The world is full of destinations that challenge our expectations of travel. While most people dream of visiting famous cities like Paris, Tokyo, or Rome, some countries offer experiences that are downright unusual places where the culture, customs, landscapes, or politics create an atmosphere completely different from anywhere else. These are the places that don’t just attract tourists; they spark curiosity.
What makes a country “strange” isn’t always something negative. Sometimes it’s an unexpected law, a unique way of life, or a history that feels completely foreign to outsiders. These destinations push travelers out of their comfort zones and invite them to experience a world that doesn’t fit into the usual travel brochure. They’re places that are as fascinating as they are puzzling and that’s exactly why they’re worth visiting.
In this post, we’ll explore ten countries that stand out not just for their beauty or history, but for the way they defy common expectations. From micro-nations with peculiar rules to isolated islands with bizarre customs, these are the countries that challenge what you think you know about the world and may just become your favorite unexpected travel story.
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Quick & Easy Tips for Visiting the World’s Strangest Countries
Research Local Customs and Laws Before You Go — What seems ordinary at home could be a serious offense elsewhere.
Keep an Open Mind — Strange doesn’t mean bad. Often, the things that seem odd at first become the most memorable parts of your trip.
Respect the Culture, Even If You Don’t Understand It — Being a respectful traveler earns you goodwill and a richer experience.
Stay Flexible with Expectations — These destinations may not have typical tourist amenities or predictable experiences.
Learn a Few Key Phrases or Greetings — Even in unusual places, a little local language goes a long way.
One controversial idea is whether it’s right to call a country “strange” at all. The word can sound dismissive or disrespectful, but in travel writing, it often highlights places that offer a unique perspective compared to the norm. Strange isn’t about mocking or belittling it’s about recognizing and appreciating the world’s diversity, even when it feels unfamiliar.
Another common misunderstanding is that strange countries are unsafe or unwelcoming. Many travelers assume that if a place is different from their own culture, it must be dangerous or uncomfortable. In reality, many of these destinations are perfectly safe and incredibly hospitable. The difference lies in perception, not reality.
Finally, some believe that visiting strange countries is only for the adventurous or experienced traveler. In truth, some of the most unusual destinations are also some of the most accessible. The key is not experience level, but your willingness to embrace the unknown and leave behind your assumptions. Travel is always about discovery sometimes, the strangest places offer the richest rewards.
Strangest Countries to Visit
1. Turkmenistan
Why It’s Strange:
Turkmenistan is one of the most secretive and least-visited countries in the world, known for its bizarre architecture, strict government control, and surreal landscapes.
Strangest Things to See:
The Door to Hell (Darvaza Gas Crater): A massive burning crater that has been on fire since the 1970s.
Ashgabat: The marble-clad capital filled with golden statues of the former president and empty, futuristic buildings.
Strict Internet Censorship: Limited access to global news, making it one of the least connected countries.
Travel Tip:
Getting a visa is extremely difficult, and guided tours are usually required for entry.
2. North Korea
Why It’s Strange:
North Korea is the most isolated country in the world, offering a glimpse into a tightly controlled, state-run society that feels frozen in time.
Strangest Things to See:
Pyongyang: A city with massive propaganda murals, grand monuments, and eerily empty streets.
The DMZ (Demilitarized Zone): One of the world’s most tense borders.
Arirang Mass Games: A large-scale synchronized performance dedicated to the ruling family.
Travel Tip:
Independent travel is impossible; visitors must book with an approved tour company and follow strict rules.
3. Bhutan
Why It’s Strange:
Bhutan measures progress by Gross National Happiness instead of GDP and limits the number of tourists to preserve its unique culture.
Strangest Things to See:
Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery): A dramatic monastery perched on a cliff.
No Traffic Lights: The capital, Thimphu, has no traffic lights, just police directing traffic by hand.
Phallus Paintings: Homes are decorated with giant phallic symbols, believed to bring good luck.
Travel Tip:
Tourists must pay a daily fee ($200–$250 per day) to visit, which covers accommodation, transport, and a guide.
