Buddhist Altars

Buddhist altars and images of Buddha are just about everywhere in Southeast Asia. Altars, statues, and offerings provide a glimpse into the culture and spirituality of Southeast Asia's Buddhists. © www.uncorneredmarket.com

Altar Decor - Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Tucked away in the Mekong Delta, this house had a little altar inside. Audrey enjoyed discovering a new altar personality. An altar ego, of sorts? Read about our journey from Saigon to Phnom Penh on the Mekong.
Alcoholic Drinks - Hanoi, Vietnam
Each altar in this pagoda in Hanoi had a different set of offerings. This guy was showered in alcohol - from beer to rice wine. We were wondering what type of blessing he offers in return... More: www.uncorneredmarket.com/2007/01/hanoi-under-the-skin/
Jambhuvala - Hanoi, Vietnam
Jambhuvala, the guardian king of prosperity, makes an appearance in Hanoi. Statues like this are common in Vietnamese and Chinese restaurants and shops. © www.uncorneredmarket.com
Spirit House - Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand
A photo of a spirit house (or phi) in Kho Pha Ngan. A phi, found everywhere throughout Southeast Asia, is a small house or shrine on top of a column or pole and can be found just about anywhere in Southeast Asia in the vicinity where Buddhism is practiced. Offerings of food are to spirits, while offerings of flowers are to Phram (Brahman priests). Read more about relaxing Koh Pha Ngan.
Bananas and Coconuts - Hanoi, Vietnam
Fruit and incense are offered for blessings of success and good health. Visits to temples like this provide a welcome respite from the frenetic activity of Hanoi's streets. More reading: Hanoi under the skin
Shrine and Cow - Phnom Penh, Cambodia
A cow at the altar? Now that was something new for us. Although the bigger temples in the Royal Palace have all the gilt, shine and fame, we preferred the smaller temples where local people prayed and made offerings for Chinese New Year. Read more about Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Fruit Stand Altar - Mekong Delta, Vietnam
These two guys stand guard at the informal altar of a fruit stand in Cai Rang's market. Read about our journey from Saigon to Phnom Penh on the Mekong.
Buddhist Offerings - Bangkok, Thailand
People light candles and incense, pray and make offerings of flowers and fruit at a Buddhist shrine outside the Central World shopping complex in downtown Bangkok. This seemed like an odd place to pray for enlightenment. Read Bangkok's 15-course street meal.
Candle and Flowers - Bangkok, Thailand
Lotus flowers, candles and incense make frequent appearances in temples throughout Southeast Asia. Read Bangkok's 15-course street meal.
Spirit House - Bangkok, Thailand
There must have been tons of luck and good fortune coming from this spirit house. Read Bangkok's 15-course street meal. © www.uncorneredmarket.com
Altar for Chinese New Year - Phnom Penh, Cambodia
We were in Phnom Penh for Chinese New Year. Even though the main Cambodian New Year's celebration is in April, Cambodians also celebrate Chinese New Year with temple visits, decorated altars, and feasts at home, almost as if to hedge their bets and maximize their luck. Read more about Phnom Penh, Cambodia.