certainly was lovely. It’s different than other Thai temples you see. A forest temple, it favours plain stone to gilded eaves, but it is this very simplicity that appealed to me. You won’t see hordes of tourists; it is a place for quiet meditation. Still looking for that destiny though.

Golden Temple, India | Shivansh of Hyper Trypsy

Golden temple is the most sacred shrine in Sikhism. It is situated in the holy city of Amritsar, in India. Beautifully located in the middle of a large pool, the tranquility and solace around the temple deeply mesmerized me during my visit in 2015. As the name suggests, the dome of the temple is gilded with pure gold and it casts a shimmering shadow in the pool at night. The most moving experience for me was when all the devotees got together and cooked meals or each other. Later, we even served meals to each other and finally washed the utensils together. This place is open for anyone to visit,  to sleep or to eat at, all day all night. Golden temple is truly a symbol of brotherhood and humanity. One of the disturbing facts to learn was that in 1984, the temple suffered huge damages due to attacks during a military operation. However, it is still considered to be one of the holiest grounds in India and people visit the temple year after year to get blessings from the creator.

Ho Quoc Pagoda, Vietnam | Lotte of Phenomenal Globe

Phu Quoc is a small island, 3km out of the Cambodian coast but belonging to Vietnam. It was the place where I ended my 1-month trip around Vietnam, which started in Hanoi and led me through Tam Coc, Hue, Hoi An, Dalat, Ho Chi Minh and finally: Phu Quoc!  I drove around Phu Quoc on a scooter for three days, which was terrific because there is a lot to see on this beautiful island! One of the things you shouldn’t miss is the Ho Quoc Pagoda. The Ho Quoc Pagoda complex is actually very new, build only in late 2012. A peaceful place and a good-looking pagoda. But what makes it such an awesome pagoda is the location! The complex is beautifully situated: on a small hill overlooking the ocean. The view from the Ho Quoc Pagoda is stunning, a perfect place for contemplation …

Did your favorite Asian Temple make the list? If not, leave a comment in below so we can all hear more about your favorite temple experience during your travels in Asia.

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