Destinations Southeast Asia
Feeling spiritual
Palaces, pagodas and temples; South East Asia nurtures some of the most spiritual places in the world. Be prepared to have your thoughts provoked as you stand enveloped in the shadow of a giant golden Buddha - and be glad of its rounded form as you enjoy respite from the sun. This is the time, and the place to do what these very monuments are designed for - to be at one with yourself.
Our spiritual journey begins at the Grand Palace in Bangkok. When seen in its entirety, it’s a truly awesome sight, but don’t just look and appreciate from afar - or from behind a camera lens - get up close and personal. If you do you’ll find that every single millimetre of this intricate complex is a labour of love. Cosseted within is an exemplar of Buddhist architecture in its finest form; almost every surface of Wat Phra Kaeo - Temple of the Emerald Buddha - is covered in exquisite carvings and decorations. The golden chedis soars into the sky, tiered roofs are dressed with polished tiles and doors inlaid with mother-of-pearl. The reason for this building’s creation was to house an intensely green Buddha - 2-feet of much-revered statue that had travelled extensively before finding its spiritual home here in 1784.
Next, we cross to Ko Samui to see another famous Buddha, this one on a somewhat larger scale, inspires worship. The imposing 12-metre golden Big Buddha at Wat Phra Yai is a sight worth seeing - although given that it’s visible from several miles away, missing it is near impossible. The embellished Wat Khunaram temple reveals a rather different object of devotion. At its centre rests the mummified body of Buddhist monk Dang Piyasilo; a man who devoted his early and later life to monkhood, but led the life of a layman in between.
Our spiritual path leads us on to Vietnam and the Long Son Pagoda in Nha Trang. Sharing the hillside with Kim Than Phat To – the giant white Buddha - Long Son Pagoda was rebuilt following storm damage in 1900. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, ancient trees and orchards, this serene spot inspires quiet contemplation.
Continuing our journey south, we find ourselves in Bali, inside the Goa Gajah cave. Unlike the extravagantly ornate Thai temples, this sacred site is simple, carefully carved out of a solid stone hill. Used by Hindu and Buddhist priests for meditation.
We may have completed our Southeast Asian journey, but with so many stunning sights to visit, your spiritual path will, as it should, lead you on your own unique journey.
Further information on the sights of Southeast Asia can be found at: