We’re not going to downplay the beauty of Angkor Wat, but some of the temples on our list might just blow it out of the water. Temples representing varying faiths have their own defining characteristics and the cultures of people who endorse them add an extra twist.
Modern architects are also responsible for building structures so unusual that they're hardly in the same category as older temples. Unless a combination mural of Spiderman, Star Wars, and Elvis Presley in a religious institution sounds normal. Traditional temples won’t be left out though since some of the techniques used to build them are worthy of their own articles.
Here are 15 temples in Asia that are way more impressive than Cambodia's Angkor Wat.
15 Paro Taktsang Monastery achieves true seclusion
Escaping into the sky via mountain is one way to avoid distraction. That’s what these Bhutanese monks did when they built their monastery into the Himalayas. Reaching it will take two or three hours, according to Paro Taktsang, at which point you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view.
14 Modern Thai Temples Get Artsy
Wat Rong Khun, known as the White Temple, does away with the idea that temples need to be massive for them to be impressive. Every inch of this unique art installation was meticulously planned from its homage to Buddhist beliefs to its pop culture references, as noted by Slate.
13 Kailasa Temple was carved from a single rock
Wrapping our heads around the level of planning, skill, and years of labor that would have to go into creating something this big is tough. We’re glad that a few geniuses in Maharashtra had the idea though because it ended up producing one of the most breathtaking temples in India.
12 Sanctuary of Truth focuses on the finer details
This is another one of those spectacular modern temples we were talking about earlier. It's made entirely of wood, according to the Sanctuary of Truth website, and is still undergoing construction to complete the artist’s vision. Visit the ever-changing site to witness its hand-sculpted masterpieces.
11 The Golden Temple Shines In Punjab
We know this sounds pretty hard to miss, but it’s one of the most overlooked temples when it comes to foreigners. Its builders made their open invitation clear when they included four entrances instead of just one. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, this symbolizes an acceptance of all people.
10 Not every temple needs walls
Buddha and his disciples sit beneath the shadowy overhang of the manmade Longmen caves in Luoyang, China. Attentive details and skillful carving make these massive figures magnificent all on their own, but small caves on either side of their heads continue the detailed work in smaller temples.
9 Shwedagon Pagoda has aged better than most
The Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar is a far cry from the crumbling ruins of Angkor Wat. Its polished, sloping form reflects everything it sees in gold. Which one seems more magical is a matter of preference, but the best way to figure it out is to visit both.
8 The Hanging Monastery unites three religions
This mountainside temple is much closer to the ground for those who aren’t interested in a hike, but its position directly over the Jinxia Gorge makes the view just as startling. Once inside, you’ll find Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism all represented on the premises, according to Atlas Obscura.
7 But Prambanan reminds us wear and tear isn't a bad thing
We can still appreciate weatherworn stone temples like Prambanan that are reminiscent of the time that they came from. Its location in the Special Region of Yogyakarta puts it near many other tourist attractions that hold significance to the Javanese people of Indonesia, according to The Culture Trip.
6 Thean Hou Temple is dressed for a celebration
Just the one corner of the Thean Hou Temple captured in this photo manages to impart a feeling of happiness with its bright colors and festive patterns. Its location in Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, also makes it convenient to travel to and from at any point along a travel itinerary.
5 Borobudur has a stupa for every guest
Dome-shaped mounds called stupas cover every level of this Buddhist pyramid in Indonesia, coming together to form one larger stupa. Some of these stone structures are already occupied by Buddha statues, but the rest are available for tourists to pose next to as you can see above.
4 Jokhang Temple's true beauty is where its halls meet
The second floor is lined with walkways that surround the central pavilion. From here, you can see the golden roofs and collections of potted plants that add some extra life to the building. This one is located in Tibet’s capital, Lhasa, so getting around shouldn’t be too complicated.
3 Thiruvarangam Temples were built up instead of out
The temples in the Thiruvarangam complex are kept close together and built up high so that many are visible regardless of which location you choose to start from. Those easily identifiable layers are made up of colorful renditions of Hindu deities and animals found in India’s jungles.
2 Jain temples have a unique color scheme
The white exterior of this temple sets it apart from the busy goings-on of the outside. Inside, its halls are filled with delicate carvings and etchings that make even the supporting pillars hypnotizing art pieces. It’s located in Rajasthan, an Indian state that holds more than one underrated wonder.
1 Putuo Zongcheng Temple reenvisions the Dalai Lama’s Palace
Architects who saw the splendor of Potala Palace took that inspiration home to Chengdu, China. As beautiful as it is, navigating this huge complex in the hills might discourage some travelers. However, access and on-site transportation are included in the $11 entry fee, according to China.org.cn.