Roofs decked out with 5,000 DIAMONDS, lashings of gold leaf and enchantment as standard: The world's most beautiful pagodas revealed

Adorned with gold leaf and intricate embellishments, the pagodas peppering Asia are wonders to behold.

From the 14th Century Gyeongbokgung Palace in South Korea to the Shwedagon Paya Pagoda in Myanmar - decked out with almost 5,000 diamonds - all of the temples have a common theme: peace and tranquility.

Along with the bold design, the pagodas are also impressive for their sheer size.

Indeed, some Chinese pagodas can stand more than ten stories high, while others - especially in south east Asia - feature sky-high spires, visible for miles around.

Most pagodas were built to have a religious function, most commonly Buddhist, and were often located in or near monasteries.

MailOnline Travel, with inspiration from Thrillist, has scoured the globe for some of the most mesmerising pagodas, with the chosen selection shown here...

(This incredible image of Toji Pagoda in Kyoto Japan, looks all the more splendid thanks to the kaleidoscope of leafs surrounding it)

(This pagoda in Lampang, Thailand, isn't the most ornate in the world, but makes the list because of its stunning setting)

(Set against a bright blue sky, this pagoda in Thailand is an imposing building with an almost fortress feel to it)

(A beautifully ornate Buddhist pagoda that's part of a temple complex in Samui island in Thailand)

(This amazing pagoda features 2,500 stone stupas - or dome-shaped buildings - and is hidden in a remote area of Myanmar)

(Shwedagon Paya Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar: The building is covered with hundreds of gold plates and the top of the stupa is encrusted with around 5,000 diamonds - the largest of which is apparently a 72 carat diamond)

(Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, Korea: Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also commonly referred to as the Northern Palace because its location is furthest north when compared to neighboring palaces)

(Thambuddhei Paya Pagoda in Monywa, Myanmar: This Buddhist temple complex dates from 1303, although it was reconstructed in 1939)

(A pagoda at Meidai Lamasery Inner in Mongolia: Colourful prayer flags adorn this stone-built temple, set in the mountains)

(Chureito Pagoda Fujiyoshida in Japan: This pagoda, was built by the mayor of Fujiyoshida on August 12, 1958, as a memorial for the roughly 960 citizens in the city who died in all of the wars that occurred after 1868)

(Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, Thailand: Overlooking the city from its mountain throne, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of northern Thailand's most sacred temples)

(Cebu Taoist Temple in Cebu, Philippines: This temple is open to both worshippers and non-worshippers - the devotees usually pray to the Gods to grant their wishes and ask for answers to decisions in life)

(Kyaiktiyo Pagoda in Mon State, Myanmar: This well-known pilgrimage site features a pagoda built on the top of a granite boulder covered with gold leaves pasted on by devotees)

(Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi, Vietnam: Located on a small penisula on the east side of West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda is regarded as the most ancient pagoda in Hanoi - it's over 1,500 years old)

(Kaunghmudaw Pagoda in Sagaing, Myanmar: This temple was built by King Thalun and his son in 1636 - the dome had been continuously painted white to signify purity but it is now gilded with gold)

(Global Vipassana Pagoda in Mumbai, India: Located in the southwest of Mumbai and covering an area of about 15.5 acres, this temple is considered a 21st century architectural wonder. It was completed in November 2008 after an 11-year build )

Ref: Roofs decked out with 5,000 DIAMONDS, lashings of gold leaf and enchantment as standard: The world's most beautiful pagodas revealed