Landmarks can be interpreted as objects or monuments made with characteristics that describe an area, city or country. That's why all countries in the world have landmarks being icons and identity of the country. The landmarks in the Southeast Asia are no exception.
Landmarks in each Southeast Asia have various forms, ranging from statues, bridges, places of worship, skyscrapers, to towers. A landmark generally has historical value and a beautiful shape. Therefore, many landmarks in various ASEAN countries have also been tourist attractions.
Here are some interesting landmarks in Southeast Asia countries to visit:
Grand Palace, Thailand
A landmark in Southeast Asia countries that is very interesting to visit is the Grand Palace in Thailand. This landmark is in the form of a large palace that depicts the greatness of the Thai kingdom in the eyes of the world. The building, which was built in 1782, was formerly a palace used as the king's residence and the center of government. Currently, the Grand Palace of Thailand is used for royal family ceremonies and state banquets.
Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar
Known as the Land of a Thousand Pagodas, it's no wonder there are many pagodas in Myanmar. However, one of the iconic pagodas as well as being a landmark of Myanmar is the Shwedagon Pagoda. This building is a symbol of the spread of Buddhism in Myanmar.
In fact, one of the landmarks in this Southeast Asia country is covered in 40 kg of gold! In addition, archaeologists estimate, Shwedagon Pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries, so this pagoda is called the oldest in the world.
Petronas Twin Towers, Malaysia
Another Southeast Asia country landmark is the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. At 451.9 meters high, the twin towers were the tallest towers in the world from 1998 to 2004. It makes the Southeast Asia region proud, especially the people of Malaysia. Petronas Twin Towers have many interesting places to visit. Among them, KLCC Park, Skybridge or Suria KLCC as shopping centers and art galleries.
Monas, Indonesia
There are many iconic monuments in Indonesia, one of which is a landmark named National Monument (Monas). Located at Medan Merdeka Square, Central Jakarta, this Indonesian landmark symbolizes a tribute to the heroes who have fought against the invaders in the past.
Monas was built on August 17, 1961, and inaugurated on July 12, 1975. As a landmark in the Southeast Asia region, Monas is 132 meters high, with a gold-plated top. Not only as a monument, inside Monas there are several rooms that tourists can visit, such as the Independence Room, Monas Museum, and the Monas Peak Court.
Merlion, Singapore
A landmark, as well as a tourism icon in Singapore is a fountain statue in the shape of a lion and a half fish, namely the Merlion. This statue is located at Merlion Park, in front of the Fullerton Hotel and facing Marina Bay. The lion head on the Merlion statue is a reference to the name Singapore. While the body of the fish is taken from the story of the beginning of Singapore, which used to be a fishing village.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat is one of the landmarks in the Southeast Asia region, which is no less interesting to visit. This landmark is also the icon of Cambodia, which is also shown on the country's flag so that it becomes the pride of the people of Cambodia.
This building is a Buddhism site, but there are many Hindu-themed carvings inside. Angkor Wat was built by King Suryawarman II around the 12th century. Angkor Wat consists of 4 main complexes, namely Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm Temple, Banteay Srei Temple, and Angkor Thom.
Pha That Luang, Laos
Since 1975, Pha That Luang has become a landmark of the country of Laos since Pha That Luang symbolizes the splendor of Laos. Interestingly, Pha That Luang is not only a symbol of Laos. This temple was used as a place of worship for Buddhists, but now it is also a leading tourist destination in Laos. The main attraction of Pha That Luang is a large stupa covered in gold. It was said that the weight of the gold layer reached 500 kg!
Trump Tower Manila, Philippines
The following landmark in the Southeast Asia country is Trump Tower Manila, Philippines. This building is called the most sophisticated architecture in the Philippines. Trump Tower Manila is a penthouse building equipped with luxury facilities. Built of steel and glass frames, this building looks very majestic and stands out in the Philippines. Hence, the building with a height of up to 250 meters is the pride in the Philippines, as well as a modern icon.
Landmark 81, Vietnam
Recently Vietnam has a luxurious landmark which is in Ho Chi Minh City. This landmark is a hotel and penthouse with a height of 461 meters. As a new pride in Vietnam, this hotel offers a panoramic view of the city from a height. In fact, Landmark 81 is included in one of the second tallest skyscrapers in Southeast Asia.
As the name implies, this building has a total of 81 floors, and 34 floors are used as hotels. While the other area is for public space with facilities such as cinemas, ice skating, and shopping centers.
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Brunei Darussalam
The Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque is a landmark that is no less interesting to visit in Southeast Asia. This is because the mosque which is located in Sri Bandar Begawan is a symbol of the splendor and glory of Brunei Darussalam.
We can see the beauty of this Brunei landmark from the architecture of the mosque, which combines Mughal architecture with Italian style. The mosque is built over an artificial pond on the banks of the Brunei river in Kampong Ayer. Interestingly, the roof of the mosque is covered with real gold, and can accommodate 3,000 worshipers!
Photo: Shutterstock/Sean Pavone