10 Best Buddhas to See in Southeast Asia
Whether you’re in a park, a Wat (a Buddhist Monastery or Temple) or the Kingdom of Buddhism, encountering a Buddha while traveling through Southeast Asia is akin to seeing a tree in a forest. Tiny or large, old or new, stone or gold, the diverse Buddhas you will see provide a glimpse into a rich history of Buddhism in the countries of Southeast Asia. Here are some of the best Buddahs to check out when you’re in the region.
1. The Sleeping Buddha
It’s hard not to break out into a smile when you first see the Sleeping Buddha in Nha Trang’s Long Sơn Pagoda in Vietnam. Upon closer inspection of this resting Buddha, you may notice an infamous symbol on the soles of his feet. Engraved long before this symbol became associated with evil, a local guide informed me that, in this case, the symbol means ‘good luck.’
Why does Sleeping Buddha have swastikas on his feet?
Thanks for your question! I actually asked my guide the same question: “Engraved long before this symbol became associated with evil, a local guide informed me that, in this case, the symbol means ‘good luck.’”