elynblackman's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Istanbul, Turkey

Viking Runes at Hagia Sophia

A small etching on the white marble parapet was written in runic script by a Viking mercenary.
Denizli, Turkey

Pamukkale Water Terraces

Roman ruins top white travertine terraces formed by ancient hot springs.
Istanbul, Turkey

Basilica Cisterns of Istanbul

A marvel of Byzantine engineering under the streets of Istanbul.
Aksaray, Turkey

Cappadocia

In this historic region, homes and churches are carved into ancient volcanic rock formations.
Puerto Morelos, Mexico

The Leaning Lighthouse

Still standing despite its considerable slant, this tilted lighthouse has become a local symbol of resilience.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Polé (Xcaret Archaeological Site)

One of Mexico's least-visited archaeological sites is tucked away inside a theme park.
Bangkok, Thailand

Democracy Monument

Bangkok celebrated its shifting monarchy with a militaristic homage to democracy.
Chiang Rai, Thailand

Wat Rong Khun

A white Buddhist temple with a golden restroom.
Hanoi, Vietnam

Statue of Lenin

A gift from the Soviet Union in the 1980s, this is the only statue of the Soviet dictator in Southeast Asia.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Reunification Palace

Meant to be a lavish presidential home, the palace became a symbol of the fall of South Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Witnesses claim the Virgin Mary statue outside the church once mysteriously shed a single tear.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Saigon Central Post Office

This French colonial post office is arguably the grandest in all of Southeast Asia.
Hội An, Vietnam

Japanese Covered Bridge

One of Vietnam's most iconic landmarks was built by Japanese traders and is now in danger of sinking.
Hội An, Vietnam

Reaching Out Teahouse

Located off a bustling strip, a silent teahouse employs workers with hearing- or speech-related disabilities.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The Venerable Thich Quảng Đức Monument

A memorial to the monk who set himself on fire to protest the persecution of Buddhists in Vietnam.
Hanoi, Vietnam

Hỏa Lò Prison

The notorious "Hanoi Hilton" where Vietnamese colonial subjects and later American POWs, including John McCain, were imprisoned.
Halong City, Vietnam

Hang Sung Sot

Ha Long Bay's "Cave of Surprises" houses a popular phallic rock formation.
Hanoi, Vietnam

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Home of the unusual art of water puppetry, one of Vietnam's oldest curiosities.
Kampong Thom, Cambodia

Cambodia Landmine Museum

This collection of reclaimed landmines acts as both an exhibition of their deadly history and as a shelter for children affected by them.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Khmer Rouge's high security prison.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phsar Thmei (Central Market)

One of the biggest markets in Asia, under one of the continent's largest domes.
Siem Reap, Cambodia

Ta Prohm

A battle between nature and architecture in the Cambodian jungle.
Orocovis, Puerto Rico

Ruta de la Longaniza

This "sausage route" features gorgeous views and family-owned restaurants.
San Juan, Puerto Rico

La Puerta de San Juan

This colorful gate stands as an entrance to the walled city of Old San Juan.