Phnom Kulen: Cambodia's Hill That Predates Angkor Wat

 13°36'51.70"N 104°06'39.24"E

(from Wikimedia Commons)

   The worldwide famous Angkor Wat is the undisputed symbol of Cambodia. However, some 30 kilometers north of it, there lays the equally magnificent Phnom Kulen mountain range. Now serving as a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has been a sacred spot for both Hindus and Buddhists for centuries, while it is also considered the birthplace of the powerful ancient Khmer Empire. But besides its history, Phnom Kulen boasts as well a fairy-tale nature: from crystal-clear waterfalls to lush green hills and from incredible standing-up rocks to little rivers and streams. Let's get started!

Kizhi Pogost: The Best-Preserved Remains Of Russia's Wooden Architecture

 62°04'03.02"N 35°13'25.07"E

(from Wikimedia Commons)

   At first glance it might look impressive, but once someone realizes that it is completely made out of wood, it turns out to be even more majestic. Kizhi Pogost, located on the island of the same name at Lake Onega, is one of the few remaining well-preserved pogosts from Russia's prominent wooden architecture of the 18th century. The complex is conformed by two churches and a bell tower, yet, Soviet authorities transferred additional ligneous constructions from throughout the country, transforming the island into a collection of wood structures. Nowadays, Kizhi reflects the stunning past rustic traces of a growing global superpower.

Tophet of Salammbo: Ancient Carthaginian Burial Chamber

 36°50'28.42"N 10°19'22.25"E

(from Wikimedia Commons)

   Who doesn't know Carthage? The ancient civilization that wrote history by becoming Rome's big rival and by dominating the Mediterranean's trade routes! Located in the present-day city of Tunis, it is renowned for its great sophistication at the time, having excellent military officers, numerous trade partners and a fine political structure (Learn more). But what you might not know, is that, despite all this, Carthage had some quite primitive rituals. Therefore, today we're going to learn about the Tophet of Salammbo, which opened a new way of how we viewed this advanced civilization. Now, let us start.

Tassili N'Ajjer: Algerian Cave Paintings In The Middle Of The Sahara

 25°48'49.06"N 8°08'02.05"E

(from Wikimedia Commons) 

    Tassili N'Ajjer is a 72000 square kilometers natural plateau made completely out of sandstone. It's geologically stunning, yet the biggest highlight are the multiple well-preserved cave rock carvings with at least 12000 years of age. This site proves that there were human populations in the Sahara already in the beginnings, even illustrating the form of life they kept.     

Hahoe Village: South Korea's Traditional Capital

36°32'20.22"N 128°31'05.22"E

(from Wikimedia Commons)

   When you think of South Korea, you'll associate it with K-Pop, heavy technological industrialization, or even the tensions it has with the "other" Korea. However, beyond these modern elements, South Korea also has a traditional side where the most representative place is Andong Hahoe Village. This hamlet is said to be the capital of Korea's traditional culture as it stuns in architecture and festivals, and was even chosen as a highlight during Queen Elizabeth II's visit to Korea. But maybe the most striking aspect is that the inhabitants are stuck in the past: the houses are made of mud, they cook with firewood instead of ovens, and a simple television would look otherworldly here.