Laughing Buddha, Vinh Trang Pagoda, Vietnam

The Laughing Buddha statue, called Bố Đại in Vietnamese, is housed within Vinh Trang Pagoda. The Laughing Buddha represents happiness and good fortune.

Bo Dai, or the Laughing Buddha, is popular in Vietnamese homes and among youngsters. He's famed for his wide grin and even bigger belly, but it's rare to see this Buddha incarnation in person.

When you do, the effect can be unsettling. To all intents and purposes, My Tho's Vinh Trang Pagoda is a classic Buddhist temple: tranquil, silent, and worshipful. But that is broken when you face the colossal Bo Dai. You can't help but laugh, which is presumably the point.

This is one of Asia's largest Buddha statues.

Location: 996F+RCM, My An Village, My Tho City, Tien Giang