Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka

This coastal area in southwest Sri Lanka is a double-edged sword. With 24 km of beachfront and a thriving tourism industry, Hikkaduwa may seem like a tropical paradise. But the region is divided into 11 different villages and under the jurisdiction of two separate local authorities, making navigating the bureaucracy a persistent headache. The economy has shifted from fishing and coconuts to tourism since the 1960s, when Hikkaduwa was nicknamed "Hippiduwa" for its influx of hippie residents. While the town boasts a vibrant nightlife and world-class surf breaks that attract thousands of visitors annually, the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 devastated the area. For those seeking an authentic Sri Lankan beach experience with a side of nightlife, Hikkaduwa could be the right fit. But the logistical challenges may be a dealbreaker for the less adventurous.