France, Italy, Spain – these are all gorgeous countries worth visiting. There is no wonder why they attract millions of global travellers each year. However, if you are looking for a unique holiday destination that offers an entirely different experience, you’ll need to step off the beaten path and explore the world’s least visited countries.
Not only will you do your part in eliminating the negative impacts of overtourism, but you will also get to explore fascinating cultures, landscapes, and sights, evolving from just another tourist into a genuine global traveller.
READ MORE: We look at the 10 best travel destinations in the world in 2021
So, where should you go? What is the least visited country in the world? Take a look below to find out.
What is the least visited country in the world?
Prepare for an experience of a lifetime in the least visited country in Asia – Bhutan
Bhutan, located on the eastern edge of the Himalayas, is a true gem. However, it receives only a handful of tourists each year and is adamant about keeping it so.
The entire country is dotted with mesmerising Buddhist monasteries and ancient fortresses, and the natural landscape is otherworldly.
A must-visit location is the Tiger’s Nest monastery that sits atop a 900m cliff in the Paro valley, offering you an unforgettable view of the surroundings.
When visiting Bhutan four years ago through a registered tour operator, I had to pay a daily fee of $215 for food, accommodation, transportation, and guide – an expensive measure introduced to keep the number of visitors at bay.
It’s best to go to Bhutan October-December as the weather will be more pleasant.
Enjoy an idyllic holiday on the small islands of Tuvalu
We cannot talk about the least visited country in the world without mentioning Tuvalu. In 2018, Tuvalu welcomed just 2,700 visitors! It’s a tiny, inaccessible island group in the South Pacific, making most travellers easily overlook it.
Just because it’s small doesn’t mean that it has nothing to offer, however.
It has beautiful, pristine beaches and gorgeous turquoise waters. Any diving or snorkelling enthusiast will be thrilled by the diverse marine life, lively coral reefs, and heavenly lagoons. If you rent a yacht, it would make for a one-of-a-kind romantic getaway.
Once you’re ready to hit the dry land, you’ll be surprised by the friendliness of locals who are always ready to share some of their arts and culture with you. Visit Tuvalu between May and October to avoid the cyclone season.
Learn about one of the newest and least visited countries in the world – South Sudan
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011, making it one of the youngest countries in the world.
Its capital Juba and second-largest city Wau are home to gorgeous colonial-era buildings, while its numerous national parks house thousands of exotic animals.
The only problem is that South Sudan has been heavily affected by civil wars for the past four decades. Any traveller should use common sense and caution before booking a trip there.
See the world’s largest wine cellar in one of the least visited countries – Moldova
Moldova is one of the smallest, cheapest, and least visited countries in Europe. Sitting cosily landlocked between Romania and Ukraine, it boasts a wonderful landscape sprinkled with brutalist ex-Soviet architecture – it’s a sight to behold.
It has everything a global traveller needs – unique museums and art galleries, small restaurants and cafes, antique shops and modern shopping malls, and striking countryside that will take your breath away.
What stood out to me when visiting Moldova almost ten years ago, was the incredible underground wine cellar Cricova just 15km outside the capital Chisinau. Any wine aficionado should visit it at least once.
Moldova has a moderate continental climate, so you can safely visit any time you’d like, whether it’s in the middle of winter or during the summer. However, it’s spring in Moldova that brightens up the countryside and somehow makes the wine taste better.
Explore the world of the sultanate in Brunei
Although getting more tourists than some of the other countries we’ve talked about, Brunei is still one of the least visited countries in the world. Located on the island of Borneo, it boasts diverse rainforests, fascinating beaches, and lively wildlife.
If you want to explore its natural wonders and see crocodiles and the astonishing long-nosed monkeys, visit the Ulu Temburong National Park. If, however, you want to explore the world of the sultanate and see the incredible mosques and golden domes, such as the Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah mosque, stay within the gorgeous capital Bandar Seri Begawan.
Keep in mind that Brunei isn’t known for its civil liberties or human rights, so tread with caution.
Visit Brunei in February or March to enjoy dry, warm weather and avoid large crowds.
Go on exciting adventures in Timor-Leste
Located in Southeast Asia, Timor-Leste received its independence from Indonesia in 2002. Before Indonesian occupation, it was a Portuguese colony, so you’ll find remnants of both of these countries in Timor-Leste. Gorgeous Portuguese colonial architecture, delicious Indonesian cuisine, and rich cultural history and tradition are the markers of this beautiful country.
If you want to learn more about Timor-Leste, visit the capital Dili and explore its museums or head for the remote village in Tiris Manumera to meet the locals and marvel at the astonishing waterfalls. Climb up Mount Ramelau to explore the landscape, or head for the uninhabited Jaco island and enjoy fishing, freediving, and snorkelling.
Go to Timor Leste between May and October to enjoy the drier and clearer weather.
Travelling to some of the least visited countries in the world can offer unforgettable experiences you’ve never even dreamed of. Instead of going for your usual destinations, expand your horizons and explore everything that this small world has to offer.
