Bangladesh

Those seeking an off-the-beaten-path, lush and beautiful, friendly and welcoming, multicultural country would do well to put Bangladesh at the top of their list. This forward-thinking nation is rich in natural beauty, from the mangrove forests to the world’s longest natural beach to endangered Bengal tigers—but it’s the historic heritage and a famously hospitable culture that woo travelers and convince them to stay just a little longer. See Buddhist remains at Paharpur and the 15th-century mosques of Bagerhat, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Mix with the locals in the market. Travel one of the 700 rivers by boat and take in the country from a different angle. And, one must experience a cycle-rickshaw, guaranteed to have you feeling Bangladeshi in no time.