Category: Asia

Tajikistan: A Journey Between Mountains and Lakes

Around the world Asia Tajikistan

Tajikistan: A Journey Between Mountains and Lakes

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After spending several days admiring the blue domes of Uzbekistan, we decided to leave behind, for a day, the splendor of the Timurid Empire and discover another Central Asian country: Tajikistan.

Barely an hour after crossing the Uzbek border, the scenery had already changed. Large cities gave way to valleys surrounded by mountains, the roads became increasingly winding, and the landscapes took on a wild character that contrasted sharply with the architectural wonders of Samarkand.

Our destination: the famous Seven Lakes (Haft Kul), nestled in the Fann Mountains, one of Tajikistan’s most beautiful natural regions.

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Samarkand, at the Heart of Oriental Legends

Around the world Asia Uzbekistan

Samarkand, at the Heart of Oriental Legends

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There are cities whose names alone are enough to spark the imagination. Samarkand is one of them.

Ever since childhood, its name conjured up images of caravans laden with silk and spices, conquerors sweeping in from the steppes, and blue domes shimmering beneath the Central Asian sun. Yet nothing truly prepares you for your first glimpse of Samarkand. When you encounter its monumental architecture, mosaics painted in a thousand shades of turquoise, and a heritage stretching back more than two millennia, you immediately understand why this city has become one of the most iconic symbols of the Silk Road.

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Bukhara, the Merchant Soul of the Silk Road

Around the world Asia Uzbekistan

Bukhara, the Merchant Soul of the Silk Road

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If there is one city that perfectly embodies the imagination of the Silk Road, it is undoubtedly Bukhara. With its turquoise domes, caravanserais, centuries-old madrasas, and covered markets, it seems frozen in time. Yet despite its immense historical wealth, it was probably the city I enjoyed the least during my trip to Uzbekistan. 

This is certainly not because it lacks interest (quite the opposite). We spent three full days there and had enough time to visit absolutely everything we wanted to see. Looking back, however, it felt a little too long. Once we had explored the main sights, I felt the pace slow down, and two days would probably have been enough. 

Nevertheless, Bukhara remains an essential stop for understanding the history of Central Asia. Even more than Samarkand or Khiva, it is, in my eyes, the city of merchants, the place that best represents the spirit of the Silk Road.  

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72 Hours in Khiva: The Pearl of Uzbekistan

Around the world Asia Uzbekistan

72 Hours in Khiva: The Pearl of Uzbekistan

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Of all the cities we discovered during our trip to Uzbekistan, Khiva was our true favorite. In our minds, Samarkand and Bukhara stood out as the must-see stops on any trip to Uzbekistan, while Khiva remained far less talked about. Yet the moment we passed through the walls of Itchan Kala, the fortified old city, we realized that this place was something special, different from anywhere else we had visited.

We spent three days wandering through its ochre-colored streets, admiring its turquoise-tiled minarets, and enjoying its unique atmosphere. More than a museum city, Khiva truly feels like traveling several centuries back in time. For us, it is simply the most authentic (and least touristy) of Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities. 

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48 Hours in Tashkent: Discovering Uzbekistan’s Overlooked Capital

Around the world Asia Uzbekistan

48 Hours in Tashkent: Discovering Uzbekistan’s Overlooked Capital

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When planning a trip to Uzbekistan, most people immediately think of Samarkand, Bukhara, or Khiva. Tashkent, the country’s capital, is often seen as little more than a gateway before boarding the train to the historic Silk Road cities. That would be a mistake.

With its wide Soviet-era boulevards, spectacular metro stations, bustling bazaars, and ultra-modern districts, Tashkent offers a completely different perspective on Uzbekistan. It is a city of contrasts, where history exists side by side with bold modernity.

We spent our very first day in Uzbekistan here, and it introduced us to an entirely different side of the country.

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Uzbekistan in 15 Days: Itinerary and Practical Tips

Around the world Asia Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan in 15 Days: Itinerary and Practical Tips

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Getting lost in a maze of blue domes, hearing the echo of caravans on sun-warmed stones, sipping hot tea in a shaded courtyard, and letting the golden dust of the desert cling to your shoes. Uzbekistan has that rare gift: it slows you down and reignites your curiosity. There, history is written on façades, light turns ceramics into jewels, and every public square becomes a stage where centuries pass by.

For fifteen days, we moved between brick citadels, Timurid splendor, and trains swallowing the landscape. Like any well-prepared traveler, my friend and I balanced moments of awe with practical considerations, such as tickets secured, cash on hand, insurance checked, so the magic could unfold without unpleasant surprises.

As the destination becomes increasingly popular, tourism is growing fast. Yet guidebooks are still scarce, which is precisely why this article exists.

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Da Nang: Unusual Adventures to Marble Mountain and Lady Buddha

Around the world Asia Vietnam

Da Nang: Unusual Adventures to Marble Mountain and Lady Buddha

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In my previous article on My Son, I told you about the various excursions available from Hoi An. We explored the culture and nature of central Vietnam in the ancient archaeological city. Today, I’m taking you on a slightly more… shall we say, unexpected adventure, still departing from Hoi An. Surprising, because we had no idea what we were going to discover.

We booked a half-day tour with our hostel to discover the mysteries of the caves and caverns of Marble Mountain in Da Nang, followed by a visit to the famous Lady Buddha. Well, let’s say it was an unforgettable experience, especially thanks to our guide, who mastered English about as well as I mastered kung fu (which is to say, not at all).

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2 days in Hoi An: Unveiling Vietnam’s Luminous Beauty

Around the world Asia Vietnam

2 days in Hoi An: Unveiling Vietnam’s Luminous Beauty

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A stroll through Hoi An, by far the best-preserved old town in Vietnam, gives you a rare feeling of stepping back in time. The pretty lantern-decorated streets reveal a cosmopolitan architecture that reflects the past of this once prosperous trading port.

Situated on the banks of the Thu Bon River, Hoi An is a coastal town in Vietnam that captivates visitors with its historic charm, well-preserved architecture and peaceful ambience. Not only have the ancient buildings survived the wars of the 20th century, but they have also retained traditional features that are rare today.

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Ninh Binh, a natural gem to discover in Vietnam

Around the world Asia Vietnam

Ninh Binh, a natural gem to discover in Vietnam

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Ninh Binh province was one of my favourites in Vietnam. Naturally, it’s still a must-see for tourists, as it’s nicknamed Ha Long Bay on land, but it feels better than Ha Long Bay, which, despite being a natural wonder, was ultimately my least favourite place.

Ninh Binh boasts some of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful, majestic and impressive natural scenery. With its towering karst peaks rising from the rice paddies, it is a destination that was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014 (for the Trang An landscape complex).

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