World's best places to visit: 25 TOP travel destinations

Our planet is absolutely amazing, rich with its unique natural creations and breathtaking places created by human hands. The best places to visit in the world attract millions of people and leave unforgettable impressions that make life brighter and richer.

In this article we will talk about the most unusual places in the world that are worth seeing at least once in your life.

The best place to visit in the world: TOP-25

Right now you will learn about the best tourist places in the world: multi-colored mountains, recently discovered caves, a unique bamboo forest and dragon trees. We will also tell you where to go to see the most beautiful lavender and tulip fields, rice terraces, mountain lakes.

Tianzi Mountains (China)

One of the most unique formations on the planet is located on the territory of the Chinese province of Hunan. The Tianzi Mountains are also called floating mountains because their peaks are often in clouds and mist, which creates the illusion that they are floating in the air. Presumably, the age of the quartz sandstone the mountains are formed of, is about 300 million years.

During the period of its existence, the Tianzi constantly eroded, thus became multi-layered and formed towering peaks with trees and plants growing on the ledges. At the foot it is no less picturesque and beautiful due to the abundance of caves with underground rivers and lakes.

You can get here by taxi or by bus, which leaves from the Zhangjiajie bus station. Travel time is about an hour.

Halong Bay (Vietnam)

This is one of the visiting cards of Vietnam, located in the Gulf of Tonkin. The name translates as "the place where the dragon descended into the sea." As local legend says, the islands of the bay were created by a huge dragon.

When the dragon flew along the coastline, his huge tail destroyed the rocks and valleys, and then dived into the sea waters. The water level rose, it flooded Halong, and only unique formations of stone rocks — islands — remained visible.

There are thousands of rocks, cliffs, islands of unusual shapes and sizes in Halong Bay. There are bare inconspicuous islets, and there are those where you can find waterfalls, grottoes and lakes. The water in the bay is crystal clear and emerald green. There are amazing beaches which belong to the most beautiful places in the world to relax.

You can get to the bay by bus from My Dinh in Hanoi or by minivan from Gia Lam, they arrive at Bai Chay station in the bay. There is also a train, but you can only get to Halong with a transfer in Haiphong.

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Yosemite Valley (USA)

The picturesque Yosemite Valley is located in California on the territory of a national park, the unique ecosystem which is included in the UNESCO list.

There are many dense forests, mountains, rocks and waterfalls, so one of the main natural attractions in the United States is popular with locals and tourists.

The valley is inhabited by many species of animals, birds and reptiles: black bears, coyotes, marmots, hawk owls, rubber snakes, etc. In total, about 300 species of animals and 230 species of birds live here.

The valley has abundant flora — about 1,400 plant species were found on the territory of Yosemite Valley. This place looks breathtaking regardless of the season, so you can meet tourists here 365 days a year.

You can get to the valley on Highways 120, 140 and 41. The road from Sacramento and San Francisco takes about four hours, from Reno — up to five hours.

Read also: US attractions: 15 most interesting tourist places

Sagano Bamboo Forest (Japan)

The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, also known as Sagano, is located in Kyoto and is world-renowned as one of the top must see places of the world. Its history dates back to the 14th century, when a Japanese poet decided to plant a forest on a landscape with magnificent views of the mountains and temples in the area.

The grove is densely growing bamboo trees, among which there are many paths for visitors to stroll, fenced with dry bamboo shafts. At night, lights are lit along the alleys, which add atmosphere and mystery. Therefore, people often come here to relax from the worldly bustle and meditate.

To share your impressions of the bamboo forest, you can use the Yesim application, which will provide a stable and high-speed Internet connection. You can not only publish photos and videos, but also broadcast live while walking along the bamboo alleys.

The forest is located in the Arashiyama district on the outskirts of Kyoto. You can get there from the Torokko Arashiyama railway station by trains going to Kameoka and Saga.

