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Ranking the best Top 20 countries I visited!

by Kim Sa

By: Azwar Saleh

I started to travel solo when I was 17. From the cozy European vibe to the gorgeous nature of Asia, here's my personal travel experiences, guides and tips on what to expect at these places if you decide to visit one. Of course, there are more famous countries I haven't explored yet and countries I had a shallow exposure only so I did not include them.

20. Cambodia

Cambodia is famous for the Angkor Wat, the largest temple complex in the world. Though its capital is Phnom Pehn but Siem Reap City feels more lively and touristic. It's like all the establishments are designed for tourist. It has many temples that are mostly free (except Angkor Wat).

In Phnom Pehn, I went to Independence Monument, the Royal Palace which looks like a temple and the Wat Ounalom Monastery where a monk invited us to enter and make a wish to Buddha. In Siem Reap, make sure to visit Pub Street. It's basically the city's center for bars, clubs and restaurants so imagine how lovely it is at night.

The Angkor Wat on the other hand cannot be fully explored in just one day. So, many travellers opted to pay for a three-day entrance fee while others would rent a tuk-tuk (local transportation) for the drivers to tour you for one whole day and follow either a sunrise or a sunset route. Yes, that's how big the temple is! Compared to the neighboring Southeast Asian countries, Cambodia is not really cheap. I budget travel but the cheapest food that I can find is around 3 USD. The locals also don't speak English much so you better plan your itinerary well and communicating with the locals will be a bit challenging.

Overall, Cambodia is a good country for a short visit and if you want to try healthy foods, nature and experience a more authentic Asian culture.

19. Slovakia

Slovakia might not be a famous travel destination but it's location can be a perfect side trip for those who are in Vienna, Austria. It's capital, Bratislava, is just one hour away (via bus) from Vienna which is a very famous tourist destination. It has a cozy vibe (typical European) where it's old town and the tourist attractions are well-compressed. It has nice castles, an old town and gardens that will make you feel like you are in a fairytale. It also offers lively bars and cafes.

Slovakia used to be one country with Czech republic so they share the same culture, traditions, foods and cuisines.

18. Qatar

Although I'm not really into "modern" architecture, the ultramodern architecture in Qatar is really mesmerizing. It's amazing to think that this developed country used to be full of sand just 40 years ago. It has amazing and extravagant malls such as the Villaggio Mall which has a mini Venice vibe and covers almost all of the big international luxury brands, there's also the Mall of Qatar and so many other huge malls. They have several museums too and man-made islands. There is also a 7km Bay walk called Corniche along the Doha bay that offers a magnificent view of the tall buildings and the beach.

*Corniche Doha. Photo from qatartourism.org*

It's not really cheap in Qatar as it's one of the richest countries in the world. That's why if you are into luxury shopping and traveling, Qatar will definitely suit you. The foods are classy and expensive as they are mostly imported from other countries. If you love to drink, make sure not to get drunk in public as it is illegal. Alcohol there is only sold in licensed bars, restaurants and hotels.

Villagio Mall, Doha, Qatar — *Villaggio Mall. Photo by Hafiz Issadeen/flickr*

There are a huge number of Indians, people from other Arab countries and Filipinos who work there which combined are larger than the number of the Qatari people. It's easy to identify the locals though. Just look at the type of cars they drive and Qataris rarely show themselves in public.

17. Finland

Of all the Scandinavian countries, I personally think that Finland is less good simply because it's architectures are newer (built around 1800) so you won't find it as historical as it's neighboring country (Sweden). The way the new and old buildings were established makes the city look disorganized but not dirty though. They have unique churches and nice cathedrals. Notable Helsinki attractions include the island called Suomenlinna and Korkeasaari Zoo that can be explored one day each. Other popular landmarks are the Helsinki Cathedral, Sibelius Monument, Kauppatori Square Market and Esplanadi, and the beautiful Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral (unfortunately it was closed when we visited).

If you want to witness a spectacular view of the Northern Lights, you can have it in Finland. But of course you can view this amazing phenomena from other Scandinavian countries as well. The famous Sta. Claus village can also be found in the north of Finland.

16. Malaysia

We visited two cities in Malaysia- the capital Kuala Lumpur and the red city of Malacca or Melaka.

Kuala Lumpur, the capital, has the famous Petronas Twin Tower which is the 7th tallest tower in the world. It has a shopping mall with well-known brands and classy restaurants. At night, the colorful lights around the tower together with a dancing fountain makes the outside park so magical and picturesque. Another popular attraction in Kuala Lumpur is the Batu Caves which has a 272-steps stairs temple. We also went to Sunway Lagoon, an 88-acre waterpark that's perfect for all ages. I can't believe we spent a whole day trying all their waterslides!

*Inside one of the caves in Batu Caves Malaysia*

If you have extra time and want a more relaxed destination in Malaysia, I recommend visiting Malacca. This place is so cozy and I really wished we stayed a bit longer! It has so many beautiful attractions from the famous night market in Jonker street, a wide white sand dunes (this was one of the trips highlight), a river cruise in the middle of the colorful city, a panoramic 360-degree view of the whole Melaka from their tallest building and so many unique temples. What's more cool about Melaka is that the whole city center is painted in RED! Even the street, the church, the municipal hall!

Overall, Malaysia has plenty to offer and the travel costs are not too expensive. There are a variety of food options to choose from, cheap but safe hotels and plenty of night markets. Both city's have endless activities.

15. Turkey

This was the very first country I visited as a teenager. The capital, Istanbul, is a very vibrant and lively city. What's unique about it is that half of its city is part of Asia while the other half is part of Europe. These two parts were only connected by a bridge called Bosphorus Bridge so you can walk on it and reach two continents in less than an hour. Because of these two major influences, the country's culture has a good mix between Europe and the Middle East. The foods are superb and don't forget to try the famous Baklava, authentic Kebab and the traditional Turkish tea! Although the country is dominated by Muslim population, but it has a variety of alcoholic beverages and drinking is legal.

*The Bosphorus bridge connecting Europe and Asia. Photo credits to Mehmet Bilgin/Flickr*

In terms of tourist attractions, Istanbul has so many stunning historical mosques such as the Sultan Ahmed (also known as the Blue Mosque), palaces, the Istiklal Avenue with so many shops and restaurants and the Grand Bazaar which is one of the biggest covered markets in the world.

Overall, Istanbul is a perfect place if you want to experience two major cultures in one place.

14. Laos

I entered Laos from Cambodia and was able to explore the Southern part, specifically the town of Pakse & the 4000 Island. I immediately felt the warm welcome of the locals because Pakse is not a touristic area so when they see a tourist exploring their town, they will be so happy and offer you free rides while refusing to take money or payment. In my six days stay in Laos, I visited the three largest islands of the famous 4000 Islands. I stayed on the island of Don Det for three nights where you see people chilling in their hammock and two nights in Pakse. I went to the Tad Fane Waterfalls that's 120 meters high via truck (Songthaews). The locals in the area were too helpful and even offered me a ride when there was no public truck available going home anymore. The most common way of getting around the country is through pick-up trucks, buses and renting a motorbike.

*Enjoying my stay in Don Det (except the mosquitos)*

The foods in Laos are heavy on vegetables and herbs with small amounts of meat (usually fish) so rest assured you will be eating a complete pack of healthy foods for every meal. In 4000 Islands, the meals are a bit expensive while Pakse have cheaper options.

Overall, many other travellers visit this country to relax and be in touch with nature. The northern part of Laos has equally good tourist attractions too! Whenever I remember a place with very accommodating and friendly people, I always remember Pakse.

13. Germany

A country where almost all the cities are worth visiting! It's almost impossible to explore fully without staying for months as it has a lot to offer. Germany is so rich in culture and history. There is a wide variety of foods and cuisines are so delicious and unique and are even famous around the world. The Germans love beer and this is a major part of German culture. They love beer so much that it's part of their everyday life and they have so many types of beer to choose from.

Click for a larger view — **Reichstag, Berlin** Photo Credits to Hyde Flippo

I can't even mention the best attractions in Germany as almost everything I've been to was fascinating. In Berlin, the Reichstag has a huge garden in front of it perfect for picnics. The Brandenburg gate, Gendarmenmarkt and the historical Berlin Wall memorial are also a must!

