This Bangkok high-rise looks like a rudimentary LEGO elephant.

Bangkok celebrated its shifting monarchy with a militaristic homage to democracy.

A shrine built to combat the bad karma of a commercial venture.

This bridge made famous in a novel and on-screen wasn't actually built over the river Kwai.

For centuries young Thai men used this Giant Swing as a slingshot to heaven.

During the rainy season, this temple is almost entirely submerged, accessible only by boat.

A tall karst islet popularized by 007.

Bangkok's men with dangerous jobs come here in search of protective talismans.

Six times a day a train runs right through the middle of this Thai street market, sending vendors scrambling.

On stormy days debris from this unfinished and abandoned skyscraper rains down on the Bangkok streets.

A short volcanic hill in Quito doubles as a stellar observation point of an iconic statue.

Ecuador’s historic seat of government has been quietly looted in recent decades, and no one knows how or by whom.

This historic street in Quito is known for its seven stone crosses—and one presidential assassination.

This overlooked, beautiful convent hides an original Hieronymus Bosch among its many treasures.

This huge green space packed with activities will make you forget you're in the middle of the Ecuadorian capital.

The world's tallest aluminum statue is also the world's tallest image of a winged Virgin Mary.

This 12-inch-tall wooden sculpture of a winged Virgin Mary has inspired much devotion and countless replicas.

Quito's historic, main square dates back to the 16th century.

Legend says if this neo-Gothic basilica is ever officially completed, the world will come to an end.

The gondolas let you glimpse a bird's-eye view of one of the world's highest capital cities.

An elaborate shrine dedicated to the four corners of the world unfortunately misses its mark.

A turquoise lake within a volcanic crater.

Despite many attempts to finish this overpass, it has been abandoned since the 1970s.

Two giant painted cooling towers make for one of the world’s most epic bungee jumps.