Top 10 most famous pagodas in Indochina include:

1. Wat Phnom, Phom Penh, Cambodia

2. Pha That Luang, Vientiane, Laos

3. Bai Dinh Pagoda, Ninh Binh, Vietnam

4. One Pillar Pagoda, Hanoi, Vietnam

5. Silver Pagoda (Royal Place), Phnom Penh, Cambodia

6. Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue, Vietnam

7. Dong Pagoda, Quang Ninh, Vietnam

8. Wat Si Saket, Vientiane, Laos

9. Wat Ounalom, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

10. Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Phrabang, Laos

source: treasuresofindochina

According to legend, the first pagoda on this site was erected in 1373 to house four statues of Buddha deposited here by the waters of the Mekong and discovered by a woman name, Penh.  A temple was built to house the relics and the city was named for it – Phnom Penh means “Penh’s Hill.” The main entrance to Wat Phnom is via the grand eastern staircase, which is guarded by lions and naga (snake) balustrades.

Set on top of a 27m-high tree-covered knoll, Wat Phnom is on the only ‘hill’ in town. The complex is oriented toward the east, where a broad staircase, flanked by nagas, guardians and lion-like figures, leads directly to the vihara. The figures are all of recent vintage. This east entry is also usually filled with vendors, beggars, charlatans, a variety of children-all creating a sometimes annoying but generally a friendly and almost circus-like atmosphere. To add to this feeling, one can even encircle the base of the hill on Sam Bo, the 46 year old elephant that has been plying the route since 1983.

source: anntours

Today, many people come here to pray for good luck and success in school exams or business affairs. When a wish is granted, the faithful return to deliver on the offering promised, such as a garland of jasmine flowers or a bunch of bananas (of which the spirits are said to be especially fond) promised when the request was made.

IndochinaKings chose outstanding pagodas in around the Indochina area to recommend. It all will be uploaded on this site.

Phong Dzang – IndochinaKings

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