Ten Things I Love ABout Bhutan: Number four-Architecture

Punakha Dzong

Chorten or stupah, Dochula pass

Punakha Dzong

Bhutan National Museum, Thimphu

Doorway of a house along main road, Thimphu

the Divine madman monastery

Architecture is a significant feature of Bhutan's national identitity. Traditional shapes, colors and patterns of Bhutanese architecture are unique. The wooden surfaces such as beams, windows and doors are normally painted with various floral animal and religious motiffs and colors, each with special significance.

Bhutanese law requires all new buildings, public and private to follow the designs and rules of traditional architecture on the exterior.