I also visited Cologne, the fourth largest city in Germany and visited the Cologne Cathedral which is the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe. If you are into contemporary art, you may check out the Ludwig museum. I also noticed more tourists than locals while walking in the old town which of course made the prices of bars, restaurants and even souvenir shops not cheap. If you ever travel alone, you can just walk around the city and there is no need to ride buses or trams. It's easy to navigate and read the signs because they are usually written in both English and German.

Cologne Cathedral, Kölner Dom History of Cologne Germany — *The Cologne Cathedral from the outside. Photo credits to itscarmen.com*

Overall, Germany's location is in the center of Europe which makes it very accessible to many other European destinations. So if you are in Germany, wherever you decide to go is another touristic European country!

12. Sweden

Known as the "Venice of the North" because of the number of islands it has, the capital Stockholm is vibrant and alive in summer. Though the people are friendly and approachable, Swedish culture is so closed and difficult to understand (for someone who lived here for 14 years, I feel more Filipino than Swedish lol). They also value private space and you will easily notice this in trains or buses. However, Swedes are also very civilized. Human rights and environment are what they value the most so you will notice on the foods and products that they sell that it's mostly organic and they promote using second-hand items too.

When it comes to the prices, Sweden is one of the most expensive in the world. Beer is only served in restaurants, bars, cafes and hotels and if you want to buy one, you'd have to go to the only liquor store that's allowed to sell it called System Bolaget (which has a limited opening hours). Also, be informed that some establishments here don't accept cash.

Most tourist attractions in Sweden are located in its capital. There is the Gamla Stan which has old colorful buildings, Drottningholm Palace, The Royal Palace, Vasamuseet which has a huge ship that sank on 1628 and was excavated on 1961, the National History Museum which is considered as one of the best in Europe, Storkyrkan which is the oldest church in Stockholm that has an amazing interior and many other historical places.

If you are planning to go to Sweden, make sure to visit in summer as some of the attractions like the Grona Lund are closed during other seasons.

11. Denmark

I would say that Denmark and Sweden almost have similar levels in terms of what they offer to tourists. Some say Denmark is a bit better than Sweden while some say otherwise. Copenhagen, it's capital, is perfect for river cruise and sightseeing as most of its tourist attractions are around the river. I think cities that are built above water have this huge advantage. It has a lot of palaces as well. Nyhavn is one of the most beautiful harbors I've ever seen. I think it's more colorful than the Gamla Stan in Stockholm and feels more magical at night. It's more like you are in Germany than in Scandinavia as the capital has the vibe of a central Europe. Copenhagen is very near to Malmo, Sweden so many Swedes will just cross the Öresund bridge and bring their children to Tivoli amusement park. If you go on top of the Round Tower on a sunny day, you will have a clear view of Malmo. That's how near they are.

Overall, Denmark is also one of the most expensive countries in the world to visit. Hotels, food and transportation are expensive. However, there are many tourist attractions such as botanical gardens, parks, historical buildings and museums that are free just like Sweden.

10. Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh city (formerly Saigon) has a variety of attractions. It has old temples, modern architecture and a vibrant nightlife. Vietnam also has a rich history after it successfully defended its country during the Vietnam war. Vietnamese are proud of their culture and they always promote local products to their guests.

Notre Dame Cathedral is a must to visit. This is one of the unique western architecture in Asia. It was built by the French in the late 1800's.

One of the most memorable experiences I had was the Mekong river cruise where you ride a very small boat that will pass by several local villages and witness their simple way of living.

Their cuisine is usually a combination of several herbs, spices, fresh vegetables, a slice of meat and a small serving of rice. However, my favorite dish is the Pho (a Vietnamese noodle soup) and the healthy Banh Mi. Food is so cheap and tasty. There's beef noodles or you can pair the beef with rice too that's as cheap as $1 (2017 prices though). It was the only country in my life where I got so excited to have lunch and dinner.

Their main public transportation are buses but of course they also have taxis, trams and trains too. Vietnam is full of motors like no other cities I have ever seen. There are too many that you see tourists on the sidewalks taking videos and photos of a regular street because of how many motors they have. If you want to visit Vietnam, make sure to plan your itinerary well and research in advance on how to navigate as only few Vietnamese in touristic areas can speak English.

