Beyond the Seven: What Could Be the 10th Wonder of the World?

The concept of the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’ has captivated imaginations for centuries, initially listing ancient marvels like the Great Pyramid of Giza (the only one still standing) and evolving to include iconic modern structures and natural phenomena. Yet, the world is brimming with extraordinary places that challenge our definitions of wonder, sites so stunning, unique, or historically significant they could easily lay claim to being among the greatest. This raises a fascinating question: What Is The 10th Wonder Of The World? While no official list extends this far, exploring potential candidates allows us to appreciate the planet’s boundless capacity for awe. From hidden caves in Thailand to surreal landscapes in Ethiopia, let’s delve into ten incredible locations that could spark debate over the world’s most magnificent treasures.

Delving into what constitutes a “wonder” often goes beyond mere size or recognition. It involves a blend of natural beauty, human ingenuity, mystery, and sheer impact. The traditional lists, whether focusing on ancient or modern marvels, represent pinnacles of achievement or natural splendor recognized on a global scale. But for every widely known site, countless others possess a unique magic, waiting to be discovered or rediscovered by those willing to venture off the beaten path. These places challenge our perceptions and remind us that the Earth’s wonders are far more numerous and diverse than any single list can encompass. Exploring potential candidates for something like the tenth wonder encourages a broader appreciation for the incredible variety of remarkable locations our planet holds. Considering sites often overlooked or less famous brings a fresh perspective to the discussion of global marvels. Understanding the context of established lists, like exploring the 7 wonder of the world with name, helps frame why people seek additional wonders.

1. Phraya Nakhon Cave, Thailand

Golden pavilion inside Phraya Nakhon Cave illuminated by sunlight

The world’s greatest wonders often require a journey to reveal themselves – a sense of discovery that defines the experience. Stepping inside the Phraya Nakhon cave, located within Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, offers precisely that feeling. This cavern, carved into the limestone cliffs overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, about 250km south of Bangkok, feels like a hidden treasure waiting to be found.

Accessing the cave involves navigating rough stone steps winding through pine forests, where dusky langurs swing through the trees and goat-like serow can sometimes be spotted. The true revelation occurs upon entering the central chamber, where a collapsed sinkhole in the ceiling creates a dramatic opening. This opening acts as a magnificent natural spotlight, flooding the cavern with light and illuminating the striking golden Kuha Karuhas pavilion nestled within.

This pavilion was constructed in the late 19th century specifically for a visit by King Rama V. Although he never made the trip, a succession of subsequent Thai kings have undertaken the pilgrimage to this remarkable site. Standing beneath the cave’s mini forest, with sunlight glinting off ancient stalactites and the pavilion’s gold leaf, one can fully grasp its profound appeal. It serves as a powerful testament to nature’s enduring power, capable of creating settings that dwarf human creations, while also providing a perfect stage for them.

2. Living Root Bridges, India

Vibrant green double-decker living root bridge spanning a river in Meghalaya, India

Life in Meghalaya state, located in north-east India and often cited as the wettest place on Earth, presents unique challenges, particularly with nearly 12 meters of rain falling annually on its lush, mountainous forests. Crossing the region’s often-raging rivers can become impossible during the monsoon season (June to September), and conventional bridges made from materials like bamboo quickly rot away in the extreme humidity.

Centuries ago, the ingenious Khasi and Jaintia peoples of the region devised a brilliant, sustainable solution: they began cultivating jing kieng jri – living root bridges. This involves planting rubber fig trees on opposite banks of a river and then carefully guiding their flexible roots across the water using supports like hollowed-out betel nut trunks. The roots are meticulously trained over many years to intertwine and grow into robust, living structures capable of spanning significant gaps.

Building these organic bridges is a practice requiring immense patience and foresight; it can take up to two decades for the roots to meet and form a functional bridge, and the strongest examples are over a century old, growing stronger over time.

Exquisite examples of these natural architectural feats can still be found in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills. The most visually stunning often bridge torrents deep within the forests of the far south, particularly around Cherrapunji. The unique double-decker bridge at Nongriat is a renowned example. Reaching many of these remarkable structures is part of the adventure, often requiring a local guide and several hours of hiking through challenging terrain. But, much like the bridges themselves, the effort involved only enhances the experience, making the arrival at these living wonders all the more rewarding.

A close-up view of the complex root structure forming a living bridge in Meghalaya

3. Danakil Depression, Ethiopia

Surreal yellow and green acidic pools and mineral deposits in the Danakil Depression

There are certain places on Earth so extreme and remote that they remain largely unseen by ordinary travelers. Ethiopia’s Danakil Depression fits this description perfectly. It’s not only one of the hottest environments on the planet, with temperatures frequently soaring above 50ºC, but until relatively recently, border tensions with neighboring Eritrea rendered the area largely inaccessible and unsafe for visitors.

With improved regional stability, this incredibly surreal landscape has now opened up, offering glimpses into a truly alien world shaped by powerful geological forces. Regular tours venture into the area, revealing a place where the divergence of three tectonic plates has created a stark, otherworldly beauty. Here, vibrant green and yellow acidic pools bubble and gurgle from the cracked earth, forming bizarre, sulfurous mounds and deposits that paint the ground in unnatural hues.

Vast, shimmering salt flats stretch towards the horizon, bleaching the landscape white, while distant volcanoes sporadically erupt, spewing electric-blue lava and illuminating the night sky with fiery displays. It is a place unlike any other on Earth, offering a raw look at planetary processes. The journey typically begins from Mekelle, a city in Ethiopia, before heading into the parched northern Afar region. The Depression itself extends from here into Eritrea and Djibouti.

Trips often involve traveling past active volcanoes like Erta Ale and Dallol. Nights here are dramatically lit by starry skies above and the glow of molten rock below, providing a stark contrast. The region is also home to nomadic caravans who continue to trade in freshly mined salt, adapting their flexible lives around this extreme climate. Visiting the Danakil Depression is an unforgettable experience, providing a haunting, unfiltered insight into our planet’s raw, untamed evolution.

Panoramic view of the Danakil Depression showing vast salt flats and distant mineral formations

4. Fairy Chimneys, Turkey

Hot air balloons soaring over the distinctive rock formations known as fairy chimneys in Cappadocia, Turkey at sunrise

The whimsical name ‘fairy chimneys’ given to the distinctive rock formations in Cappadocia’s Goreme Valley in Turkey belies their truly geological origin. This moon-like landscape is the result of millions of years of natural processes. The spires were formed from soft volcanic ash (tufa) that rained down across prehistoric Turkey, which was then capped by a layer of harder basalt rock.

Over immense stretches of time, erosion, driven by wind and water, sculpted the softer tufa layers while the harder basalt caps protected the rock directly beneath them, resulting in the cone or pillar shapes topped with a harder ‘cap’ that resemble chimneys or mushrooms. While nature sculpted this dramatic scene, what humanity subsequently did with it is equally compelling and contributes significantly to its wonder.

To defend against Arab invaders centuries ago, local populations carved entire cave cities and villages directly into the soft rock formations. Furthermore, around 600 rock-cut Christian churches, many dating back to the Byzantine era, were hollowed out of the landscape and adorned with frescoes.

Among the most famous is Karanlik Kilise (the Dark Church), known for its well-preserved frescoes due to limited light exposure, featuring hushed chambers, grand arches, and delicate Byzantine art carved directly from the rock. However, some of the most breathtaking views aren’t found underground. At sunrise and sunset, the Goreme Valley becomes a spectacle as hundreds of brightly colored hot air balloons ascend into the vast blue sky. The soft, half-light of dawn and dusk casts a golden glow over the intricate landscape below.

While a stunning sight from the ground, experiencing this from a hot air balloon basket, floating nearly 2.5km above the prickly canvas of formations, offers an unparalleled perspective. From this vantage point, you can truly soak in every unique nook and knobble of this magical, sculpted landscape, appreciating both nature’s artistry and human adaptation.

Close-up view of fairy chimneys showing the cone shapes and basalt caps

5. Baalbek, Lebanon

Ruins of the Temple of Bacchus in Baalbek, Lebanon, featuring tall Corinthian columns

Baalbek’s incredible temple complex, a site of monumental Roman architecture, has often been hidden in plain sight for international travelers. For years, due to regional instability, it frequently appeared on various countries’ advisories, limiting visits. This meant relatively few people made the two-hour drive from Beirut to witness its colossal scale and stunning preservation.

However, with improved conditions and relaxed travel advisories in recent years, the opportunity to explore some of the best-preserved Roman structures outside of Italy has returned to travel itineraries. Baalbek is not just a Roman site; it was a significant Phoenician city long before the arrival of the Greeks (334 BC) and subsequently the Romans (64 BC).

The Romans built their massive temple complex – dedicated to deities like Jupiter, Bacchus, and Venus – directly atop older, massive Phoenician foundations. These temples featured towering Corinthian columns designed to reach high into the heavens. What sets Baalbek apart, and contributes to its mystique as a potential wonder, is the sheer scale of the stonework. The foundations include some of the largest cut stones ever used in construction, giant monoliths weighing up to 800 tonnes. How these massive stones were precisely cut, transported, and laid with such accuracy in the ancient world remains an unsolved mystery, prompting some theories involving advanced or even ‘unearthly’ capabilities.

Beyond the impressive temples themselves, Baalbek is surrounded by the idyllic scenery of the Bekaa Valley. Visitors arriving from Beirut or exploring the valleys and vineyards of historic Lebanon can also observe how life and tourism are evolving in the area, adding another layer to the experience of visiting this extraordinary site. Understanding sites like Baalbek can also provide perspective on other ancient structures and raise questions about the criteria for designating wonders, such as considering why is the pyramids not a wonder of the world based on modern lists.

Distant view of Baalbek ruins with mountains and the Bekaa Valley in the background

6. Tsingy Forest, Madagascar

Sharp, grey limestone spires of the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, Madagascar

Welcome to a place often described as the ‘forest of knives’. Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park in Madagascar is a landscape dominated by impenetrable limestone towers, incredibly narrow, shoulder-wide chasms, and crooked canyons, presenting a thrilling yet challenging environment for travelers bold enough to venture in. This tsingy (a Malagasy word meaning “where one cannot walk barefoot”) stone forest is more than just a natural obstacle course; it is also a remarkable natural bio-fortress, harboring unique and endemic wildlife due to its isolated and challenging terrain.

One of the best ways to begin exploring this extraordinary park is by canoe. Setting out early on the reddish-orange Manambolo River helps avoid the intense heat of the day. Drifting along the river, visitors can paddle under the towering Bemaraha Mountains and witness the tsingy’s needle-like spikes rising dramatically before them, some reaching heights of over 60 meters. The park’s diverse habitats, including forests, lakes, and mangrove swamps, are home to rare birdlife, and if you’re fortunate, you might catch a glimpse of the majestic Madagascan fish eagle in action.

The Tsingy continues to yield discoveries. Exploring the tight caves and crevices, while keeping an eye out for squeaking bats, can reveal fragments of broken pottery or other artifacts, providing evidence that people once managed to make this harsh land their home, seeking refuge or resources within its complex structure. After navigating the challenging terrain, climbing to a designated viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic vistas. From above, it’s fascinating – and perhaps a little envious – to watch primates like Decken’s sifakas and red-fronted brown lemurs navigate the canyon forests with remarkable ease and agility. Standing there, gazing out at the intricate, spiky landscape, one can’t help but ponder just what other secrets and unique life forms might be hidden within this incredible stone labyrinth.

Another perspective of the razor-sharp limestone formations in Tsingy de Bemaraha

7. Penguins, South Georgia

Massive colony of King penguins gathered on a beach in South Georgia

Had Captain Cook sailed to South Georgia’s Salisbury Plain today, his initial assessment – that the island was “not worth the discovery” – would likely be drastically different. Today, this remote sub-Antarctic island is known as the penguin capital of the world. Hundreds of thousands of king penguins would offer a truly royal welcome, parading down the tightly packed shore in an overwhelming display of natural abundance.

The most common way to reach this extraordinary penguin paradise is via sub-Antarctic cruises. From the ship, visitors transfer to smaller Zodiac crafts to make shore landings. These excursions allow exploration of windswept areas near glaciers like Grace and Lucas and, most importantly, provide the chance to encounter the dense throng of squawking, orange-billed king penguins on the teeming beaches. The penguins seem to monopolize the coastal areas, though sharp-eyed visitors can also spot other wildlife, including fur seals and various albatross species nesting nearby.

Visiting during the austral summer, from November to March, offers a front-row seat to the king penguin’s fascinating breeding cycle. Eggs are typically laid in November, and chicks begin to hatch from around January. Watching the fluffy brown chicks interact and grow, eventually moulting into their adult plumage about six weeks later, is a highlight. While strict guidelines are in place to ensure human visitors maintain a respectful distance from the wildlife on Salisbury Plain and other landing sites, the curious penguins themselves haven’t always received the memo and may approach observers, creating unforgettable close encounters. Considering the diversity of world wonders, from ancient sites to natural phenomena, sites like South Georgia offer a unique perspective, highlighting the ‘living’ wonders of the animal kingdom that are also candidates for lists like what’s the 7th wonder of the world if categories included wildlife.

Close-up shot of two King penguins on a beach in South Georgia

8. Cono de Arita, Argentina

The perfectly conical hill of Cono de Arita rising from the vast Salar de Arizaro salt flat in Argentina

“Emerging dramatically from the expanse of one of the world’s largest salt flats, Salar de Arizaro, the Cono de Arita is a geological formation that seems to defy perception, constantly shifting in apparent size and shade depending on the light and distance. From afar, the 150-meter-high cone can appear deceptively close, seemingly within easy touching distance. It’s only as you attempt to approach it across the vast, flat terrain that you realize you’ve been visually ‘hoodwinked’ and it is much further away than your eyes initially suggested.

“Exploring the Puna de Atacama region in north-west Argentina, I was fully expecting elemental, otherworldly landscapes – it’s a high-altitude desert plateau known for its surreal beauty. But our local guide had promised us a specific sight that would be truly unique, something unforgettable. Crossing the immense, dazzling expanse of the Salar de Arizaro, the brooding, almost perfectly conical form of Cono de Arita gradually appeared out of the epic backdrop of mountains and sky. It felt mysterious and compelling, a dark, sharp geometric shape in a flat, bright world.

“We continued our drive, slowly ascending a slight slope while listening to Pink Floyd’s iconic album, The Dark Side of the Moon. As the soaring vocals of ‘The Great Gig in the Sky’ began to play, we reached a viewpoint and looked back down across the salt flat towards the cone. In that moment, with that soundtrack, the hairs on the back of our necks truly rose. There below was the cone, looking precisely like a giant pyramid, its dark shape starkly contrasting with the blinding white plain, appearing almost as if it were floating on the dazzling surface. It was an incredibly moving scene. In silence, we each found a spot to sit, to contemplate the immense landscape, and simply give thanks to Mother Earth for creating such a marvel,” recounts Lyn Hughes, Wanderlust editor-in-chief. This personal account highlights the profound impact such a unique natural formation can have, making it a strong contender for a modern natural wonder.

Closer view of the base of Cono de Arita where the dark cone meets the white salt flat

9. Lalibela, Ethiopia

Stone church carved directly into the rock in Lalibela, Ethiopia

Steeped in mystery and often inspiring profound wonder, Lalibela holds a unique place of spiritual significance in Ethiopia, considered its second holiest city after Axum. It is home to an extraordinary complex of medieval monolithic cave churches, including what is considered the largest such rock-hewn church in the world.

Located in the mountainous Amhara region of northern Ethiopia, the 11 rock-hewn churches of Lalibela are so remarkable that they have frequently been referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Their international significance was formally recognized when they were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. These churches are not built in the conventional sense; instead, they were painstakingly carved directly downwards out of the solid volcanic rock using hammers and chisels, creating intricate structures below ground level. The churches are connected by a network of tunnels and trenches carved from the same rock.

