The Best Tropical Countries
Essential to Remember
My selection of exotic countries: Madagascar, Borneo, Iran, Yemen (currently not recommended), Mongolia, Bhutan, Papua. Off-the-beaten-path destinations that require logistical preparation and a taste for adventure.
Tropical countries are those located between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Tropic of Cancer.
This zone includes all of northern South America, Central America, a large part of Africa, and all the countries of Southeast Asia and northern Australia.
My selection of tropical countries:
These are also the countries where I spent the most time during my world tour!-
Thailand, a country you are sure to love
Thailand is the country where everything is possible; a phrase that often comes up is “same same but different” — that’s the concept: it’s the same but different. Many travelers have gone there and fallen in love with this place. I know many expatriates who have started their businesses there. The cost of living and prices are quite low.
There are many shops opened by Europeans, especially massage parlors and restaurants. Tourists love Thailand for the price, the very beautiful beaches, and services such as massage parlors, excursions, restaurants, and Thai cuisine. It is one of the easiest countries to travel solo or backpacking.
Did you know?
Bhutan is the only country in the world to measure “Gross National Happiness” as an official state indicator instead of GDP. It also limits tourism to a minimum of 250 USD/day to preserve its culture.
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Indonesia, the largest archipelago in the world
Indonesia is, for me, a unique country, with many disparities on each of its islands!
The things I would like to visit are the many active or inactive volcanoes. Indonesia also has some very good scuba diving spots.
It is one of the cheapest countries in the world, there is really everything in Indonesia: temples, beautiful beaches, exquisite Indonesian cuisine; it is also made for hiking lovers or water sports like surfing.
Read the article on Kuta Bali. Here is a photo of my accommodation facing Mount Badung. It was a bit cold but I held the pose for the photo 😀
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Australia, the land of kangaroos.
Australia has a tropical climate and a temperate climate. What is noteworthy is that you can enjoy both, and that’s what I did for a whole year. It’s better to stay in the South from October to April and then move up north at the end of the rainy season!
More details about my stay in Australia in the section Pvt Australia. It’s a country I know very well because I stayed there for 15 months, but the country is so vast that it’s hard to know everything.
| Country | Specialty | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Madagascar | Lemurs, baobabs | Medium |
| Mongolia | Steppes, yurts | High |
| Bhutan | Monasteries, peace | Medium |
| Borneo | Jungle, orangutans | Medium |
| Iran | Architecture, hospitality | High (political) |
Tropical countries I would like to visit:
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Brazil in South America
The main language is Portuguese. When people talk to me about Brazil, several things come to mind: football, beautiful girls, the Rio carnival, the Amazon rainforest! These are all things that make me want to go there.
I have a Brazilian friend who told me that all the girls from Victoria Street, the lingerie shop, come from a certain region of Brazil. I’m looking forward to seeing that!
My experience
Madagascar remains my exotic favorite: Avenue of the Baobabs at sunset, lemurs in Andasibe, beaches of Nosy Be. The country is off the beaten European tourist paths, which gives it all its value.
There is also a huge concentration of Japanese in Sao Paulo, which is the largest Japanese community outside Japan! I would like to see how they are integrated compared to Asians in France.
It’s a little personal curiosity. Here is my opinion on Brazil.
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The Maldives in Asia
Composed of several hundred islands, it is said that the Maldives will disappear in several decades due to rising sea levels! It is an island I want to visit for several reasons that I explained in an article here.
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Taiwan in East Asia.
The main language is Chinese (Mandarin). It was formerly a Chinese province, and many “made in Taiwan” products are found. In fact, that’s all people remember, but Taiwan is a place with magnificent landscapes mainly covered by mountains.
Advantages
- Unique landscapes
- Preserved fauna and flora
- Low tourist presence
- Original cultures
- Rare feeling of adventure
Weak points
- Sometimes complex logistics
- Variable security
- High transportation costs
- Basic medical care
- Visa often required
The population is concentrated in the west of the island where there are beautiful beaches. There are also very pretty temples. I will actually publish an article about Taiwan soon! What you can remember about Taiwan is that there is good food and the Taiwanese are super friendly. It is much cleaner than China.
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Costa Rica in Central America:
This country located in Central America is known for its flora. It is the nature and green reference place for me in Central America. It also has many active and extinct volcanoes; I would love to hike in the forests and Costa Rican national parks, especially Tortuguero National Park or Manuel Antonio National Park.
Here is a photo of the Poas volcano: I was a bit lucky because the view was clear and you cannot know in advance how it will be depending on the volcano’s activity and the wind because it is a dangerous area since it is an active volcano and the volcano emits sulfur. We were stopped 30 minutes before entering because it was dangerous. Those who have respiratory difficulties should refrain.
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Peru in May June or October November
The main language is Spanish. Peru is a country that was the seat of the Inca civilization and if there is one place that has made me dream since I was very young, it is Machu Picchu!
The classic trap to avoid
Never travel to an exotic country without appropriate repatriation insurance. Medical repatriation from Madagascar, Borneo, or Mongolia can exceed €50,000 without coverage.
These are the remains of the Inca civilization! It is one of the 7 wonders of the world. It is part of my list of places to visit before 40
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Myanmar in Southeast Asia.
A country with fewer tourists than Vietnam or Thailand. It is a country that will gradually open up to tourism. It is one of the tropical countries I have chosen.
I myself spent 3 weeks there in 2014. This country is full of many temples, very ancient and magnificent sites. Here is my opinion on Myanmar.
You can find the longest teak bridge in the world there (U Bein Bridge) near Mandalay.
If you are preparing for your departure, take a look at our guide on countries to visit which complements the topic well. The feedback on countries visited during also provides useful benchmarks to avoid unpleasant surprises. And for further inspiration, the article on 4 African countries is worth a detour.
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South Africa, a rainbow nation
I haven’t been to many African countries, only Zimbabwe and half a day in Zambia, but I spent two whole months in South Africa and I can give you some ideas why you should go there. If you like hiking, wild places with few tourists, the spirit of freedom and road trips, South Africa is made for you.
You can also go on safaris in Kruger Park or in nature reserves. South Africans are very nice and welcoming. There is also a barbecue culture here.
The country also has beautiful beaches but the water is cold compared to other countries in the selection. I liked this country so much that I stayed two months instead of one.
Find my opinion on this country: South Africa Review
Which exotic country for a first trip?
Madagascar, Iran or Borneo: total change of scenery, safety OK, manageable logistics.
What budget for an exotic country?
60-120€/day depending on the country. Bhutan is the exception (250 USD/day minimum).
Is a guide necessary?
Mandatory in Bhutan. Recommended in Iran, Mongolia, deep Madagascar.
