What's the most specifically exotic/foreign place you've ever been? (I.e. culture shock)

[Coventina]

21. Angkor Thom, Cambodia

It was just after dawn, and there was a wispy fog as we approached the huge gates of the ancient city in the jungle.

I and my husband were on foot, but next to us strode an elephant with tourists aboard.
Even though it was walking slowly, it gradually pulled ahead of us, due to the length of its stride compared to ours.

I let my fingertips brush its skin along its side as it passed me by, on into the mist.

I felt deeply sorry that the elephant was enslaved like it was, such a noble creature to be reduced to being a taxi for entitled tourists.

But, it was an encounter with a bittersweet beauty.

I'll never forget those moments.