My Top 5 Countries in The World

One of the most common questions I get asked is - "which are your favourite countries in The World?". I have tried and failed so many times in trying to figure this out on the spot - it's almost impossible to choose between 100+ countries - and each and every one has its own unique charms and idiosyncrasies. However, here are My Top 5 Countries overall, and the reasons they made the list.

1. China (inc. Hong Kong & Macau)

China is absolutely mind-blowing! Forget everything you have heard about the country from back home, and go and see it for yourself!

Hosting a World Wonder - The Great Wall of China - it is one of the oldest civilisations in the world with 4,000 years of history. From the amazing Palaces of Beijing and the Terracotta Warriors of Xi'an, to the Giant Pandas of Chengdu. From the Yangtze River and famous Three Gorges, to the bustling cities of Shanghai and Hong Kong - there is an overload of awe-inspiring sights to behold.

Let's clarify some misconceptions here. We all build a picture in our heads, based on what we have heard back home, especially in respect of stereotypes. I have to say by this measure I was suitably shocked!

We hear that the Chinese eat questionable food items. Well, yes, every country has its own delicacies, particularly if you look for them. But in China, they are not as widespread as you imagine, and most menus are filled with delicious, recognisable food, straight from your local Chinese takeaway.

Some people also consider China a developing country, so there are the usual worries about sanitation. Well, I could not find that further from the truth. The cities are super high-tech, impeccably clean and exceptionally safe. Bullet trains connect big cities, all payment is by QR code (forget cards!), and in big metropolises like Shanghai (Shanghai - Pudong skyline pictured), you can walk at night with your phone out. I was trying to find all that smoggy pollution, but pretty much all vehicles - both commercial and private, as well as motorbikes and mopeds are all fully electric! China felt like visiting the future in many respects!

2. Peru

Peru, land of the Incas, has it all. You've got the Amazon Rainforest with local tribes, the Andes mountain range with 6,000m high glaciers, breezy Pacific coast beaches great for surfing, and desert oases close by to Pisco vineyards. Let's also not forget the highest lake in the world - Lake Titicaca (meaning "Puma Rock"), and World Wonder - Machu Picchu located at an altitude of 2,450m in the jungle.

Food is as flavourful as it is colourful, and Peru is well-known as a foodie-lover's frolicking. It even hosts the top restaurant in the world - Central. 

Lima (meaning "Lime"), the capital is a buzzing and sprawling metropolis of around 12 million people. Here, the only limes you will find will be in your Pisco Sours. Or maybe not, as confusingly in some South American countries, Limes are Lemons and vice versa. Catch a "Cathedral" of Pisco Sour cocktail - their national drink - and people watch while the sun sets over the sheer cliffs of Lima's Miraflores promenade (as pictured), in the trendy bohemian Barranco neighbourhood, or in the historic centre at the famous Hotel Bolivar. Watch out for the traffic though, you will never have seen anything like it!

3. Cambodia

The Khmer Empire, as it was known back in 802 CE, is considered an exotic, yet chaotic destination. Way back when, ancient Angkor was the capital city and pride of the empire. I suspect you have heard of Angkor Wat - a sprawling hindu-buddhist temple complex. For the life of me, I do not know why this is not considered another world wonder! For me it is. And it doesn't stop there.

What they don't tell you is, Angkor once hidden and now reclaimed from the jungle north of Siem Reap, is actually an entire ancient city and archaeological site, of over 1,000 temples, including the temple of faces - Bayon pictured next! Mind-blowing. I have made 2 separate trips to Angkor before, for 3 full days each time. While this did leave me totally "templed-out", I have to say, one could never run out of amazing sights, and the experience will be truly unique each time. If you fancy a game of real-life Tomb Raider, then this is the place for you!

Putting the glory of the Khmer Empire to one side for a minute, the Cambodian people have lived through truly testing times, and it is hugely harrowing to consider that genocide on a gigantic scale was going on, as recent as only 45 years ago, ending in the fall of the Khmer Rouge Regime in 1979. Today in the capital Phnom Penh you can visit the Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre a.k.a. "The Killing Fields", and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, which was last used as an interrogation and detention centre.

4. Turkey

Turkey, or Türkiye as it is now also known, is a magical mix of east meets west, and technically spans both European and Asian continents. I'm sure you have either been to, or know someone who has been to one of the famous holiday resorts - Antalya, Marmaris and Dalaman. Sure, you shouldn't miss the bountiful beaches, but Turkey has so much more to offer beyond this, for the adventurous traveller!

Istanbul for one is a honey-soaked hive of activity, and it is no surprise that it is consistently ranked a top world destination, with more and more visitors ensuring it is firmly on their bucket lists. It was no mistake that it was chosen as capital city of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires among others, and has a melting-pot history, which is clearly evident in its culture, architecture and food. Sultanahmet Square is a jaw-dropping sight, with the infamous Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia taking centre stage.

But for me, the region of Cappadocia had me smiling from ear to ear. The landscape is other-worldly, with "Fairy Chimneys" dotting the horizon. Formed from volcanic eruptions and subsequent erosion, these rock towers have been used as homes by natives for over 4,000 years - and some are still inhabited to this day! The other thing Cappadocia has become famous for is of course hot air ballooning, and it is an absolute must-do to take a spectacular sunrise voyage, soaring right over the Fairy Chimneys. Turkey also has many amazing archaeological sites, including Ephesus, which houses the ruins of The Temple of Artemis - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

5. Guatemala

Ahh, Guatemala. Probably most well-known for having one of the highest murder rates in the world, even if that has been getting better in recent years. Not off to a good start selling this one! So then, why does Guatemala feature in my Top 5? The problem with statistics is, they can be taken out of context. Most recorded violence is gang-related, and while there is still a small chance of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, most travellers report a great experience - and mine has been the same. Guatemala City itself is not necessarily considered a must-see, but places like Antigua, the well-preserved UNESCO colonial capital do not disappoint. Encapsulated by vistas of volcanoes, this postcard perfect pastel town is stunningly gorgeous, and packed with boutique accommodation and trendy eateries.

Just nearby is Volcan Pacaya, an active volcano, most recently erupted in 2021. Daredevils can hike up the volcano itself, and even visit the crater. A favourite pastime there is to toast marshmallows in the flowing lava. I did do this, and I now look back and wonder if this was a smart idea or not, but an amazing experience nonetheless!

Further afield we have Lake Atitlan and Chichicastenango - a vibrant colourful market town, selling all kinds of crafts and street food. For me though, I save the best for last. Tikal is an ancient Mayan city and archaeological site, similar I suppose to Chichen Itza in Mexico, except for being seductively situated in the rainforest. I believe you can still climb some of the temples, and making it to the top rewards you with a birds-eye-view of the complex, jungle setting, and even the plentiful tree-hopping toucans.

Summary

So, there you have it - My Top 5 Countries in The World. Alas, this is just my personal list, built on my own experiences. Every country in the world is unique and has something worth visiting.

1. China
2. Peru
3. Cambodia
4. Turkey
5. Guatemala

I would love to hear about your Top 5's and why - info@timbuk2stu.com