Southeast Asia is home to some great structures and buildings. Beautiful temples, statues, structures, reliefs and images dominate the region. Last but not least, let’s not forget to mention about stupas. Have you ever wondered what is inside of them?

First of all, stupas were nothing more than a simple clay or mud mound. And it’s purpose, to cover supposed relics of the Buddha as well as valuable Buddhist antiques. This can range from a strand of his hair to a piece of bone from his body or his even just his footprint or valuable statues and images. Through time (and with location and the cultural environment affecting construction styles) the stupas in Southeast Asia evolved into a pagoda design, with its tiered tower architecture.

So, what are some of the popular ones in the region? Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar certainly springs to mind. What’s in it? Eight strands of the original Buddha’s (Gautama) hair as well as the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Konagamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa, all of whom are also Buddhas. In Thailand you have Phra Si Ratana Chedi in the Grand Palace complex, believed to hold the ashes of the first Buddha. The stupas in Borobudur, Indonesia house beautiful Buddha statues.

These structures are just the tip of the stupa iceberg in Southeast Asia. Yep, there are numerous more! There’s bound to be one with an interesting story in any of our country destinations. Whether it is for its architectural uniqueness or its historical significance, a stupa is waiting for you in Southeast Asia. Contact us if you have further questions or need further information.

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