9. Netherlands

The capital city of Amsterdam might be the most romantic city I've ever been to. The canals that surround the city are so beautiful. The whole city has an old town vibe but is very alive whether it's day or night. You will find great museums here including the famous Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House Museum.

The Dam Square has historical buildings, very nice architecture and entertainment activities from people who play different types of instruments right in the middle of the square itself. It is the center of the city surrounded by several shops, restaurants, gardens and the public park Vondelpark.

There is a huge Turkish community in Amsterdam just like Germany and Austria so they have authentic and delicious doner kebab sandwiches. Their local desserts are mouthwatering too, especially the Stroopwafel.

Overall, the Netherlands is also a very expensive city to travel with but it's worthy for a short European experience.

8. France

Paris is one of the dream destinations for some. With its classy vibe, astonishing architecture, it will make you feel like you are in a romantic movie. The historical Eiffel Tower is the top attraction in France. The tower looks more magical at night as well when the lights are all turned on. There's a river cruise you can ride that will pass by the renowned landmarks. If you are specifically interested in art, Paris has one of the best museums with Musée du Louvre as the most notable one and is very picturesque even from the outside. Of course, you will never miss the Notre-Dame Cathedral de Paris, the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe.

Update: I visited Notre-Dame Cathedral 2016 which was before the accidental fire that happened in 2019. The rebuilding is still on-going and the Cathedral is estimated to re-open in 2024.

I would say that France is most suitable for people who are into art, fashion and luxury travels. You will appreciate more it's beauty more if you dig into the museums, explore the gallery and try their authentic French cuisines. As to the touristic attractions, be prepared to see crowds of people everywhere.

However, you must remember that France is not just Paris. If you go to the southern part of the country, they have one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.

7. Thailand

Seriously, you probably need a year to be able to say you're done with Thailand. The country has everything a traveller needs! Bangkok is a very beginner-friendly city compared to the other neighboring countries in Southeast Asia. It has decent public transportation, the foods are cheap and delicious and the city itself has the best Temples in Asia. You can easily feel like a local even if you only stay there for days.

Aside from this, Thailand has amazing beaches especially in the area in Phuket and in Krabi Island. Kon Phi Phi also will never disappoint you. The beaches there have crystal clear water and white sand. If you want to visit endless temples and night markets, you may stay in Chiang Mai. You might see influencers having creative photos with elephants taken from the Khao Yai National Park.

If you want more adventure, Thailand has nice caves and trails too! I advise you to rent a motorbike so you can fully explore the top tourist attractions. Never forget to try their healthy Thai cuisines. They are not just delicious but very cheap as well. Local products are also widely promoted in the country.

Overall, Thailand is one of the best countries if you want to make the most of your summer. Just be ready for the huge crowd and traffic, especially in Bangkok.

6. Czech Republic

This is one of the very few countries in Europe where prices are reasonable. Despite being a touristic country, Czech republic is not too expensive in terms of hotels and food. It was one country with Slovakia until 1993 so they share a strong similarities in culture, architecture, meals and vibrant culture.

Prague, the capital, feels so magical. It has the most magnificent architecture in the old town, the Charles Bridge made with medieval stones (which is one of the most famous bridges in Europe), the ancient streets and the long history and cultural legacy. It has the remarkable Prague castle which has a nice architecture view from the top and the Vyšehrad castle which has a nice nature view from the top as well. Both look like Disney castles! Never skip the old town square that has the third oldest astronomical clock in the world that is attached in the old town hall. Other picturesque squares are the Wenceslas square and the historical Jewish Square with exhibits from the holocaust. I also visited the Prague Zoo where I had my first time seeing a polar bear and the Petrin Tower which is like Prague's version of the Eiffel tower.

Overall, I personally think that Prague has a more romantic ambiance than Paris. The people are friendly and very open-minded as well. The cozy looking architecture surrounded by beautiful forest and rivers looks like a painting from afar. Being in Prague feels like you are inside a historical book. This is the reason why I visited this country six times.

5. Indonesia

Unlike what some people think, Bali is more than just stunning beaches. It's a huge island that has a wide array of entertainment. It is rich in culture that can be seen in the number of temples they have (Bali alone has almost 20,000 temples). It has numerous mountain trails and the diverse waterfalls that are suited for both sightseers and daredevils.

