The Mahayana Buddhist monument of Borobudur in Java, Indonesia, is the world's largest Buddhist temple. Overlooking the Java jungle, the site of Borobudur has undergone massive restoration since its rediscovery and is home to the oldest Hindu temples in Java. The name "Borobudur" is believed to translate to "Buddhist Monastery on the Hill." Today the temple is one of the most spectacular attractions in Southeast Asia and lures tourists from around the world. Direct buses travel between Yogyakarta, Java, and Borobudur.
The monumental Hindu and Buddhist temple complex of Angkor Wat in Siem Riep, Cambodia, is one of the most impressive man-made wonders in the world. The expansive Angkor Wat complex boasts an significant number of structures, roughly 30 Hindi and 20 Buddhist temples. The site complex gets its name from the centrally located Angkor Wat monument. Exploring the complex thoroughly requires multiple days at the site. Siem Riep serves as a good base from which to visit Angkor Wat.
The Patuxai Monument in Vientiane, Laos, was built to honor those who fought for independence from the French. Translating to Victory Monument, the Patuxai Monument was constructed between 1962 and 1968, using materials brought to Laos from the Americas. The monument consists of four archways, and the upper levels of the monument offer exceptional views of the city. The Patuxai Monument is centrally located in the city of Vientiane.
The Kotokuin Temple in Kamakura, Japan, is home to the Great Buddha of Kamakura. The Great Buddha of Kamakura monument, also known as Kamakura Daibutsu, is the second-tallest bronze Buddha statue in Japan. Kamakura was once the capital city of Japan and today remains a culturally impressive city well-known for the Great Buddha monument. The city of Kamakura is easily visited as a day trip from Tokyo.
The Himeji Castle in Himeji, Japan, is renowned as the most beautiful castle in all of Japan. The Himeji Castle was constructed in the early 17th century and continues to exist today in its original Japanese feudal form. The monument is celebrated as one of the best surviving examples of classic Japanese architecture. The city of Himeji is located along the route leading from Osaka to Okayama and is easily visited as a day trip from the cities of Osaka and Kyoto.
The ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri in Agra, India, blends Islamic and Hindu architectural styles. The tomb of Salim Chisti is encased in white marble at the shrine of the Fatehpur Sikri complex. This ancient city was originally constructed of red sandstone in the early 16th century and, due to a lack of available water sources, deserted shortly thereafter. Fatehpur Sikri is one of the most visited monuments in India after the Taj Mahal and easily toured as a day trip from Agra.
