11 Most Beautiful Buddhist Temples Around the World (3 of 6)

Wat Rong Khun, Thailand

Unlike most of the temples on this list that date back hundreds or even thousands of years ago, the White Temple is much more recent, having opened in 1997. Designed and operated by visual artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, the temple looks like something straight out of a fantasy movie. He chose to make it out of white plaster and glass, which symbolizes the Buddha’s purity and wisdom, respectively.

Taung Kalat Monastery, Myanmar

Located on top of the dormant volcano Mount Popa, you need to be in pretty good shape to reach this monastery built in the 1800s. You need to climb nearly 800 steps to get to it! Visitors enjoy the incredible views of Bagan from on top of the 5,000 foot mountain, and can also check out the numerous Nat temples and relics within.