Marble Mountains, Vietnam
Discovered: 15th century

Buddhist and Hindu grottoes can be found within the mountains, named after the five elements: Kim (metal), Thuy (water), Moc (wood), Hoa (fire) and Tho (earth). Here, Buddha is holding a mudra representing connection to the Earth. Mudras are used as symbolic or ritual gesture in Hinduism and Buddhism as well as many other religions. Science has now confirmed that these ancient techniques actually stimulate different parts of the body involved with breathing and affect the flow of prana in the body. They help link the brain with the body, soothe pain, stimulate endorphins, change the mood and increase vitality.