Traveling the world is about more than just seeing beautiful places, stunning scenery, and having life-changing experiences. One of the biggest things that adds to a place—and sometimes even makes a place what it is—is the people.
Throughout the world, locals can be both exceptionally kind and welcoming or reserved, cold, and even rude. If you’re on a beautiful beach or exploring a stunning mountain town but are surrounded by unfriendly locals, your experience can feel completely different. On the other hand, sometimes you might be in a place that isn’t the most visually impressive, but the kindness and warmth of the locals completely change the atmosphere and energy, making it an incredible destination.
I can’t even begin to explain the vibe that friendly locals add to a place. After traveling to over 30 countries, exploring countless cities, towns, and islands, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the kindness and hospitality of locals around the world. But I’ve also noticed places where the locals’ energy changed my experience for the worse, making me feel like an outsider or unwelcome.
So, if you’re looking to travel somewhere where the locals go out of their way to make you feel at home, or if you want to avoid places where the people are far from friendly, here’s my list of the top seven friendliest and the top six least friendly places I’ve visited. Of course, this is just my experience, and I still appreciated the culture and landscapes of the places that didn’t feel as welcoming. But in terms of hospitality and warmth, some destinations stood out in the best way possible, while others left me feeling disconnected and unwelcome.
The Friendliest Countries in the World
These are the places where the locals went out of their way to get to know me, help me out, share experiences and knowledge, and immediately welcomed me with open arms.
1. Fiji – The Bula Spirit is Real
Fiji is hands down the friendliest place I’ve ever been. The people here radiate warmth, happiness, and generosity in a way that feels almost unreal. But I promise you, it’s not. The Fijians truly live by “bula,” which means life and welcome. It’s not just a greeting—it’s their way of life.
The locals would sing and dance for visitors, always smiling and genuinely happy to share their culture. They were so curious about who I was, where I was from, and what I was doing there. Everywhere I went, I was greeted with kindness, laughter, and a willingness to help. The number of times I was invited to join in singing and dancing was insane. It was one of the most welcoming experiences I’ve ever had, and it made my time there so special.
2. Vietnam – Unexpected Kindness Everywhere
Vietnam is another country where the kindness of the people blew me away. Coming from a country that was once at war with Vietnam, I never once felt unwanted or unwelcome. Instead, I found the locals to be incredibly helpful, supportive, and genuinely interested in making sure I had a good experience.
One moment that stands out was when I took an overnight train and was placed in a car with five local men, all over 60. The train conductor noticed and, without me even saying anything, moved me to a room with a young family so I would feel more comfortable. This level of awareness and kindness was something I experienced throughout my entire time in Vietnam. From hospitality workers to people on the street, there was always a helping hand and a warm smile.
3. Thailand – The Land of Smiles for a Reason
Thailand lives up to its reputation as “The Land of Smiles.” It’s rare to find such a tourist-heavy country where locals remain so warm and welcoming, but Thailand is an exception.
I’ve been to Thailand three times and spent multiple months exploring different regions, and I’ve never once had a bad experience with a local. Whether it was street vendors, hospitality workers, or random people on the street, I was always greeted with kindness and patience. Many locals even learn different languages beyond English just to communicate better with tourists. The friendliness feels genuine, and the hospitality is unmatched.
4. Albania – The Most Underrated Hospitality in Europe
Albania isn’t as well-known as some other European countries, but the warmth and hospitality of its people made my experience unforgettable. Albanians take pride in welcoming visitors, and they truly go out of their way to make sure you have the best time even though they come from a history of struggle and indifference.
One of my favorite memories was in Shkodër, where my tour guide didn’t just take us on an incredible adventure through the mountains—he made it fun, personal, and unforgettable. He and his team treated us like old friends, not just tourists. I never once felt unsafe, unwelcome, or without help during my three weeks in Albania. The locals’ kindness added so much to my experience in this beautiful country.
5. Socotra, Yemen – A Surprising Gem of Warmth and Joy
Socotra is a remote island that belongs to Yemen, a country often associated with war, turmoil, and instability. But this small island has some of the warmest, happiest, and most welcoming people I’ve ever met. My two guides made me feel like family—cooking meals for me, playing games, listening and singing to music, and dancing with me under the stars. I was constantly invited to join local gatherings, share meals with families, and experience the island’s culture in the most personal way. Despite the hardships they’ve faced, the people of Socotra radiate joy, happiness, fulfillment, and kindness.
They made me feel so safe and comfortable, like I truly belonged there. People went out of their way to get to know me—not just as a traveler, but as a person. They taught me bits of their language, shared stories of their childhood and the island’s history, and asked thoughtful questions about my life and where I came from. There was this mutual exchange of curiosity and care that made every interaction feel meaningful. Even in such a remote and unfamiliar place, I felt completely at ease—like I was surrounded by old friends. It’s hard to put into words just how special that feeling was.
6. The Philippines – Hospitality, Fun, and Karaoke
Filipinos are some of the friendliest, most hospitable people in the world. Their culture is rooted in respect, community, and kindness. There’s no sense of competition—only love and support for one another, and that extends to all of their visitors.
