
5
"Dating from somewhere between the 6th and 10th centuries, this monumental pagoda soars to about 99 m and is lavishly covered in gold—some 27 metric tonnes of gold leaf—and countless precious jewels. The unique octagonal stupa sits on a square plinth and is encircled by 68 smaller pagodas; sunset is a particularly striking time to watch the jewel-encrusted tip glimmer. A small museum near the west entrance displays Buddha statues, ornaments, a scale model and close-up photographs of the stupa." - SilverKris