Rice terraces in Mu Cang Chai (Vietnam)

Terraces are carved in the mountains with a smooth slope, specifically for the creation of rice fields. Such a landscape helps to evenly distribute the rainwater flowing down from the peaks, where the rice is irrigated only naturally.

Plantations are unique as they change color depending on the season. First rice sprouts are green, at the time of flowering, the terraces are painted yellow-golden, and with the ripening they turn brown.

In winter, the rice fields look no less impressive. The water that accumulates on the plantations freezes and creates a mirror effect. Therefore, the hills sparkle and shine in the sun. Despite the man-made origin of the terraces, they look perfectly harmonious in the natural landscape, as well as the small houses in which the rice farmers live.

The only road that leads to the terraces is Route 32. You should first drive to Yen Bai from Hanoi by car or by taxi and then about 70 km to Muong Lo.

Plitvice Lakes (Croatia)

One of the most beautiful places in Europe is a cascade of 16 lakes surrounded by islets, straits and many waterfalls. The Plitvice Lakes are over 4,000 years old, but were discovered only four centuries ago. About one and a half million people visit this place every year.

The natural monument is located on the territory of the National Park, which covers an area of 300 km². Many different animals live on the territory, including such predators as wolves, bears, lynxes and wild cats. There are also about 1300 species of plants, there are 55 species of orchids which are the true highlight of the park.

You can get to the lakes from Zagreb by car on D429 highway. There is also a bus with the last stop at the entrance number 2.

Tulip fields (Netherlands)

Tulip fields can be found in many regions of the Netherlands, but most of them are located near the cities of Aalsmeer, Rijnsburg and Naaldwijk. The famous FloraHolland flower auctions are held here, which are more like stock trading.

Usually tulips bloom for two months, starting in mid-March, but this period may slightly vary due to weather conditions. This is one of the best tourist places in the world. More than one and a half million people a year come to the Netherlands to see tulips bloom.

You can get to the tulip fields by car or by taxi, as well as by train. The choice of transport depends on the city near which the field is located.

Lencois Maranhenses (Brazil)

The Lencois Maranhenses National Park is located in the state of Maranhao and is one of the best places to visit in the world. Its uniqueness is in the turquoise natural lakes spread out among the white sand dunes. In fact, the park has the appearance of a desert, but there is a lot of rainfall. For example, if compared with the Sahara, the park receives 300 times more rainfall.

During the dry season, lakes can disappear completely. When it's the rainy season they fill with water again, the flora comes to life and representatives of the fauna appear: hares, deer, wild boars and many birds. Fish, crabs and other aquatic inhabitants miraculously appear in the lakes.

To get to Lencois Maranhenses, you first need to get to San Luis, and then to the national park by car or by bus, which departs from the only bus station in the city.

Colored rocks of Zhangye Danxia (China)

Colorful or Rainbow rocks are located on the territory of the geological park in China’s Gansu Province. The secret of their formation lies in the ancient process of the formation of the earth's surface, which began about 100 million years ago.

For centuries, water streams brought silt, which, under the influence of high temperatures, oxidized, and thanks to the contents of iridium and sandstone, the mountains were painted in various colors.

Part of the mountains are covered with plants, that makes them even more colorful and surreal.Many species of plants grow here as well as there are lots of animals in this area despite the prevailing rockiness. Similar geological formations are found in other countries, but they are incomparable in charming beauty with the landscape of Zhangye Danxia.

There are trains and buses from Beijing and Lanzhou to Zhangye. You can also take a taxi or rent a car. But the road is long, so keep in mind that you will have to find a place to stop for the night.

Lavender fields in Provence (France)

Lavender is grown throughout France, but the most beautiful species that grow in the southeast are in Provence. Lavender blooms in the middle of summer, so in July there are a lot of tourists from all over the world. Those wishing to stroll among the flowering bushes are advised to wear rubber boots, because there are snakes and scorpions in the fields.

During the blooming period, lavender festivals which are very popular among tourists are held in many cities of the province which are adjacent to the fields. At fairs you can buy souvenirs made of lavender, cosmetics, drinks, honey and various sweets.

The most convenient way to get to the fields is to take a taxi or rent a car. There are also trains and buses from Paris or Marseilles. For those who are in good shape, bicycle routes are suitable.

Moraine Lake (Canada)

The lake, located in Banff National Park, was discovered 120 years ago and since then it has been one of the most visited must see places of the world. The lake with crystal clear water, surrounded by mountains and coniferous forests, looks breathtaking and atmospheric.

The beauty and uniqueness of Moraine is explained by the nature of its origin. The waters of the lake are melted glaciers, and the amazing blue color of the water is created by the refraction of light on the bottom, which is covered with a layer of mountain powder. The water is always calm here, so the lake has a mesmerizing effect on visitors.

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You can get to the place by taxi or by rented car, but the road from Calgary will take about three hours as the distance is about 200 km. Shuttle buses also run to the lake — they depart every two hours.

Grand Canyon (USA)

This National Park, located in the state of Arizona, is recognized as the largest on the planet. Its length is more than 500 km, and the relief began to form 75 million years ago. More than 355 species of birds, 150 species of animals, about 15 species of fish and amphibians live in the park.

Part of the canyon is a desert with cacti and agaves, then it moves to oases with mixed forests, lush vegetation and lakes. You can explore the area walking and swimming in boats — it depends on the location.

You can get to the Grand Canyon by car or shuttle bus that runs from the airports of Las Vegas, Phoenix, Flagstaff and Tasayan.

Cappadocia (Turkey)

This is an area in the center of Turkey that looks very unusual due to solidified lava, pyrite fragments and extinct volcano cones that erupted more than 75 million years ago. After their activity, atmospheric phenomena created an intricate and amazing landscape pattern.

Thanks to climate change and oxidation, the lava has acquired a vast variety of color shades and became even more picturesque. Purple plates, yellow rocks, white cliffs, ashy hills and blued basalt pillars create a unique palette that can only be found in Cappadocia.

To get to this fantastic location, you can use the direct shuttle from the airport. There are also buses from every big city.

Son Doong Cave (Vietnam)

This unique cave is considered to be the largest cave on Earth and can also be found in various ratings of the best tourist places in the world. Son Doong consists of halls up to 200 m high and up to 150 m wide. Surprisingly, the locals had discovered it only 30 years ago, and the world knew about it ten years later, so Son Doong can be called one of the "youngest" attractions.

The cave is unique in its unusual ecosystem with the river, jungle and even clouds. Birds, monkeys, bats and foxes live here. There are also many interesting plants in the cave, but they, like animals, are found only in those areas where sunlight reaches.

The nearest airport is in Hue, from where you reach the cave by train or by car. There are trains from Hanoi, but you will have to spend the whole day on the way. Also keep in mind that the road from the highway to Son Doong lies through the jungle and takes about six hours.

Dragon trees on the island of Socotra (Yemen)

This tree belongs to the Dracaena Cinnabari species, although it looks more like a huge cactus with many branches on the trunk and bunches of green leaves on the tops.

It is interesting that during the flowering period, trees completely shed their leaves, and flowers bloom at night, emitting a sweet scent. Dragon trees are endemic, which means that it is impossible to find this species anywhere else on the planet.

According to legend, a bloodthirsty dragon lived on the island, which fed on the blood of elephants. But one day, one very big elephant fell on the dragon and crushed it, moistening the ground with blood. Trees grew in this place — "female dragons". This is how the name “dracaena” is translated, and its juice is called “dragon blood” due to its bright red color.

You can get to Socotra by plane from Sanaa, the capital of Yemen. The best way is to buy a tour in order to move around the territory in an organized and hassle-free way as part of a group.

