Wat Phia Wat

About

Believed to have been built in the early 14th century, Wat Phia Wat has endured the worst history could throw at it with a smile. Shortly after its construction, the invading Chinese left the Buddha with a severed arm, which was eventually rebuilt. The 20th century proved even more devastating, with the French destroying the temple in the 1950s, and the US carpet bombing the area in 1966. Today, the battle-scarred Buddha sits amongst the ruins of the former temple, of which just a few columns and foundations remain. The benevolent Buddha still bears a smile, despite his missing eye, and scarred visage, serving as a highly-revered reminder of the region’s struggles.