Vietnam's contribution has a grand roof but one kitschy lawn: its fake mountains resemble a minigolf hole. The faded grandeur is also a reminder that complicated designs require consistent maintenance.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
0.82 MILES
The spiritual heart of Lumbini, Maya Devi Temple marks the spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama in around 563BC. In the adjoining…
1.21 MILES
Located outside the main compound, but easily accessible by bike, the impressive gleaming-white World Peace Pagoda, one of the world's greatest stupas,…
0.41 MILES
With strong touches of Angkor Wat, this colourful fantasy due for completion in 2018 is already one of the most fascinating temples in Lumbini. The temple…
0.29 MILES
Close to the north end of the pond, this stunning and imposing wat (Thai-style monastery) is built from gleaming white marble. The blue-roofed meditation…
Zhong Hua Chinese Buddhist Monastery
0.14 MILES
This elegant monastery is one of the most impressive structures at Lumbini. Reached through a gateway flanked by dogs of Fo, the elegant pagoda-style…
0.37 MILES
The Myanmar Golden Temple is one of the oldest structures in the compound. There are three prayer halls – the most impressive is topped by a corncob…
0.25 MILES
At the time of research, the government of South Korea was finishing up this massive temple. The interior is magnificent; you might find workers still…
Nepal Vajrayana Mahavihara Temple
0.21 MILES
This beautiful Newari temple with central courtyard was nearing completion at time of research.
Nearby Lumbini attractions
1. Mother Temple of the Graduated Path to Enlightenment
0.08 MILES
The Austrian Geden International Foundation constructed this complex of stupas and monastery buildings, the latter in classical Greek style.
2. Thrangu Vajra Vidhya Monastery
0.12 MILES
This monastic temple funded by Canadians opened in 2014; 80% of the residents are nuns. The temple is noted for the nearly three thousand Buddha statues…
3. Zhong Hua Chinese Buddhist Monastery
0.14 MILES
This elegant monastery is one of the most impressive structures at Lumbini. Reached through a gateway flanked by dogs of Fo, the elegant pagoda-style…
4. Nepal Vajrayana Mahavihara Temple
0.21 MILES
This beautiful Newari temple with central courtyard was nearing completion at time of research.
0.23 MILES
This classic Tibetan-style gompa (Buddhist monastery) was built in 2001 by Buddhists from Singapore and Nepal. The mural work inside is quite refined…
0.25 MILES
At the time of research, the government of South Korea was finishing up this massive temple. The interior is magnificent; you might find workers still…
7. Great Drigung Kagyud Lotus Stupa
0.26 MILES
This truly extravagant stupa, constructed by the German Tara Foundation, contains a hollow crown partly covered in glass, revealing a small Buddha within…
8. Royal Thai Buddhist Monastery
0.29 MILES
Close to the north end of the pond, this stunning and imposing wat (Thai-style monastery) is built from gleaming white marble. The blue-roofed meditation…