History and spirituality intersect in a wealth of architectural marvels in Asia. From temples and palaces built by long-ago dynasties to shrines and temples to deities and beliefs of multiple major religions, immerse yourself in the hallowed spaces as you dive into the rich culture.
History and spirituality intersect in a wealth of architectural marvels in Asia. From temples and palaces built by long-ago dynasties to shrines and temples to deities and beliefs of multiple major religions, immerse yourself in the hallowed spaces as you dive into the rich culture.
Asia plays an important role in seven major world religions, including Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Christianity and Taoism. With dynasties dating back hundreds of years BCE, there is no shortage of imperial palaces, military fortresses and even castles dating back to the Middle Ages. As you explore each country along your route, you will find beautiful architecture, stunning art, moving shrines and unique rituals honed over centuries of practice.
The Grand Palace, Bangkok
Calling this a palace is to underplay the scale of the complex, which is more like a complete walled city within Bangkok, located 80 miles from the port of Laem Chabang. Covering 2.4 million square feet, the Grand Palace comprises over 100 brightly hued buildings covered in golden spires and shimmering mosaics. Originally commissioned by King Rama I in 1782 when he declared Bangkok to be Siam's capital city, the Grand Palace is still in use for the Thai monarchy to host royal ceremonies and foreign dignitaries. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) is considered the country’s most sacred temple, housing the Emerald Buddha, a large jade statue that is believed to protect the nation.
Thien Hau Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh City
One of the oldest and most revered Chinese temples in Vietnam, the Thien Ha pagoda was built by a group of immigrants around 1760 in the heart of what is now Cho Lon. The vibrant building is as known for its large, sculptural coils of incense hanging from the ceiling as it is for the intricately carved and brightly painted front gate. Dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau, whose legend grew from the 11th century as a protector of fisherman after saving her own brothers from a storm at sea, is depicted in large scale paintings around the pagoda.
Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery, Singapore
The oldest Buddhist monastery in Singapore, the complex of buildings is designed with a unique mix of Chinese styles, paying homage to the diversity of its founders. Work began on the monastery in 1898, finishing at the turn of the 20th century. Two impressive gates frame the entrance to the bonsai tree-filled complex, while inside shaded paths guide you in peace toward each of the three main halls. If you have limited time to visit, the Mahavira Hall is the main hall with large statues of Lord Buddha and colorful carvings over the arched ceiling.
Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur
A short drive from Kuala Lumpur, just about an hour from Port Klang, lies the Batu Caves, a complex of many Hindu temples. While the limestone caves themselves were likely formed more than 400 million years ago, the temples were built in the late 19th century. With many of the statues and paintings showing the Hindu myths around Murugan, the Batu Caves are a focal point of the annual Thaipusam festival, celebrated by Tamil Hindus. The caves are also home to long-tailed macaques, for those who enjoy seeing the local wildlife.
Osaka Castle, Osaka
While construction began on this fortified castle in 1583 during the Samurai era, the current structure was built in 1931 and renovated as recently as 1997. Destroyed repeatedly over centuries by fire and war, the gold-frosted Osaka Castle has become one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. Surrounded by flowering cherry trees, the castle is now a museum that houses artifacts detailing the history of the building and of Osaka. The unparalleled view from the 8th-floor observation deck gives a panoramic glimpse of the entire city.
