Travellers and tourists usually create their itineraries to the most famous countries. They often neglect the countries that are strange and that are off tourist radar. In this huge world, there are such least visited countries, yet they have all the attributes and characteristics of a popular country. Honestly, there shouldn’t be a reason not to visit these not-so-famous countries. A visit to these strange least visited countries will not only have make you a great storyteller, but also gives you plenty of memories to come back with and makes a person so humble to have seen these countries.
Here are just some of the strange countries that will tempt you to book the tickets and visit them right away no matter what, or atleast to add to your bucket list!
Armenia
Photo Courtesy: Flickr
Armenia is a country wrapped with history and surreal landscapes. So much that there’s even a supposed piece of Noah’s Ark that can be viewed in one of Armenia’s museums, as echoed by the Secret Traveller.
As such, it’s in Armenia you’ll discover the importance of tradition, what with chess being taught compulsively in schools and Christian values being everlasting.
Consider visiting the the country’s capital Yeravan. It’s known for its pinkish hues in its architecture that attracts the tourists. Check affordable hotels in Yerevan.
Did you know that buildings in Yeravan are crafted out of volcanic rock? This ‘Pink City’ is where you’ll be able to mingle with the laid back Armenians sipping wine at bars late whilst enjoying a night life.
Booking.comKazakhstan
Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world. Surprisingly enough, there are landscapes that are jaw dropping and contrasting to each other.
From barren land to impressive Sharyn canyons, to gorgeous Kazakh Steppe grasslands and modern architectures of Astana, Kazakhstan is sure to surprise you in many ways.
Astana is the capital of Kazakhstan glimmering in the middle of nowhere like a needle in a haystack. Look for affordable hotels in Astana here.
Its majestic architecture stands out both for its glaring design and the fact it’s surrounded by nothingness.
It’s in Kazakhstan you’ll also be able to witness some rather eccentric national traditions – take buzkashi, the country’s most popular sport. Players will challenge each other on horseback to get control of the ball, except the ball is actually the head of a dead goat.
Principality of Sealand
Honestly, this was the strangest country for us, until we heard about it very recently. It’s disputed whether this is even its own country at all. But Sealand has its own passports, currency and even a royal family.
Sealand, a micronation is actually an offshore platform situated in the North Sea, approximately 7 miles off the coast of Suffolk, England.It was founded in 1967 by
Major Paddy Roy Bates, looking to broadcast a pirate radio station from the platform due to the fact it lies outside British territorial limits.
There have been attempts from all countries to try and seize the platform but Bates’ family have kept control of it, with Michael Bates now being the Prince of Sealand.
North Korea
You may think “Why North Korea”.But one can actually be able to visit North Korea despite its heavy guarding and surveillance. Of course, the visits will be monitored intensely and you’ll only get to see what the government wants you to see.
But it’s worth the trip just to see the unexplored natural beauty amidst how overly regulated the country is. There’s no right to religion, freedom of press or free movement in North Korea.
A visit to North Korea will not be the kind of normal holiday you look for – it is challenging, emotionally exhausting to know the history, but definitely doable.
For more breathtaking experiences, visit Mount Kumgang, a scenic mountain region or visit one of the many mountain peaks that North Korea boasts of.
Niue
Niue, also known as Rock of Polynesia is an Island Country in the South Pacific ocean. This quiet island is rarely visited by tourists. This least popular country has overwhelming natural beauty that is waiting to be explored.
Want to know some unknown strange facts about Niue? The country’s currency is adorned by characters from Disney and Pokemon. And in 2003, Niue became the first country to provide Wi-Fi all through the island.
Niue is also one of the largest coral islands. Main attractions inlcude Coral chasms, beautiful coastlines (hey dolphins!), hidden caverns, limestone arches and a huge pristine tropical rainforest.
There’s only around 1,500 people living in Niue meaning the feel of community is evident wherever you are. But that also means it isn’t very developed – not that you’ll worry, as the majority of Niue’s appeal comes from its nature.
Would you add these countries to your bucket list? What other strange countries have you visited?
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Monica
Interesting destinations! Kazakhstan looks so beautiful.
Monica recently posted…My Christmas Week
Jared James
Niue is something I been planning any suggestion for that 🙂
Lavdi
Wow. Never heard of Niue or the Principality of Sealand. Thanks for this post. Very interesting.
Lavdi recently posted…Diverse Africa through the eyes of those who know and love it!
Ashlee
This is a great list and now I just want to get back to traveling!
Kelly
Armenia and Kazakhstan are super high on my list to visit! Definitely my first time hearing of the Principality of Sealand though… not sure if that will make the list haha! Super interesting places though 🙂
Mark and Chuck
Interesting! None of these were places we might have previously considered. Thanks for sharing.
Sophia Bawany
Niue for the win!!! That water alone would get me there. Fingers crossed we are in a position to safely travel soon so we can explore. Thank you for the bucketlist additions!
Sophia Bawany recently posted…Zareen’s: Authentic Pakistani Food in the Bay Area
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Sarah
This is so inspiring!! I’m always looking for places to go that aren’t as popular as others – I would absolutely LOVE to go to Kazakhstan. I’ve also never heard of Principality of Sealand!?!? Or Niue?! All these unique places I need to get to!
Fadima Mooneira
Interesting post! It’s always interesting to learned about countries that aren’t popular among tourists. Kazakhstan has always been in my wish list. I know a lot about Kazakhstan from watching movies. There are a lot of movies shot in Kazakhstan these days. But Sealand is totally new to me.
Margie
I keep reading wonderful things about Armenia and those islands looked beautiful!
Agnes
I was in Armenia years ago, and it was a great adventure. )n my list is also Kazakhstan. I hope to visit these landscapes one day!
Medha verma
I am well aware of Armenia and Kazakhstan because I live in the uae and we aren’t very far from these countries, geographically. As for principal of sealand, I’ve never heard of this ! Neither have I ever heard of Niue! Quiet islands are totally my thing so it’s time now to explore the option, thanks for arousing my curiosity !