Ubud, an area in Bali has countless attractions including the popular vast rice fields, the Tegenungan Waterfalls, the scenic Saraswati Temple and the Sacred Monkey Forest sanctuary where I had fun playing with the adorable little monkeys. Have you ever seen the "insta-famous" swings with rice terraces views? That's in Bali as well!

On the other hand, Kuta, an area in the south of Bali is more visited because of its nightlife and laid-back beach vibes. If you are into surfing then this is the perfect place for you. The area has so many restaurants, bars and clubs that's why it is so lively, especially at night. If you've ever been to Boracay in the Philippines, Kuta's ambiance is similar to it. The Uluwatu temple is one of the visited temples south of Kuta. It reminds me of the White Cliffs of Dover but a smaller version. It has a very romantic atmosphere during sunset so expect this place to be always flooded by tourists around this hour.

The only challenge I encountered in my trip to Indonesia was the transportation since I always depend on public transpo. The taxis have no meter and the drivers have no fixed charge and set their own prices. Grab drivers operate in secret as it's not allowed there. I remember visiting a waterfall in Ubud and there was no public transportation back home anymore so I tried to book Grab and since it was the only Grab in the area, the driver set its own price that was five times higher than the regular fare! He challenged me and told me as well that I don't have a choice so I decided to walk back to my hotel which was 16km away from the falls.

Overall, Bali, just like Thailand, is one of the best backpacking destinations in Southeast Asia. It has so many attractions worth visiting. If you are into spicy foods, their cuisines will suit you. Whether you are vegetarian or meat lover, you will find a lot of food options. Despite it being a very famous tourist destination, the average prices in Bali are acceptable.

4. Spain

One of my most favorite travel destinations in Europe. Barcelona is more vibrant and alive than the rest of Europe and has one of the best weather too. It has world class and most unique architecture in the world, especially the ones designed by Antoni Gaudí. The Sagrada Família is the greatest Cathedral I have ever seen! I personally advise you to visit the interior as you will have a whole new level of experience. It has ancient churches, iconic monuments, great parks and gardens and wherever you go in Barcelona, the beach will always follow. The food is amazing and mouth-watering. You will find the most authentic paellas, tortillas and other traditional Spanish cuisines. If you are a football enthusiast and a fan of Messi, you will never skip the Camp Nou Stadium. It was a very special experience for me to walk around the stadium and visit the rooms where the football players stay prior to their matches. I also saw the trophies of Messi displayed in their museum.

I always hear people complaining about how expensive Barcelona is. But for someone who came from Sweden, Barcelona is actually cheap. Not very cheap of course but cheaper compared to the other touristic destinations in Europe. So I guess, those who complain that it very expensive and costly are comparing the prices of Barcelona to the rest of Spain.

Overall, just like Germany, Spain has so many islands and cities to explore and wherever you go it's always crowded. If you are a museum lover, you might want to visit the capital Madrid. However, among all the big cities in Spain, Barcelona is the best option.

3. Austria

Roaming around in Vienna feels like you are a character in a romantic novel. It has a very cozy ambiance that makes you feel relaxed and at peace all the time. Its surrounding is very clean, organized and the whole atmosphere in the city center and even in secluded streets is highly classic. No words can describe how amazing Vienna is so let me just give you a fun fact to summarize the feeling. Every year from 2009-2019, the Mercer's Quality of Living survey has named Vienna as the best place to live in the entire world!

Stephansplatz, is the main square in Vienna with the iconic St. Stephen's Cathedral. This is also where the Christmas markets are stationed. It's surrounded with a lot of boutiques, souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants, hotels and other prominent establishments. There's also the Schönbrunn Palace and it's marvelous garden. The tour inside the palace takes around an hour while the garden depends on your navigating skills. It is so big that you might get lost so better use google maps or just sharpen your memory. The Naschmarkt, is an open air market that has the most popular Viennese cuisines, vintage artifacts, decorative items and other interesting products. It has hundreds of stalls in a row that are visited by both locals and tourists.

Regardless of the season, Vienna will always have something to offer. It is a very ideal destination for all types of travellers as well. Whether you want to enjoy the summer, dress up in autumn, spend time outdoors in spring or even visit Christmas markets in winter, Vienna has it all!

