12 Villages with the Most Unique Ways of Life in the World

Exploring Unusual Villages

Across the world, many villages are built on flat land close to water sources. However, some villages have chosen to live in ways that are completely unconventional. Here are 12 villages with lifestyles that are entirely different, each offering a fascinating experience for travelers.

1. Kampong Ayer, Brunei

Kampong Ayer is the largest floating city in the world, home to approximately 30,000 residents living in stilt houses. Schools, hospitals, and government offices are all built on platforms connected by 36 kilometers of wooden walkways. Despite repeated suggestions from Brunei's sultans to relocate the residents to the mainland, they have happily chosen to continue living on the water.

2. Kulusuk, Greenland

With around 200 inhabitants, Kulusuk is located on a small island in Greenland, so remote that the nearest town can only be reached by helicopter. The local Inuit community survives by hunting and fishing in harsh climatic conditions. The airport here mainly caters to tourists seeking Arctic adventures.

3. Supai, Arizona, USA

Supai is the only place in the U.S. where mail is delivered by mule, nestled within the Grand Canyon. The only way to reach this village is by hiking or horseback riding an 8-mile trail. The Havasupai community strictly regulates access, requiring permits in advance and limiting the number of visitors to protect the land where their ancestors have lived for over 800 years.

4. Giethoorn, Netherlands

With no roads, Giethoorn is connected by a system of canals and small bridges. Visitors are often amazed by the tranquility that comes from the absence of cars. Boats serve as the primary mode of transport, making Giethoorn a vibrant yet peaceful community.

5. Haid Al-Jazil, Yemen

The village of Haid Al-Jazil is perched atop a rocky outcrop in the desert, with houses built against the cliffs. While food delivery can be quite challenging, the residents showcase impressive skills that leave visitors both amazed and thrilled.

6. Phugtal, India

Phugtal Monastery is situated in the Zanskar Valley, where no roads lead to the village. To get there, one must undertake a two-day trek, but the stunning scenery along the way makes it worthwhile. The community farms on terraced fields and trades with distant villages.

7. Ko Panyi, Thailand

Ko Panyi is a fishing village built on stilts in Phang Nga Bay, where there is no land for construction. The village features a school, church, and football field, serving a community of around 1,700 people. The economy has adapted to include tourism, attracting many visitors from Phuket and Krabi.

8. Matmata, Tunisia

The village of Matmata addresses the extreme temperatures of the North African desert by constructing homes dug deep into the ground. Traditional houses are preserved, while some have been converted into hotels. This village was once the filming location for the planet Tatooine in Star Wars.

9. Auroville, India

Auroville, established in 1968, is an international community where currency circulates internally, and there is no private land ownership. More than 3,500 residents from 60 countries live here in an effort to build a global city.

10. Oymyakon, Russia

Oymyakon holds the record for being the coldest inhabited place on Earth, with temperatures plummeting to -67.7 degrees Celsius. Despite the harsh conditions, around 500 people have chosen to stay and raise their families here. The residents have adapted to the cold, and the village's name means "the place where water does not freeze."

Helpful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

If you plan to visit these unique villages, be sure to prepare thoroughly, especially regarding climate conditions and local regulations. Some places, like Kampong Ayer, require permits for entry, so be sure to check in advance. For remote locations like Kulusuk or Supai, consider the travel costs from Vietnam, which can start from 10 million to 20 million VND depending on the destination. Visa and necessary documents should also be arranged before departure.

Article referenced and edited from: Touropia