Palaces of the Gods

DON KONG, CHAMPASAK, LAOS - 2001/01/01: A young novice in saffron robes kneels inside the temple of Wat Chom Thong on Don Khong Island in Champasak Province, Southern Laos. Many young men will spend a part of their lives in the temple as a monk or novice, learning the scriptures and accumulating merit for themselves and their families in the hope that they will be reborn into a better life. Theravada Buddhism became the religion of the royal court in the 14th century under Fa Ngum, first king of the Lane Xang Kingdom. Some 55% of the Lao population claim to be Buddhist.. (Photo by Ben Davies/LightRocket via Getty Images)