The vibe in the Philippines is just so chill and welcoming. People are always smiling, always up for a chat, and it’s so easy to connect with everyone. English is widely spoken, so conversations flow naturally, and locals are genuinely curious about your story. Karaoke is a big part of the culture—it’s everywhere. I’d walk past a house or a little shop and hear someone singing their heart out, and more than once I got invited to join. It’s all about having fun and being together. Food is always shared, too—someone’s always offering you a plate, even if you’ve just met. There’s this warmth and openness that makes you feel like you’re part of something. Traveling here felt less like being a tourist and more like being a friend.
7. Indonesia: A Country That Feels Like Home
Indonesia, my most recent travel destination, completely blew me away—not just with its beauty but with how insanely friendly and welcoming the people are. From the moment I landed, I was met with kindness in ways I didn’t even expect. Whether I was grabbing food at a local market, walking through the streets, or trying to figure out public transportation, everyone I met was eager to help, offer recommendations, or just flash a warm smile.
One moment that really stuck with me was arriving at the bus station in Jakarta during the chaos of Ramadan. The place was packed, and I had no idea where to go. Before I even had a chance to panic, three different locals went out of their way to walk me to the right bus and make sure I got on safely—without me even asking. It was such a small act, but it meant so much.
My time in Temanggung was one of the most heartwarming experiences of my entire trip. I stayed with a local family and spent my days helping their friends and relatives practice English in casual, informal settings—over coffee, during afternoon walks, or while sitting cross-legged on floor mats in their homes. It happened to be Eid during my visit, and I was welcomed into dozens of homes to share in the celebrations. Each family offered mountains of food, warm smiles, and an eagerness to connect. They wanted to hear my story, introduce me to their children, and of course, take lots of photos together. What struck me most was the openness—how people who had never met me went out of their way to make me feel included, seen, and deeply appreciated. In a place where I was the obvious outsider, I felt more at home than I ever expected.
Even when I was sick in Java or lost in Malang, people stepped in to help without hesitation. Taxi drivers, shop owners, random strangers—they all made sure I was okay. It honestly felt like everyone I met had this natural instinct to look out for others. Indonesia isn’t just friendly; it’s a place where you feel cared for. The love and warmth I’ve experienced here is something I’ll never forget, and it’s definitely one of the most welcoming places I’ve ever been.
The Most Unfriendly Countries in the World
Not every country on this list was full of rude or unkind people, but some places simply lacked the warmth and hospitality that make a destination feel inviting. Whether it was formal, distant interactions, a sense of judgment or disinterest, or just a general lack of friendliness, these countries left me feeling more like an outsider than a welcomed guest.
1. Turkey – Uncomfortable and Unwelcoming
My experience in Turkey, especially in Istanbul, was filled with scams, catcalling, and insincere kindness that was always followed by a request for money. I had some unfortunate interactions with service workers in Turkey, that led me to have a lack of trust in the local people here. I never felt truly welcome, and I constantly had to look away from people to avoid problems. It felt like every interaction was a means to and end for them. The only exception was in central Turkey, where people were much kinder and more genuine.
2. United Arab Emirates – Artificial and Cold
The UAE didn’t feel unfriendly in the sense that people were rude, but rather because it lacked warmth. Interactions with both locals and expats felt formal and distant, making it hard to connect on a personal level. I often felt watched or judged, whether walking through malls, sitting in cafés, or exploring the city. Even in stores and restaurants, the atmosphere was cold and transactional, with little effort to engage beyond basic politeness.
It wasn’t outright hostility, but there was a lack of genuine friendliness that made the experience feel isolating. Overall the country lacked genuine human interaction and communication.
3. Japan – Reserved to the Point of Isolation
Japan isn’t unfriendly, but it’s extremely reserved. Locals are polite and respectful, yet they tend to keep to themselves, avoid small talk, and rarely engage with strangers. Public spaces often feel quiet, with people focused on their phones or simply uninterested in conversation.
If you need help, someone will assist you if they speak English, but the interaction is usually brief and formal. Unlike other places where connections happen naturally, Japan felt like a country where breaking through social barriers was difficult. I often felt like I was in my own bubble, surrounded by people yet still feeling alone. While I admired the culture, I was especially grateful not to be traveling here alone.
4-6. Slovakia, Switzerland, and France – Cold and Indifferent
These three European countries felt unwelcoming in similar ways. Locals often seemed disinterested in tourists, and in many cases, they came across as rude or dismissive, especially in customer service. Unlike other places where hospitality feels natural, interactions here were often cold and transactional, with little effort to smile, make conversation, or offer help unless absolutely necessary.
I rarely connected with locals in these countries, and at times, it felt as if tourists were more of an inconvenience than a welcome presence. In Paris, this was especially noticeable. Many Parisians had an attitude of annoyance and impatience toward foreigners, and even those who spoke English would sometimes refuse to help or engage. This lack of warmth made it difficult to feel truly welcomed, leaving me with the impression that these countries prefer to keep a clear divide between locals and visitors rather than embracing outsiders.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the friendliness of a place can completely change the way you experience it. While some destinations disappointed me in terms of hospitality, others went above and beyond, making my travels unforgettable. It is important to recognize that some of these unfriendly countries have deeply rooted cultural differences that lead them to be more reserved or unfriendly. But, friendly locals can turn an average place into an amazing one, and that’s something I’ll always appreciate.
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