Bet Medhane Alem is the largest of the churches, measuring an impressive 33.5 meters by 23.5 meters, yet Bet Giyorgis (the Church of Saint George) is arguably the most visually striking and iconic. Carved 15 meters deep into the shape of a perfect Greek cross, it stands in a deep pit, accessed via a tunnel. A significant mystery surrounds the exact timeline and methods used to construct these churches. However, popular belief attributes their creation to King Lalibela, who is said to have commissioned them in the 12th century with the ambitious goal of creating a ‘New Jerusalem’ on Ethiopian soil after Muslim conquests made pilgrimages to the original Jerusalem difficult.

Visiting during the dry season, typically from October to March, offers the most comfortable weather conditions. For a truly powerful and immersive experience, witnessing the dawn mass on a Sunday is highly recommended, when hundreds of local worshippers descend upon the ancient churches to participate in centuries-old rituals, filling the rock-hewn spaces with chants and devotion. Sites like Lalibela challenge our understanding of ancient capabilities and are often cited when discussing wonders beyond the standard lists, prompting interest in topics like 7 wonder of the world 2021 which might consider modern or lesser-known marvels.

Aerial view showing the cross shape of Bet Giyorgis church carved into the ground

10. Ningaloo Reef, Australia

Underwater view of colorful coral and tropical fish on Ningaloo Reef, Australia

Stretching for 260 kilometers along the coast of Western Australia, Ningaloo Reef holds the distinction of being the largest fringing reef in the world – a coral reef that grows close to the shore. Recognized for its exceptional biodiversity and ecological significance, it is a UNESCO-stamped spectacle, a vibrant bonanza of blue teeming with an incredible array of tropical marine life. This underwater world is home to turtles, majestic manta rays, playful dolphins, migrating humpback whales, and if you are particularly lucky, the elusive and enormous whale shark, the world’s largest fish.

Access to this aquatic assembly is not limited to marine creatures alone; snorkellers and divers are welcome to explore its wonders. Year-round tours depart from the town of Exmouth. The “humpback highway” is particularly popular between July and October, during the annual migration. During this period, licensed tours offer the incredible opportunity for small groups of swimmers (up to five people) to get remarkably close to the humpback whales. While maintaining a respectful distance of at least 30 meters is required by regulations, these gentle giants are sometimes curious and may choose to approach swimmers, creating an unforgettable interaction.

Even outside of the main whale season, Ningaloo remains vibrant. Dolphins and dugongs (sea cows) are frequently spotted in the clear waters. Travelers can also head to easily accessible spots like Turquoise Bay, renowned for its drift snorkeling and abundant bright corals close to shore. For those who prefer to stay dry, hopping aboard a glass-bottom boat offers fantastic views of the underwater world without getting wet, and provides opportunities to see whales leaping out of the water or other surface activity. Alternatively, for a truly unique perspective, you can take to the skies on a microlight expedition, skimming just above the water’s surface for a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the reef and its inhabitants.

Whatever method you choose to experience Ningaloo Reef, you are guaranteed a front-row seat to a glittering, vibrant world teeming with life, easily earning its place in any discussion of the world’s great natural wonders. This vast and accessible marine ecosystem stands out as a unique natural marvel.

Underwater view showing a diver observing coral and fish on Ningaloo Reef

These ten locations, spanning diverse continents and showcasing both the raw power of nature and the enduring impact of human interaction with the landscape, offer compelling arguments for consideration among the world’s greatest wonders. While the concept of an ‘official’ 10th wonder remains open to debate and personal interpretation, exploring places like Phraya Nakhon Cave, the Living Root Bridges, the Danakil Depression, Cappadocia’s Fairy Chimneys, Baalbek, Tsingy Forest, the South Georgia penguin colonies, Cono de Arita, Lalibela, and Ningaloo Reef expands our appreciation for the planet’s incredible diversity and the many forms that true wonder can take. Each site, in its unique way, provides a breathtaking experience that resonates deeply, reminding us of the extraordinary places that exist far beyond the most famous lists.