Mystical Turkey

'If Earth were just one country, then Istanbul would rightfully be the capital of the world.'

Enigmatic Turkey

The French Emperor Napoleon (1769-1821) once uttered these words during his lifetime. Indeed, if you are seeking a captivating destination for a 10-day solo trip, Turkey stands out as a worthy contender.

Abundance of Wonders

Embarking on the 'golden route' favored by short-term tourists (10-12 days), we explored Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Selcuk, and Istanbul in Turkey.

Welcome to Istanbul!

According to UNESCO, Turkey boasts 17 recognized world historical and cultural sites, mostly one-of-a-kind. A plethora of wonders in a cultural melting pot between Asia and Europe makes it a destination to visit 'once in a lifetime' and 'before you die'. Praised as a 'divinely beautiful' country with a rich history, Turkey lives up to expectations with Cappadocia, Pamukkale, the wooden horse of Troy, the uniquely positioned city of Istanbul (spanning both Asia and Europe), and the legendary Bosphorus port.

A fellow traveler insists: 'Explorers with the spirit of discovery are often captivated by Istanbul's vibrant cultural crossroads or the impressive density of monumental landmarks in the city center.'

Above all, the intangible value persists through the ages, arising from a natural factor: the Bosphorus Strait.

Indeed, Istanbul inherits a contemporary culture imbued with distinctive intercultural hues. Wandering through Istanbul, one can encounter the mysterious smile of the Far East reflected in the blue eyes of a Caucasian girl.

As you point your camera, capturing a skyline punctuated by the spires of Christian churches amid the resonating space of Quranic verses. You notice the golden glow adorning meticulously crafted mosaics on Christ's robe peeking beneath the layers of fresco-like depictions of the Prophet Muhammad.

For me, just a twenty-minute ride on a shuttle across the Bosphorus Bridge connecting the two continents of Asia and Europe is enough to create a fascinating memory.

But more than that, you should and must 'sail' along the Bosphorus to breathe in the Turkish sea breeze, playing the role of a 5th-century BC Scythian merchant returning from Athens to his homeland with a rickety statue in tow.

Drifting from south to north, the western shore (European side) of the Bosphorus is lined with 'million-dollar' mansions hugging the coastline. Scattered are bustling ports with boats and seagulls creating a lively spectacle. Occasionally, an ancient Ottoman fortress slowly drifts by. Gradually, from the water's edge to the mainland, there are layers of houses, streets, vehicles... Seen from the middle of the sea, everything appears tiny yet vibrant, like on a tabletop.

Stepping out of the Bosphorus dream, you turn to the east (Asian side) and... marvel amid the crowded streets, tram stations, and squares on a bustling Saturday.

You immerse yourself in the crowd heading to the Spice Bazaar – a famous spice market to taste hundreds of local sweets, eventually leaving with a bag full of treats. You'll be amazed step by step at the Grand Bazaar – the oldest and largest covered market in the world – with over 4,000 shops and 61 streets within its maze. And every visitor finds it hard to resist buying a genie lamp, taking it home to see if any genie flies out to grant their wishes.

You'll be intrigued by Istanbul's cuisine and fascinated by... dogs and cats as these two species are everywhere. Our hotel in Istanbul even has its own cat, named after the hotel: Regie The Cat. Regie The Cat has a whole house, warm clothes, and toys for solace right in front of the hotel entrance. Every guest enjoys snapping photos of the cat.

Three days in Istanbul are never enough for me to draw any conclusions. Hagia Sophia amazes me with its architecture, while the Basilica Cistern (also known as Yerebatan) delights me with the sensation of being in Dante's Inferno. If you've watched the movie or read the book, you'll be eagerly queuing to explore this former water palace.

8 notes

1. Visa processing through the service for Turkey can take up to a month and is done in Hanoi.

2. If you visit in spring (March-April): check the weather (around 10°C) to prepare suitable clothing. If you go in summer, also pay attention to the temperature, as it can reach up to 40°C.

3. If you have a driver's license for over 2 years, you can book a car rental online from Vietnam. Upon arriving at the Turkish airport, go to the contact counter and pick up your car at the airport exit.

Rental prices are very reasonable, around 35-40 USD/day. It's advisable to purchase additional traffic safety insurance for about 50 USD/segment.

4. To capture beautiful photos, female travelers should bring bohemian-style dresses as most scenes complement this style perfectly.

5. Indulge in incredibly enticing and diverse dishes. The best kebab joints in Istanbul are often tucked away in humble alleyways.

6. Purchase candies and sweets as souvenirs. Locally made soap, ceramics, leather goods, and textiles are items frequently recommended by fellow travelers to buy.

7. Plan ample time in Cappadocia if you wish to experience hot air balloon rides, as not every day is suitable due to weather conditions. The listed price goes up to 150 euros, but you can explore various options to find a ride for around 70-80 euros.

8. If you can tolerate the cold, consider visiting during the off-peak seasons like February-March; hotel prices and other services are more favorable. Especially, you won't have to wait in long queues to visit famous landmarks and museums.

According to Phuong Thanh/Tuoi Tre

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour