This is the third volume in my series on Buddhist monuments and temples in South Asia, and the last one dealing with orthodox or Theravada Buddhism. The advent of Theravada Buddhism in Cambodia and Laos came during the 11th century, while Mahayana Buddhism came much earlier to Cambodia. Laos, however, with its constant contact with Thailand (Siam), inherited Theravada or the pure form of Buddhism. The specific origins of the peoples of these countries are uncertain due to the lack of historical documentation. Due to the constant wars and invasions between these and neighbouring countries such as Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand (Siam), many temples, monasteries and stupas suffered destruction, and statues and other religious artefacts were pillaged. Therefore there are far fewer historical temples and monuments than might have been expected. In fact Sri Lanka is the only Theravada country in which there are substantial ancient Buddhist monuments and temples remaining in good order and still in use. Furthermore, the history of these is well documented, the oldest ones dating back to the Buddha. It is impossible to comprehensively deal with such an expansive subject encompassing the two countries in this small volume. Therefore I have confined myself to areas and places which have grown in popularity, are of major importance and those which are easily accessible. During the course of writing the books in this series I have visited all the sites dealt within them and taken most of the photographs. It is sincerely hoped that this small volume will be useful to those who are interested in seeing the monuments described, and also kindle their interest in the study of this subject.

This is a mainly pictorial work, featuring recent color photographs taken by the author of the many different styles and features of Buddhist images, stupas, or pagodas found in two of the most prominent Buddhist countries in Asia. Accompanying the photographs is the text describing the magnificent architectural heritage of Buddhism and also explaining the origin and development of the images and stupas. The photographs attempt to exhibit the physical expression of one of the worlds major religions, which now has many adherents in the West as well as in the East. These Buddhist sites now attract many thousands of visitors, both pilgrims and tourists, all year round. This book showcases the most prominent sites for both the visitor and the armchair traveler. This is the second in the authors series of books on Buddhist architecture and iconography. He is, at present, working on a third volume, Buddhist Monuments and Temples of Cambodia and Laos.

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Cambodia and Laos is your in-depth guide to the very best of these two countries. Whether you want to explore the temples of Angkor Wat, take a boat trip through the famous Tham Kong Lo caves, or sunbathe on stunning white beaches in southern Cambodia, Cambodia and Laos offer exhilarating options for visitors. Discover DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Cambodia and Laos + Detailed itineraries and "don't-miss" destination highlights at a glance. + Illustrated cutaway 3-D drawings of important sights, including the temple complexes of Angkor and Luang Prabang. + Guided walking tours, local drink and dining specialties to try, things to do, and places to eat, drink, and shop by area. + Area maps marked with sights and restaurants. + Detailed city map of Phnom Penh. + Insights into history and culture to help you understand the stories behind the sights. + Hotel and restaurant listings highlight DK Choice special recommendations. With hundreds of full-color photographs, hand-drawn illustrations, and custom maps that illuminate every page, DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Cambodia and Laos truly shows you this region as no one else can.

Treasures of the Buddha presents, in stunning color photographs, a vivid portrait of Buddhism including its teachings and its great treasures -- from its place of origin in northern India and out among the different kingdoms and empires of central, southern and eastern Asia.

This book discussed the origins of the art of Lao and Thai Buddha images cast in the Lanna periods, usually called "Chiang Saen Lao Art." The Lao Buddha images were found not only in Laos but also in Thailand, especially in the upper northeastern region that was once part of the Kingdom of Laos. This is the most comprehensive book available on the subject, illustrated with important pieces from museum and private collections.

This is a mainly pictorial work, featuring recent colour photographs taken in the main by the author of the many different styles and features of Buddhist images, stupas or dagobas and temples found in the two oldest Buddhist countries in Asia. Accompanying the photographs is a brief text describing the magnificent architectural heritage of Buddhism, and also explaining the origin and development of the images and stupas. Very little has been published specifically on these subjects in a single volume and presented in an attractive manner for the serious student or the interested general reader. Older works on Buddhist iconography and temples tend to have mainly black and white photographs of sites which have now changed considerably, with development by UNESCO and governments. These photographs are current and in resplendent colour. They endeavour to exhibit the physical expression of one of the world's major religions, which now has many adherents in the West as well as in the East. These Buddhist sites now attract many thousands of visitors, both pilgrims and tourists, all year round. This book would provide a beautiful memento of visits to some of these places, as well as providing more information for those who wish to pursue the subject more deeply.

Written by the founders of HoneyTrek.com, this inspiring book reveals hidden-gem destinations and insider tips for unforgettable couples travel. In these informative pages, Mike and Anne Howard--officially the World's Longest Honeymooners and founders of the acclaimed travel blog HoneyTrek--whisk you away to journeys of a lifetime. Drawing on their experience traveling together across seven continents, they curate the globe and offer tested-and-approved recommendations for intrepid couples, bringing culture, adventure, and romance to any couple--no matter their age or budget. Chapters are organized by type of destination (for example, beaches, mountains, and deserts) to help travelers discover new places and experiences based on their interests. Each entry focuses on a specific region, getting to the essence of each locale and its one-of-a-kind offerings. The authors reveal the best time to visit, the best places to stay, and recommended activities--each with their own adventure rating to illustrate level of intensity. Special features include funny and insightful stories from the Howards' own adventures, expert advice from other renowned traveling couples, and tips to increase the romance and excitement at each destination. A large map shows every location covered in the book, and each entry has a locator map depicting the city and country. Both entertaining and informative, this book is an invaluable resource and inspiration for a lifetime of travel.

Mannikka takes the reader on a detailed tour of Angkor Wat, moving from the western entrance bridge, across the long causeway to the central galleries, and up to the central tower itself, showing what the design of the temple tells us about Khmer beliefs regarding their king, their deities, and the world around them. Detailed temple plans illustrating measurement patterns and numerous photographs of all parts of the temple accompany the text. Angkor Wat: Time, Space, and Kingship shows clearly the role that astronomy, history, cosmology, and politics can play in determining a structure's format and dimensions. The new methods of architectural analysis pioneered here will serve as a model for architectural historians in Asia and elsewhere.

An introduction to Buddhism, covering its History, Beliefs, Structure, and Practices. Richly illustrated with colourful photos, illustrations, maps and charts, as well as audio files and a selection of relevant ancient texts. This eBOOK provides a solid jargon-free introduction to Buddhism for college-level classes or for any reader seeking a neutral presentation of Buddhism by an author who has taught extensively in the field for over three decades.