Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew - also called Wat Lan Khuad or the “Temple of a Million Bottles” - stands in Sisaket province’s Khun Han district ⁠- a striking monument to eco-conscious creativity. Initiated in 1984, a group of Buddhist monks, led by Phra Khru Vivek Dharmajahn, began collecting empty Heineken (green) and Chang (brown) beer bottles to combat litter and promote recycling in the region .

Over two years, they built the temple’s core structure from over 1.5 million bottles, embedding them into concrete walls, floors, bridges, and towers. Bottle caps were used to craft intricate mosaics and artistic Buddhist motifs inside prayer halls, walkways, and even toilets and crematoriums .

As of 2009, the site expanded to include around 20 buildings, including living quarters for monks, a water tower, meditation rooms, and public restrooms - all made using recycled glass bottles. The structures shimmer in sunlight as green and brown glass refract light in vibrant patterns .

More than a tourist curiosity, Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew exemplifies sustainable community design—merging spiritual devotion, environmental responsibility, and architectural ingenuity. The monks continue collecting bottles, planning future expansions as donations accrete.