4. Tuvalu
Why It’s Strange:
Tuvalu is one of the smallest and least-visited countries on Earth, with no traffic lights, no ATMs, and only one main road.
Strangest Things to See:
Fongafale Island: The main island is so small you can walk across it in minutes.
Disappearing Nation: Tuvalu is at risk of being swallowed by the ocean due to rising sea levels.
No Tourist Infrastructure: There are only a few guesthouses and one commercial airline serving the country.
Travel Tip:
Getting there is challenging, with only one weekly flight from Fiji.
5. Vatican City
Why It’s Strange:
The Vatican is the smallest country in the world, entirely surrounded by Rome, and run by the Pope.
Strangest Things to See:
Swiss Guards: The Pope’s bodyguards dress in 16th-century Renaissance uniforms.
St. Peter’s Basilica: The largest church in the world, built over St. Peter’s tomb.
No Citizens by Birth: Vatican citizenship is given only to those who work for the Holy See and is revoked when they leave their job.
Travel Tip:
Visit early in the morning to avoid massive crowds.
6. Moldova
Why It’s Strange:
Moldova is Europe’s least-visited country, known for its Soviet relics and underground wine cities.
Strangest Things to See:
Cricova Wine Cellars: A massive underground wine storage system with roads and street names.
Transnistria: A breakaway region that still operates as a Soviet-style republic.
Orheiul Vechi: A mysterious ancient cave monastery.
Travel Tip:
Transnistria issues its own passport, money, and visas, despite not being officially recognized as a country.
7. The Federated States of Micronesia
Why It’s Strange:
This Pacific island nation consists of over 600 islands, many of which remain largely untouched by modern tourism.
Strangest Things to See:
Nan Madol: An ancient city built on artificial islands, known as the “Venice of the Pacific.”
Underwater Ruins: A sunken city that divers can explore.
Island-Hopping Culture: Many islands have no electricity or modern infrastructure.
Travel Tip:
There are very few hotels—homestays or small guesthouses are your best options.
8. Kazakhstan
Why It’s Strange:
Kazakhstan is a massive, sparsely populated country with a blend of Soviet history, futuristic cities, and vast deserts.
Strangest Things to See:
Baikonur Cosmodrome: The world’s first and largest space launch facility.
Astana (Nur-Sultan): A bizarre futuristic city with space-age architecture.
Charyn Canyon: A Grand Canyon-like landscape in the middle of nowhere.
Travel Tip:
Public transport outside of cities is limited, so renting a car is the best way to explore.
9. The Principality of Sealand
Why It’s Strange:
Sealand is the world’s smallest self-proclaimed country, located on an abandoned WWII sea fort off the coast of England.
Strangest Things to See:
The Entire “Country” is One Platform: The whole nation is just a metal fortress in the sea.
You Can Buy a Title: You can become a “Lord” or “Lady of Sealand” by purchasing a certificate.
Unofficial Recognition: Despite its declarations, no country officially recognizes Sealand.
Travel Tip:
Visits are extremely rare and must be arranged in advance.
10. Eritrea
Why It’s Strange:
Eritrea is one of the least-visited countries in Africa, with a mix of Italian colonial architecture and strict government control.
Strangest Things to See:
Asmara: A city with well-preserved 1930s Italian architecture.
Dahlak Archipelago: Pristine, uninhabited islands.
No ATMs: The country has no working ATMs, and credit cards are almost useless.
Travel Tip:
You need a special permit to leave the capital, Asmara.
Final Thoughts
Traveling to lesser-known or unusual countries challenges you in ways that typical tourist spots might not. It forces you to rethink your habits, confront your biases, and experience life through a completely different lens. These moments of surprise and discomfort often turn into the most meaningful memories and stories you’ll ever tell.
While it’s easy to stick to well-worn paths, stepping into a country that feels unfamiliar or even odd can be the start of a deeper connection with the world. It’s a chance to learn, not just about other cultures, but about yourself how you adapt, respond, and grow through new experiences.
So if you’re looking for a travel experience that goes beyond the typical postcard-perfect vacation, consider adding one of these strange countries to your list. You may find that what seems unusual at first becomes the highlight of your journey and the story you never stop telling.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.