THE Haiti you see on the news is a filthy concrete-and-rusted-metal reality of the world's poorest people, a former war zone ruled by gangs and where UN peacekeepers are now cooperating with the local police to keep the Caribbean country safe.

Sure, it's not as smooth as a weekend in Bangkok. But with some preparation, incredible beaches, mountains, castles and friends can be yours - and almost yours alone.

So undeveloped is Haiti's tourist industry that visitors are truly seen as guests, not just moneyed customers. This is the most memorable part of any Haitian visit: the people who persevere and offer a warm welcome in spite of poverty and instability.

Read the full story in Tuesday's edition of The Straits Times.