Troll Tongue (Norway)

This is a rock of an interesting and unusual shape, which is situated at 1100 m above the sea level. Below is the picturesque Rasengan Lake. The cliff appeared in the process of melting permafrost, when a layer of ice fell off with a part of the rock. In theory it can break at any moment, but this does not stop tourists from trying to take a picture.

The cliff got its name thanks to the legend about the troll who loved to walk among the mountains and swim in the lake. The sun is the main enemy of these creatures, so the troll could frolic only at night, but dreamed of seeing all the beauties during the day. Once he decided to check if the sunlight was so dangerous, stuck his tongue out of the cave and instantly turned into stone.

Skjeggedal Mountain, where the attraction is located, can be reached from Oslo by train or by bus, and from Stavanger or Bergen by express bus.

Shilin stone forest (China)

This fantastic place is located in the Yunnan province and also belongs to various top lists of the best places to visit in the world due to the unique beautiful relief. The area of the Stone Forest is about 1100 km², and it appeared 300 million years ago, when this place was once the sea. Its waters once went back, revealing the underwater rocky cliffs. There are lakes, caves, a waterfall and a real deciduous forest on its territory.

As the local legend says one giant wanted to build a dam so that his people would always have enough water. He had stolen magical tools from the immortal old man and began to move stones at night but did not manage to finish his work till dawn. The tools lost their magical power, and the stones were scattered around.

Trains and buses run from the provincial capital Kunming to the Stone Forest. It will take 1.5-2 hours for a 120 km long way.

Meteora Monastery Complex (Greece)

These monasteries, which are located at the tops of the rocks, are also deservedly called the must see places of the world. They were built about 700 years ago to protect priests from robber raids. Another reason for building monasteries so high is the symbolic closeness to God.

Today, only six monasteries remain on the rocks — four men’s monasteries and two convents. The picturesque scenery of Thessalian valley opens from the peaks, the valley with pastures, farms, small towns and settlements.

Trains and buses run from Athens to the monasteries. The cheapest way is to buy a ticket for a direct train to Kalambaka,. We advise you to find a reliable guide right upon your arrival so as not to get lost. You can also buy an excursion and notcare of transport and a guide on your own.

Adrspach-Teplice Rocks (Czech Republic)

The Adrspach-Teplice Rocks are the largest rock formation in the Czech Republic, covering an area of almost 18 km². This is a whole system with its own gorges, canyons and caves. Also here you can admire the waterfalls that appear and disappear depending on the season and weather conditions.

There is a small lake hidden among the rocks, far from human eyes, where you can take a boat tour. It is difficult to find it on your own, so tourists use the services of local guides. About 160 species of animals live in these places, including roe deer, lynx, wolves, deer and wild boars. Also here you can meet wood pigeons, eagle owls, kestrels and other birds.

To get to the rocks, you first need to get to the city of Trutnov, and from there travel by train to Adrspach. Travel time is about three hours.

Niagara Falls (USA and Canada)

Niagara is the symbol of the strength and power of nature, this place is included in most ratings of the best places to visit in the world. Millions of tourists from all over the world come every year to look at the majestic streams of water falling from a height of 50 meters.

This is a real natural masterpiece, surrounded by a rainbow on a sunny day. In winter, the sight is no less glamorous — the waterfall turns into huge icicles shining in the sun. This is one of the most photographed sights in the world.

The mesmerizing views are a must to share with your friends. To do this, just install the eSIM using Yesim application, post photos on social networks and send to friends in instant messengers.

Read also: What is eSIM: what is it for and how to use it

At night Niagara is illuminated by dozens of powerful spotlights. They paint the water in different colors, which delights tourists. The roar of water is so strong that nothing is heard near the waterfall, and the very contemplation of huge streams makes visitors speechless, which generally creates the impression of a hypnotic effect.

You can get to the waterfall right from Toronto by bus or first go by train to Burlington station, and then take a bus. From New York, you can get to Buffalo by bus, by plane or by train, and then take a taxi or go by bus to get to Niagara.

