1. Wat Rong Khung, Thailand
By the end of the twentieth century, Thailand’s Wat Rong Khun was in disrepair. As an offering to the Buddha, a local artist used his own money to rebuild it—in white.
2. Tongdosa, Korea
Tongdosa in Korea houses relics that are believed to have come from the Buddha, including his begging bowl.
3. Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. It dates back to the first century BCE.
4. Kek Lok Si, Malaysia
During Chinese New Year celebrations, Malaysia’s Kek Lok Si is decorated with thousands of lanterns representing donations from devotees.
5. Mahabodhi Mahavihara, India
The Mahabodhi Mahavihara in India marks the location where the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment.
6. Borobudur, Indonesia
Construction of Indonesia’s Borobudur began in the late eighth century. Its architecture represents the path to enlightenment.
7. Burkhan Bakshin Altan Sume, Russia
Burkhan Bakshin Altan Sume is in Kalmykia, Russia, the only Buddhist-majority region in Europe.
8. Fanjingshan Temple, China
China’s Fanjingshan Temple is actually two temples connected by a bridge. One honors Shakyamuni Buddha. The other honors Maitreya, the future buddha.
9. Kiyomizu-dera, Japan
Japan’s Kiyomizu-dera was established in 778. Tradition has it that a priest received a vision telling him to construct it at this site where there is a waterfall.
10. Watt Munisotaram, Minnesota
Watt Munisotaram in Minnesota is the largest Buddhist monastery in North America.
11. Paro Taktsang, Bhutan
Paro Taktsang is perched on a cliffside in Bhutan. It’s said the great Buddhist teacher Padmasambhava practiced and taught at this site in the eighth century.
12. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat in Cambodia was constructed in 1150 CE as a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Vishnu. It was gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple.
