Declared a national park in 1980, Khao Sok in southern Thailand’s Surat Thani Province is a primeval wilderness frozen in time. Towering limestone karsts and winding rivers carve through a sprawling rainforest so ancient it once lay beneath a prehistoric ocean. At 160 million years old, Khao Sok’s evergreen rainforest offers travellers a rare glimpse into a world that has survived ice ages, shifting continents and humanity’s relentless march.

Perched atop the misty heights of Doi Inthanon National Park, the twin pagodas were built to honour the 60th birthdays of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. Beyond their striking architecture, these sacred structures embody Thailand’s deep respect for the monarchy, the enduring strength of its Buddhist heritage and the unity of its people, standing as timeless symbols of reverence and national pride.

Hidden among dense jungle in Ubud, the Sacred Monkey Forest is a living tapestry of Balinese culture and nature. Ancient Hindu temples rise amid towering banyan trees, creating an atmosphere of quiet reverence. The forest invites visitors to step into a world where spiritual tradition, wildlife and natural beauty coexist seamlessly, offering a rare glimpse into Bali’s enduring heritage.

Rising like a gleaming spine along the raw sandstone cliffs of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in China’s Hunan Province, the Bailong Elevator, also known as the "Hundred Dragons Elevator" is both a marvel of modern engineering and a looming monolith that stirs ancient fears. Piercing 326 metres into the sky, it is the tallest outdoor elevator in the world.