Temples

Ready to go temple hoppin? Temples in Asia are places where local culture, religion, family, and art meet and are on display, hence we travelers are so attracted to them. I’ve planned entire trips around temples I want to visit (or stay in), so follow along as I share what I’ve found!

Fo Guang Shan, Kaohsiung: How to Visit and Stay at Taiwan’s Largest Monastery

Painting of Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum and Fo Guang Big Buddha

Fo Guang Shan (佛光山 or Foguangshan) is one of the four large Buddhist organizations in Taiwan. The order’s headquarters, Fo Guang Shan Monastery in Kaohsiung, Southern Taiwan, is one of Taiwan’s top attractions. The enormous, sprawling Fo Guang Shan Temple complex more than doubled in size with the 2011 addition of the Fo Guang Shan …

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30 Southeast Asian Temples You Have to See in Your Lifetime

Introducing some of the most beautiful Asian temples located in Southeast Asia

One of the most enticing draws of Southeast Asia is the abundance of mesmerizingly gorgeous temples dotting the landscape. Shimmering with gold, dominating cityscapes, beckoning the masses to devotion – Southeast Asian temples are testaments the region’s rich colonial history, cultural diversity, religious syncretism, and piousness of its people.    In this article I have …

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The 15 Best Chiang Mai Temples (Famous & Off-the-Beaten-Path!)

Best Chiang Mai Temples

Chiang Mai is one of the top destinations in a country that is one of the most visited in the world. Including domestic tourists, 10 million people visit Chiang Mai every year (pre-2020 figures, of course!) The amazing assortment of temples in Chiang Mai is one of the city’s greatest draws. Chiang Mai was once …

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Spiritual Places in the US You Can’t Miss

Hsi Lai Temple, one of the most spiritual places in the US

When it comes to places to seek religious wisdom, the United States is not typically the first one that comes to mind. Some might think of Jerusalem, with its rich religious heritage and diversity of faiths. Others may think of  India and its multitude of temples and mosques dotting its sacred landscape. Yet others may …

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10 Jaw-Dropping Myanmar Temples

Top Myanmar temples and pagodas header

This article was written by Monique Skidmore, award-winning anthropologist, writer at Tripanthropologist, and Myanmar expert. See her full bio at the end.   There are so many beautiful and unusual temples or pagodas in Myanmar (Burma) that choosing which to visit can be quite the challenge. As one of the most devoutly Buddhist places on …

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A Day Trip to Kamakura You’ll Never Forget

How to plan a day trip to Kamakura from Tokyo

This article was written by Sarah Hodge, prolific writer and lover of spiritual & cultural sights in Japan.   A convenient one-hour trip from Central Tokyo via the JR line, Kamakura is a history and nature lover’s paradise. Doing a Kamakura day trip is not only easy but also a great way to immerse yourself …

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30 Jaw-Dropping Temples in Taipei and New Taipei City

The top temples in Taipei, Taiwan header

I’ve been living in Taiwan since 2008, and I’ve always loved exploring and photographing the incredible array breathtaking temples in Taipei. In recent years, I’ve traveled to several neighboring countries to visit and write about their temples (for example, see my articles on the most beautiful temples in Southeast Asia, Busan, Chiang Mai, Myanmar, and …

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Haedong Yonggungsa: Mixed Feelings about Busan’s Temple by the Sea

How to visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan, South Korea

Haedong Yonggunsa, or Haedong Yonggung Temple, is one of the most impressive Buddhist temples in South Korea. It is without a doubt one of Busan’s top temples and makes my list of top 50 things to do in Busan. Haedong Yonggungsa is famous for its picturesque seaside location. Busan’s “Temple on the Coast” is also …

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10 Jaw-Dropping Temples in Busan, South Korea

A guide to the best temples in Busan, South Korea

South Korea’s second city and largest port, Busan, is home to a surprisingly impressive array of breathtaking temples. Busan’s temples are a varied lot, from sea-facing temple complexes to ancient mountain retreats with Buddhas carved into cliff walls, and everything in between. Seeing the temples of Busan and writing this article was the main purpose …

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Samgwangsa Temple: A Gem, Even Without Lanterns

When I was planning my most recent trip to South Korea, the thing I was most excited about was visiting Busan’s incredible array of temples. The tough thing was deciding when to go. Visiting for the Buddha’s birthday was an obvious choice. The event is a major national holiday in South Korea. At that time, …

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