Sagaing Hill, Myanmar

Sagaing Hill’s pagodas have white walls and golden roofs. This area’s monasteries are home to over 6,000 monks and nuns, making it Myanmar’s top religious site — certainly saying something in a country as faithful as Myanmar. Hilltop pagoda Sone Oo Pon Nya Shin Pagoda is home to a massive statue of Gautama Buddha and is one of the most well-known and most impressively decorated temples. The adjacent patio offers sweeping views of the Ayeyarwady River and Mandalay, and the pagoda itself has vivid, detailed paintings depicting the life of Buddha. Nearby, you might see the U Min Thonze Caves, a complex temples lined with an abundance of Buddha statues. No matter where you visit, you'll see firsthand how Buddhism has shaped Burmese art and architecture.