Last updated on March 8th, 2025 at 09:22 am
Traveling the globe has been the adventure of a lifetime, and we’ve had the privilege to witness some of the most beautiful places in the world.
Our travels have led us to some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations, from the rugged rock formations of the oldest desert in the world in Namibia to the mystical temples of Bagan in Myanmar. We’ve swum in crystal-clear seas, explored ancient ruins, and stood in awe of towering landscapes that feel like they belong on another planet.
Instead of sticking to the usual “most beautiful places in the world,” this list takes you off the beaten path, showcasing lesser-known travel destinations that offer their own unique charm and stunning beauty.
In this travel guide, we share 10 of our favorite natural wonders, hidden gems, and iconic spots from around the world, showcasing the truly incredible and diverse beauty our planet has to offer.
One thing is for sure, each place mentioned will encourage you to explore new horizons and inspire you to add some new gems to your travel bucket list.
Our Unique List of the most Beautiful Places in the World:
Our 10 most beautiful places on Earth offer a fresh perspective on the world’s beauty, beyond the typical spots you’ve likely seen (and read!) before.
Each location offers something unique, redefining what beauty truly looks like. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder!
*The following list is in no particular order….although we may have saved the best for last!
1. Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Located in the western part of Thailand, Kanchanaburi is known for its stunning natural beauty, in particular, we are talking about the famous Erawan Falls.
This waterfall cascades over seven tiers, with emerald green pools nestled between towering limestone cliffs and looks like something straight out of a fairytale.
The serene surroundings, lush forests, and crystal-clear waters make this one of the most beautiful places in Thailand and a must-see natural wonder.
You can easily visit Erawan National Park on a day trip from Bangkok.
2. Mount Bromo, Indonesia
Found in East Java, Indonesia, Mount Bromo is one of the country’s most iconic volcanoes. It’s part of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park and attracts visitors with its striking landscape.
The view of the crater at sunrise, surrounded by mist and vast volcanic plains, creates one of the most dramatic and beautiful scenes in the world, making it a must-visit destination for hiking adventures.
3. Bagan, Myanmar
Located in Myanmar’s central plains, Bagan is home to over 2,000 ancient temples, pagodas, and stupas, many dating back to the 11th century. At its peak, between the 11th and 13th centuries, more than 10,000 Buddhist structures were built across the plains, with over 2,200 still standing today.
Watching the sunrise over the temples is one of the most breathtaking experiences, as the golden spires light up against the backdrop of a misty landscape.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is a stunning reminder of Myanmar’s rich history and hands down one of the most beautiful places in Southeast Asia.
Start planning your travels to witness these most beautiful places in the world for yourself
4. Living Root Bridges, Meghalaya, India
In the remote rainforests of Meghalaya in Northeast India, the Living Root Bridges are a fascinating blend of nature and human ingenuity.
These bridges, made from the roots of fig trees, are meticulously grown and shaped by local tribes over generations. Located in villages like Nongriat, these bridges are a symbol of the region’s harmony with nature, offering a truly unique place to explore.
End your living root bridge trek with a visit to the iconic double-decker living root bridge and the stunning Rainbow Falls – the perfect finale for your adventure.
While visiting this hidden gem in India, make sure to take on India’s scariest trek – the famous Bamboo trek in Meghalaya.
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5. Spitzkoppe, Namibia
Located in the Namib Desert, Spitzkoppe is a group of granite peaks that rise dramatically from the flat plains.
Known as the “Matterhorn of Namibia,” this area of the world’s oldest desert offers an otherworldly landscape, perfect for stargazing and rock climbing.
Its striking appearance and desert surroundings make it one of Namibia’s most beautiful places and a true natural wonder of the world.
We highly recommend renting a car in Namibia and embarking on one of the world’s best road trips. Camping under the stars in this ancient desert was the highlight of our ultimate Africa Itinerary.
6. Blyde River Canyon, South Africa
In North-Eastern South Africa, the Blyde River Canyon is one of the largest canyons in the world, stretching for over 25 kilometers.
Its lush green vegetation, dramatic cliffs, and impressive rock formations, such as the Three Rondavels, make it one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Whether you’re taking in the views along its rim or cruising along Blyde River itself, the scenery here is nothing short of spectacular and we can guarantee your jaw will be dropped!
7. Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal
Nestled in the heart of the Annapurna Conservation Area in Nepal, Annapurna Base Camp is a stunning trek that offers unparalleled views of the Himalayas.
Surrounded by towering peaks like Annapurna I and Machapuchare, the trek to the ABC base camp takes you through lush forests, picturesque villages, and dramatic alpine landscapes. It’s truly one of the most beautiful hikes in the world and one of Nepal’s most popular treks.
Start planning your Annapurna Base Camp trek to witness some of the best mountain views in the world.
8. Tallinn, Estonia
The medieval city of Tallinn, located on the northern coast of Estonia, is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.
Its cobbled streets, ancient city walls, and iconic landmarks like the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Tallinn Town Hall make it a living museum.
The charming old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, perfectly blends history with modern European culture, and in our opinion, makes it the most beautiful city in Europe.
9. Whitehaven Beach, Australia
Located on Whitsunday Island in Australia, Whitehaven Beach is famous for its 7 kilometers of pristine, white silica sand. The stunning contrast of the white sand against the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea makes it one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Whether you’re relaxing by the water or exploring the surrounding islands, Whitehaven Beach is a true natural wonder and a must-visit destination in Australia.
We lived in Mackay, just under a two-hour drive from this remarkable world-famous attraction. Naturally, many weekends were spent in Airlie Beach, the coastal tourist town that serves as the perfect gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and Whitehaven Beach.
Book your Whitsunday cruise to the famous Whitehaven Beach to witness the ultimate beauty.
10. Cobh, Co. Cork, Ireland
As we’re from Ireland, we couldn’t leave Cobh off the list of the most beautiful places in the world.
This charming seaside town in County Cork is known for its colorful buildings, scenic harbor views, and the stunning St. Colman’s Cathedral.
We think Cobh is pretty much the picture-perfect Irish postcard!
Situated on the southern coast of Ireland, Cobh has a rich maritime history and offers some of the most beautiful views of Ireland’s coastline. It’s the perfect blend of natural beauty and historical charm – Cobh was the last port of call for the famous Titanic.
If you are visiting Ireland check out our ultimate 2-week Ireland road trip to experience the very best of the Emerald Isle.
Enjoy Exploring the Most Beautiful Places in the World!
From the ancient temples of Bagan to the stunning beaches of Whitehaven, these 10 lesser-known travel destinations are just a few of the most beautiful places in the world we’ve had the privilege of experiencing.
As we journey around the world full-time, we’re excited to uncover more of its most stunning places and share even more hidden gems along the way.
This travel list took us forever to dwindle to just 10, but let’s just say, there just might be “Most Beautiful Places in the World – PART 2” up next. Watch this space!
We would love to hear from you! Have you visited any of these off-the-beaten-path destinations? Or do you have other suggestions for the most beautiful places in the world?
Feel free to leave a message below or contact us on our socials.
Slán go fóil
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