Places Sputnicktatorship Wants to Go

This nugget of paradise earned its name for obvious reasons.

This serene bamboo walkway allows Buddhist monks from remote temples access to the nearby village.

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

This small patch of land is the final resting for these communication relics of the past.

The bank's whimsical shape was inspired by a child’s toy.

All of Thailand's architectural landmarks, plus some made up ones, all viewable via two-seater bicycle.

This elephant kraal is the only one remaining in Thailand, dating back to the 16th century when these massive mammals were integral players in war and trade.

A mile-long navigable cave adorned with stalactites and stalagmites reaching up to 65 feet tall.

Buddhist university that allows English-language speakers the opportunity to study with monks in Thailand.

Riding on a pair of architectural dragons, this Thailand temple holds murals full of lurid imagery.

A phallic shrine to a princess goddess in Krabi, Thailand.

This dazzling Buddhist temple was constructed from over one million ceramic tiles salvaged from a British shipwreck.

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

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

Cities of the world and famous Thai monuments in minature.

An on-site urban farm and fish pond supply some of the produce for this upscale restaurant.

A Buddhist shrine in a cave protected by macaques next to dark passages lined with creepy paintings.

Buddha shrines hide within dark tunnels at this unique forest temple.

Acres of salt crystal pyramids dry in the sun along Thailand's "salt road."

Romania's "Red Ravine" is a little-known natural wonder that bears a resemblance to the Grand Canyon.

Peek into the world of those creating the beautiful, delicate paper parasols found all over the globe.

This extensive collection of dead bugs may be the world's most idiosyncratic and personal insect museum.

Surat Thani's official flower—and the world's largest—smells of rotting meat.

Bizarre Hindu and Buddhist sculpture park.