Although Austria is a German speaking country, many people especially in Vienna and some touristic areas speak English very well. When it comes to prices, it is not cheap but not as expensive as other major cities like London.

Overall, I would describe Vienna as elegant, classy and grandeur. It took me five days to explore the few of the best attractions of Vienna (though there are way more to see). It is not an easy place to visit and you should never underestimate it. There's just so much to do, so much to visit and endless sightseeing. Make sure to make a list of the landmarks and if you can, enjoy walking instead of riding the trains and other public transportations.

2. Philippines

It has literally everything when it comes to nature. Think of anything nature related and the Philippines have the best of them! From the crystal clear beaches, white sands, stunning falls, island, marine life, mountains, springs, caves and everything else! If you ever want to travel to the Philippines, make sure to stay here long term. The prices are cheap, there's always access to public transportation wherever you go (even in isolated areas), the weather is perfect (always summer) and most people speak English, very friendly and accommodating. It is so easy to understand the culture in the Philippines and live like a local.

However, if you want to maintain a Western lifestyle in the Philippines, you definitely can. But let me tell you that it won't be cheap. The cities here, like the other cities in the world, are always crowded. So explore the provinces and islands far from the center and it's where you'll find the real beauty of this country.

Some of the best places to visit in the Philippines are Boracay, Cebu, and Palawan. Boracay might just be an island but it has the most pristine water and finest sand (second to Maldives). Though it's one of the most visited travel destinations in the country and you might see more tourists than locals, its white beach is so wide that it doesn't get crowded. Cebu, a city in the central part of the Philippines has a complete package as well. It has the famous whale shark watching, the popular Kawasan Falls and the pride of northern Cebu when it comes to beaches, the Bantayan Island. Palawan is divided into three: Puerto Princesa, Coron and El Nido. Puerto Princesa has the longest underground river that was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and was voted as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2012. El Nido and Coron get complimented by tourists for its glasslike water, spectacular lagoons and limestone cliffs. Palawan offers astonishing views and landscapes especially when you are island hopping.

Once again, it needs a long term stay if you want to fully discover this country. Personally, there are still so many places I haven't seen in the Philippines despite being here for years. But once this pandemic is over, I can't wait to show you more of what this country offers!

1. Maldives

Will always be my dream destination despite being there already. Maldives have the best beaches and resorts I have ever seen in my life. I think the word "best" is not even enough to describe how lovely this dreamy place is.

Maldives might sound like a classy out-of-reach travel destination but not totally. Yes it has private islands and resorts that can only be accessed through private boat planes and underwater villas where the prices per night is equivalent to my one month salary but there are islands as well that are equally beautiful but affordable.

*Unforgettable experience! #Flyboadring*

The capital, Male, has all the commercial buildings and is the busiest island of Maldives. You will see more locals than tourists. This was the starting point of our first destination, Gulhi island. Gulhi is relatively small with less than 1000 inhabitants (based on 2006-2014 consensus) so it was very quiet and peaceful. It has few accommodations as well so we stayed in the most famous hotel which is the Tropic Tree Maldives. Since we visited during the low season, the hotel allowed us to use kayak boards and snorkeling gears for free! The second island we visited was more touristic called Maafushi. It's bigger with more hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops and water activities. This is the best island for budget travellers and if you're with a group who want to stay in hostels.

Since Maldives is literally a country made of small islands, the main transportation between these islands is a ferry. There are private ferries that will send you directly to your resort or you may opt to ride the public ferry which is way cheaper. There are also private boat planes which have a minimum fare of $100 per person (depending on your destination) which you can book in advance through your chosen accommodation.

Maldives have all types of water activities ranging from a relaxed kayaking to extreme flyboarding. Diving enthusiasts will definitely be stunned by the rich and colorful marine life. If you want to have the iconic photo of the over the water bungalows, you can have a day trip to one of the private island resorts which is way cheaper than literally staying on those private islands.

Overall, Maldives is an expensive country if you choose luxury travel. But it can be cheap if you research well and plan your itinerary based on the available backpacking islands in the country. Make the most of their public ferries too as they are always available. It might be a bit of a hassle but it's definitely worth it!

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