5 Countries to Visit Instead of Azerbaijan and Turkey

 5 Countries to Visit Instead of Azerbaijan and Turkey

Georgia, Armenia, Vietnam, Greece, and Thailand each offer their special blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and memorable experiences.

While Azerbaijan flaunts its “Land of Fire” nickname and Turkey boasts about straddling two continents like a geographical gymnast, savvy travellers have discovered that the tourism marketing departments of these countries might be slightly overselling their appeal.

These 5 alternatives offer cultural richness, breathtaking landscapes, and culinary delights similar to Azerbaijan and Turkey, but their unique flavours might make you wonder why they weren’t your first choice.

1. Georgia

Nestled in the Caucasus region, Georgia offers visitors an intoxicating blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes. What makes Georgia particularly appealing is its remarkable affordability—travellers can enjoy quality accommodations, transportation, and dining for significantly less than in Western Europe or even Turkey.

Must-Visit Places

The capital city, Tbilisi, charms visitors with its cobblestone streets, colourful wooden houses with ornate balconies, and sulfur baths that have been in use since the 5th century. Visitors can take the funicular railway to Mtatsminda Park for sweeping views of the entire city.

Beyond Tbilisi, travellers should not miss Kazbegi, home to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church set against the backdrop of Mount Kazbek, one of the highest peaks in the Caucasus. The ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe and the wine region of Kakheti, where visitors can participate in traditional Georgian harvests and tastings.

2. Armenia

Armenia, one of the world’s oldest civilisations, offers a profound historical journey through millennia of human history at a fraction of the cost of more popular destinations. This small nation packs an impressive cultural punch, with more than 4,000 historical monuments scattered across its mountainous terrain.

Must-Visit Places

The capital, Yerevan, is known as the “Pink City” due to the distinctive rose-colored volcanic tuff used in many of its buildings. Despite being one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities (founded in 782 BCE), Yerevan surprises visitors with its lively café culture, innovative arts scene, and the spectacular Cascade complex!

3. Vietnam

Vietnam offers extraordinary bang for your travel buck, with accommodation, transportation, and dining costs that can be a third of what you might spend in Turkey, all while delivering unforgettable experiences. The country’s S-shaped geography, stretching over 1,000 miles from north to south, encompasses stunning landscapes.

Must-Visit Places

Hanoi, the capital, charms visitors with its blend of French colonial architecture, ancient temples, and bustling street life.

In central Vietnam, the ancient trading port of Hoi An glows with lanterns each evening, its well-preserved architecture earning it UNESCO World Heritage status. Further south, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) pulses with energy as Vietnam’s commercial centre, where modern skyscrapers stand alongside French colonial buildings and bustling markets.

Nature lovers should not miss Ha Long Bay, where thousands of limestone karsts create a seascape straight from a fantasy novel. In the north, Sapa’s terraced rice fields climb up mountainsides in an agricultural spectacle that changes colours with the seasons.

4. Greece

While Greece might not immediately come to mind as a budget alternative, savvy travellers have discovered that by avoiding the high-season crowds and exploring beyond the most famous islands, Greece offers remarkable value comparable to Turkey. The country’s extensive ferry network makes island-hopping affordable!

Must-Visit Places

Athens, with its iconic Acropolis and recently renovated National Archaeological Museum, remains a must-visit destination.

The Peloponnese peninsula, easily accessible from Athens, offers ancient sites like Mycenae and Epidaurus, beautiful beaches, and charming towns such as Nafplio—Greece’s first capital, with its impressive Venetian fortress.

For island experiences without Santorini’s crowds or Mykonos’ prices, travellers can explore the Cycladic islands of Naxos, with its combination of beautiful beaches and mountain villages.

5. Thailand

Thailand has long been the crown jewel of Southeast Asian tourism for good reason. It delivers experiences at prices that make Western travellers check their currency conversion twice. Beyond the well-trodden paths of Bangkok and Phuket lie regions that offer authentic cultural experiences, pristine natural settings, and remarkable value.

Must-Visit Places

Bangkok’s chaos conceals incredible cultural treasures like the Grand Palace complex and Wat Pho, home to the enormous Reclining Buddha. The city’s contrasts—gleaming skyscrapers alongside ancient temples, luxury malls next to bustling street markets—create an energetic urban experience like no other.

Island lovers will find that beyond the famous beaches of Phuket and Koh Samui lie less-developed gems like Koh Lanta. It has a laid-back atmosphere and long beaches, or Koh Chang, with its jungle-covered mountains and clear waters. The Andaman coast offers spectacular limestone formations and world-class diving opportunities.