Ritz Carlton Hong Kong

In pictures: 31 amazing travel extremes

There's a certain thrill to ticking off the world's greatest travel experiences - sightseeing is a much more ethical form of trophy hunting. Here's a new list to add your must-sees - we've tracked down 31 travel extremes that will make for excellent one-upmanship with other travellers. As well as the "world's highest" skyscraper hotel, we've included some old favourites, record-breakers and some downright strange ones. It will answer any burning questions about where the smelliest flower grows or what the most ancient culture is on planet Earth. Begin the tour...

Meera Dattani is a freelance writer.