The 10 most popular temples in the world include iconic sacred sites such as Angkor Wat in Cambodia and the unique “White Temple” in Thailand. The top 10 most visited places lists are generated by the travel app Visited, which allows international travelers to check off places they’ve been. Travelers can also get a custom travel map, find new destinations, and set travel goals using the Visited app. Download Visited, a travel map app, for free on iOS or Android.
Here are the most popular temples, according to Visited:
- Angkor Wat in Cambodia is the largest religious monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This iconic temple complex was originally built in the 12th century as a Hindu temple using Khmer architecture and has since been converted into a Buddhist temple.
- Wat Suwan Kuha Temple in Thailand, known as the “temple cave,” is the second most visited temple in the world. The sacred cave features an expansive reclining gold Buddha as well as other Buddha statues in a serene setting.
- Kinkakuji Temple in Kyoto, Japan, is an ornate Zen shrine featuring two top floors covered in gold leaf. The UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most popular temples in the world and dates back to 1397.
- Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo, Japan, is the city’s oldest temple and the most colorful. The Buddhist temple was completed in 645 and is dedicated to Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion.
- Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto, Japan, is renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. The gates wind along the scenic mountain trails of Mount Inari.
- 6. Temple of Heaven in Beijing, China, is an imperial complex and UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 15th century and Ming Dynasty Emperor Yongle. The ornate temple draws international travelers to see what is considered one of the highest achievements of traditional Chinese architecture.
- 7. Ta Prohm, formerly Rajavihara, in Cambodia, was built in the 12th and 13th centuries. The ancient Buddhist site attracts visitors to the Bayon-style architecture with surrounding jungle growing amidst the ruins.
- 8. Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo, Japan, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. A beautiful forest surrounds the shrine, which offers an oasis of peace within the busy city.
- 9. Itsukushima Shrine on the island of Itsukushima, Japan, is a Shinto shrine renowned for its floating torii gate. The traditional Japanese style architecture features a unique twist, as the shrine and torii gate are built on top of the water, giving the nickname Miyajima, which means “shrine island” in Japanese.
- 10. Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai, Thailand, also known as the “White Temple,” is a stunning art exhibit built in the style of a Buddhist temple.
Have you been to any of the most popular temples in the world? Check off where you’ve been, and discover new destinations using the travel app Visited. Create travel goals, see a map of where you’ve been, get a printed custom travel map, and more with the Visited app. Check out other travel bucket list articles, including the Top 10 Castles, Top 10 Most Popular Ancient Sites, and more. Download Visited for free on iOS or Android.
