The Most Unique Temples and Churches in the World

The first thing that sets Angkor Wat apart is obvious – it’s recognised as the largest religious structure in the world. This place is about much more than just scale, though. The intricacies of the design, the detail found in each carving, is utterly spellbinding. The silhouette of what is today a Buddhist temple – originally constructed as a Hindu place of worship in the 12th century – remains one of the most beautiful works of ancient architecture on Earth. What makes Angkor Wat even more special is its relationship with nature. It’s bordered by a 5km (3mi) moat, which beautifully reflects the temple on a clear day, and surrounded by luscious greenery, as giant tree roots and sprawling vines slowly reclaiming the site. Our Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam trip includes an early morning trip to the complex, so you get to experience the wonder of Angkor Wat at sunrise – it’s the best way to see it, and even the most staunchly unspiritual among you will have a tingle in your tummy as dawn breaks across this ancient temple’s weathered walls.

Sometimes it’s all about location, location, location. That’s the case with Gergeti Trinity Church, which is found high in the Caucasus Mountains, a three-hour hike away from the nearest town. The 14th-century cross-cupola church is utterly charming but would be relatively unremarkable were it not for its dramatic position beneath the towering shadow of Mount Kazbek, Georgia’s third largest mountain. The church itself stands at an elevation of 2,170m (7,120ft) and with its remoteness comes an almost fairytale-like quality. Simple, but completely magical. You’ll make the trek up to Gergeti on our nine-day Georgia and the Caucasus, so don’t forget your walking boots!