Calanque National Park (France)

Provencal Calanques are numerous bays with white rocks immersed in greenery, sandy beaches surrounded by pine trees, lots of caves and underground rivers with crystal clear turquoise water. The height of the rocks surrounding the bays reaches 400 meters, and their age is about 120 million years.

Surprisingly, located along the Mediterranean Sea, the massif includes the underground springs of Port Miou and Bestouan, which provide fresh water to the entire population of the region. This only natural park in Europe covers an area of about 160 hectares, only 10% of which is land.

To visit the Calanques, you can buy a sea excursion. Buses run from Marseille to the campus, and then you need to walk or bike. It is prohibited to use any other vehicles in the park.

Giants Road (Northern Ireland)

This northern Irish wonder of nature looks so that there are doubts that it was naturally created. Huge multifaceted stone columns are arranged tightly to each other and resemble bee honeycombs from above. There are many myths and legends about the giants who created the Giant's Road, but scientists give a rational explanation.

About 60 million years ago a volcano erupted here. The lava flowed immediately into the river, the outer layers quickly cooled and fell to the bottom, which explains the appearance of columns of this shape.

According to the legend that got this place its name, a giant built a road from stone pillars. He wanted to get to the other enemy giant to find out who was stronger.

To see this attraction, you first need to get to the city of Bushmills, where trains and regular buses run. There are about three kilometers from the town to the Road of Giants, so you can walk, hire a taxi or rent a car.

Valley of Wadi Bani Khalid (Oman)

This valley is absolutely unique as it is surrounded by the mountains, the desert and it is an oasis. These are amazingly beautiful lakes with crystal clear water, surrounded by palm trees and various plants. There are many caves and gorges nearby, and to admire the valley from above, you need to climb one of the peaks.

Date palms, numerous rocks of the most unusual shapes and lakes filled with emerald color water look like a mirage in the midst of barren landscapes. To believe in the reality of the surrounding beauty, you should swim in the warm waters of the local lake.

If you want to take a walking tour, it is easier and safer to buy an excursion. You can visit the valley on your own, but you still cannot do without a guide. The road runs through the desert, so you need to rent a car or find a guide with transport. The distance from the nearest city of Muscat to the Wahiba desert is 200 km.

Tapu Island (Thailand)

This islet of about 20 meters high looks like a peg in the water. Its diameter at the base is four meters, and the diameter of the upper part is about eight meters.

The karst spine, which is Tapu in reality, became famous after the film about agent 007. Its second name is the name of the most famous movie spy — James Bond.

Tapu Island is located in one of the best tourist places of the world — Phang Nga Bay in the northeast of Phuket with quiet and calm beaches surrounded by picturesque landscapes. It is forbidden to visit the island and approach it by boat because of the danger of destruction of the base.

To get to the island on your own, take a taxi or rent a car in Phuket and drive to the pier of the Phang Nga National Park. Then you need to transfer to a boat that is rented or join a group of tourists to save money.

Antelope Canyon (USA)

What is the best tourist place in the world? It depends on personal preferences. But if we talk about the unique wonders created by nature, Antelope Canyon will definitely leave a lasting impression on everyone.

Sandy cliffs, in which water and wind have created bizarre cavities, are colored in reddish-red shades. This combination of colors resembles the skin of an antelope, that’s the reason the canyon got its name.

The canyon is divided into an upper canyon, about 200 meters long, and a lower canyon, twice as long. Its depth is 37 meters, and its width is constantly changing, in some places it narrows so that it barely allows you to squeeze between the walls. It is best to visit this place at noon, when the rays of the sun reach the crevices and it is possible to fully enjoy the beauty of nature's creation.

The nearest city to the canyon is Page, located 10 km from it. The most convenient way to get to Highway 98 is to rent a car. You need to get to the coal power plant, the Antelope Canyon is located close to it.

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