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When is the Best Time to Visit Russia?
Scenic Beauty of Russia in September
The ideal time to embark on a journey to Russia is between May and October. During this period, the weather is pleasant, the air is fresh, and the natural landscapes are enchanting, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. If you're fond of vibrant festivals, June is the month to visit as numerous festivities take place. Among them, the renowned Scarlet Sails festival occurs during the White Nights phenomenon, typically from June 18 to 25 in St. Petersburg. You'll immerse yourself in a realm of music and witness a spectacular display of fireworks as the scarlet sails emerge.
For those craving azure skies and towering heights, July and August are the prime months to visit, as the weather is at its warmest. Transitioning into September and October, the foliage turns into characteristic shades of yellow and red, guaranteeing an enchanting scene of falling golden leaves. If you seek a more unique experience, winter is the time to venture into this land, where you'll witness landscapes blanketed in pristine white snow, feel the bone-chilling cold of Russia, and partake in lively festivals like Christmas and New Year's, brimming with excitement and allure.
Applying for a Russian Tourist Visa
Russian Tourist Visa
Documents required for obtaining a Russian visa include:
Once your documents are prepared, you'll need to visit the VFS Global visa application center to submit your paperwork. You'll be required to pay the visa fee to the Russian Consulate:
The visa fee mentioned here is solely the fee from the Embassy, excluding translation fees, letter of invitation preparation fees (from the hotel), financial proof, employment verification, and VFS Global service fees.
Buying SIM cards and exchanging currency when traveling to Russia
In Russia, the common currency used is the Russian Ruble (RUB). If you're traveling to Russia in 2023, the exchange rate is approximately 1 RUB = 335 VND. It's advisable to exchange currency beforehand at Vietnamese banks, and please note the regulation allowing a maximum of 340,000 RUB to be taken out of the country. Exceeding this limit will require you to provide proof of the amount to customs, which can be time-consuming.
Modes of Transportation
How to Travel to Russia
Currently, various airlines operate flights from Vietnam to Russia, including Vietnam Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Aeroflot, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Qatar Airways, etc. Most flights land at Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) in the capital city of Moscow. The duration of the flight depends on the chosen route. Direct flights typically take around 10 hours, while connecting flights can take from 15 to 20 hours.
The airfare to Russia varies depending on the departure point and flight duration, but generally ranges from 12 to 15 million VND. However, to save on airfare costs, it's advisable to book several weeks or even months in advance.
Means of Transportation in Russia
Subway in Moscow, Russia's Capital City
Accommodation Options When Traveling to Russia
Based on experience, when choosing accommodation in Russia, it's essential to consider the hotel's location. Avoid selecting budget hotels as they are often far from the city center, resulting in additional travel time and expenses. For instance, in Moscow, it's advisable to book a room around the Arbat area (historic district), which offers reasonable prices and convenient transportation. This area features a wide range of hotels, from budget to luxury, and is close to many subway stations, making travel easy. To save costs, consider staying in dormitory-style accommodations or apartments.
Additionally, if you choose to travel to St. Petersburg, it's recommended to book accommodation in the Tsentralny district for its proximity to the city center. A small tip is to make your room reservations in advance using apps like Booking.com, Agoda, etc., to secure the most reasonable prices.
Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions
The Capital City of Moscow
Red Square in the Capital City of Moscow
Travelers to Moscow typically kick off their exploration in the city center, home to the Kremlin, Red Square, and the vibrant St. Basil's Cathedral. Another notable stop is the GUM shopping center, where luxury goods are sold, but it's also a great place to sample authentic Russian cuisine if your budget doesn't allow for splurging on items.
Moreover, for art and history enthusiasts, Moscow boasts several remarkable sites worth visiting, including the Tretyakov State Gallery (housing exclusively Russian artwork), the Pushkin Museum (offering insights into international collections), and the Armoury Chamber in the Kremlin to admire unique artifacts such as Ivan the Terrible's ivory throne and golden royal carriages.
To truly experience Moscow, explore the pedestrian-friendly Stary Arbat shopping district and stroll along the Moskva River to soak in the atmosphere. Particularly enchanting are Moscow's metro stations adorned with crystal chandeliers, porcelain bas-reliefs, and unique mosaic artworks, resembling underground palaces. Mayakovskaya and Kiyevskaya metro stations are among the most splendid spots worth a visit.
The City of St. Petersburg
Though smaller than Moscow, St. Petersburg is truly brimming with fascinating sights, often impossible to explore fully in just a day. You can uncover this city's charm by strolling through its streets to admire the architectural landmarks or by taking a boat ride to swiftly explore a portion of the city.
Exploring St. Petersburg by Boat
Arguably the most famous attraction drawing tourists to St. Petersburg is the Hermitage Museum. This is the world's second-largest art and culture museum, boasting a collection of over three million artifacts ranging from prehistoric art to Catherine the Great's art collection.
Situated approximately 25 km from the city center of St. Petersburg is the Peterhof Palace, built in the early 1700s as a summer residence for Emperor Peter. Particularly noteworthy is the daily event at noon where 140 fountains simultaneously play the 'Hymn to the Great City' by Reinhold Glières, creating an unforgettable memory.
Altai Mountains
Altai Mountains
The Altai Mountain Range in Siberia stretches from Russia to China, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia. It's inhabited by various ethnic groups engaged in horse breeding, forestry, and is also a popular tourist destination for both locals and visitors alike. Alongside several nature reserves and lakes, the Altai Mountains are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The town of Belokurikha serves as a popular starting point for adventures in Altai, with many tour companies organizing trips from here. Exploring Altai, you'll experience its pristine beauty, with frozen rivers and snow-capped mountains attracting cross-country skiers and outdoor enthusiasts in winter. Additionally, you can partake in long-distance hiking as the area around the Aktru Glacier is renowned for forest trekking. In summer, activities such as kayaking and mountain climbing are available.
Vladivostok City
Vladivostok City
Surrounded by mountains and the sea, Vladivostok is a stunningly beautiful city in the eastern part of Russia. Vladivostok offers numerous cultural attractions, from theaters to museums to concerts. The city boasts many parks and public spaces, including Sportivnaya Harbor with its beach and scenic promenade. You can also visit the observation point Eagle’s Nest atop a hill for panoramic views of the city.
A must-visit in Vladivostok is the Russky Bridge, an architectural marvel and the world's longest cable-stayed bridge at a height of 1,885 meters. The bridge connects Vladivostok to Russky Island, where travelers will find Philippovsky Bay and beautiful white sandy beaches, as well as the Voroshilov Battery military museum. History enthusiasts can explore the C-56 Submarine from World War II or visit the Vladivostok Fortress Museum built to defend the city against Japanese attacks.
Olkhon Island
Serene Olkhon Island
This is the fourth largest island bordering the world's largest lake and is a wonderful place to explore and stay in Russia. Located about 250 km northeast of Irkutsk, you can reach it by road or by sea. Here, you can experience Russian culture authentically as the indigenous culture is well preserved.
This large island situated between Lake Baikal is secluded, offering both tranquility and stunning natural scenery. If you've explored all the urban spots in Russia and are seeking a place to unwind, this is an ideal destination.
What to Buy When Traveling to Russia?
Whenever you travel to Russia or any country, you surely want to buy gifts for your loved ones. The question of what to buy as gifts to express meaning and Russian characteristics is a concern for many travelers. When traveling to Russia, you can choose from a variety of gifts such as Russian dolls, fur hats, amber jewelry, and more. To learn about the specific meanings of each gift, check out the article below!
Posted by: Lê Thu Thuỷ
Keywords: Travel experiences in Russia and Top 5 attractive tourist destinations
