Category: Asia & Pacific

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Uzbekistan: Central Asia’s Magnificent Center of Culture and History

on March 27, 2019

“Yol boisin.” It’s an Uzbek saying that may well date back to the days of the Silk Road, when traders departed along crude desert and mountain byways carting spices, perfumes, jewels and textiles to far-off lands. “May your travels be free of obstacles” is a loose translation. Today, this blessing for a safe journey embodies the warmth of the Uzbekistan people and the open arms with which they welcome travelers.

If you’ve dreamed of walking in the footsteps of ancient merchants … of uncovering the secrets of Central Asia’s cultural and historic heart … casting your gaze on the turquoise domes and towering minarets of some of the world’s most magnificent and historically significant Islamic architecture … rubbing elbows in bustling bazaars with white-bearded elders adorned in flowing robes and distinctive skullcaps … then Uzbekistan should be on your travel to-do list. Mysterious, remote, and seldom seen by Westerners, it is one of the most rewarding travel experiences you will ever have.

Before you go, it’s worthwhile to know a little more about this enigmatic nation’s remarkable history and rich culture.

Region at a Crossroads: From Transoxiana to Uzbekistan

During the first millennium BC, Scythians settled along the rivers of today’s Uzbekistan. Bukhara and Samarkand emerged as cultural and governmental centers. As China established its silk trade with the West, these cities of Transoxiana (as the region was called) boomed and enjoyed many periods of prosperity. They became known for their wealth, making them the target of conquerors and kingdom-builders.

Macedonian ruler Alexander the Great is said to have fallen in love with Samarkand, saying it was “more beautiful than I ever imagined.” He moved in on the territory in 327 BC but met ferocious resistance. Nonetheless, it became the easternmost province of his Hellenistic world. In the first century BC, Persian empires began a long rule, but were ousted by Arabs in the eighth century AD. This was the beginning of the Islamic Golden Age, a prolific period of scholarly and artistic achievement. Trigonometry was developed, aiding in the study of the stars, and poets and artists graced the culture with their works.

Cultures and empires continued to evolve and prosper until the arrival of Genghis Khan in the 13th century. His Mongol invasion brought utter destruction and displacement. But peace and stability eventually settled in as Transoxiana was divided among the Mongol leader’s sons. Some 100 years later in the 1380s, the princes of various provinces started competing with each other for more extensive power. The chieftain Tamerlane (also known as Timur) won out and proceeded to conquer the western reaches of Central Asia, Iran, the Caucasus, Mesopotamia, Asia Minor and beyond. He was a brutal leader but in his short reign (he died in 1405), he ushered in a new era of Perso-Islamic culture. Palatial religious buildings were erected. Advances in medicine, science and the arts bloomed. Even a new literary language, Turkic, took hold.

The Timurid state could not survive the death of its leader. Internal fighting and the resulting power vacuum opened a window to nomadic Uzbek forces from the north. During the early 16th century, they moved in and created three different states: Bukhara, Khiva and Kokand. Some 300 years later, the Russian Empire called Uzbekistan its own and by 1924 it was part of the Soviet Union. By the time the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, Uzbekistan had already declared its sovereignty.

A Rich Cultural Legacy

Uzbekistan’s culture is steeped in its varied history. The country’s many mosques, mausoleums and madrasas (Islamic educational centers) embody a centuries-long Islamic heritage that started with the arrival of Arabs in the eighth century. Today, Uzbeks remain rightly proud of their spectacular structures and monuments to Islam—and of the oldest copy of the Koran in the world, housed in Tashkent’s Muyi Muborak Madrasa. But many approach daily living with a secular view. Citizens seem to be more interested in sharing the latest news and gossip over kok choy, or green tea, at a traditional teahouse, than in trading views about religion.

That’s not to say that religious-based virtues are not celebrated in Uzbekistan. We’ve already mentioned that the world’s oldest Koran is housed in Tashkent. Tales of morality are also woven into the Uzbek psyche in the same way many fairy tales form the basis of Western ideas of right and wrong. The 11th century, especially, saw poets extolling virtuous ideas, from Yusuf Balasagun’s Kugadau Bilig (Knowledge of Grace) to Akhmad Yugnaki’s Hibat al-Haqa’iq (The Gift of Truth). And during the Timurid era, the great poet and philosopher Alisher Navoi founded the Uzbek literary language with works such as Chordevon and Khamsa.

You can soak in much of Uzbek’s culture in its many bazaars, colorful repositories where modern-day commerce and a centuries-old history converge. A kaleidoscope of culture is for the taking in these dizzying marketplaces. Richly colored suzani carpets, created with skillful needlework depicting flowers, vines, or leaves, recall the days when brides crafted textiles for their grooms. Carefully etched glazed tiles will remind you of the breathtaking artistry of mausoleums and mosques long after you return home. Freshly baked non, or bread, will give you an energetic boost as you explore.

No matter where you are, your wanderings might be accompanied by a distinctive Uzbek soundtrack. The country’s music reaches back as far as its original founding and consists of numerous styles and instruments. Shashmaqam music is thought to have originated in Bukhara in the late 1500s. This hypnotic form comprises six sections, each of which builds to a climax before returning to its original soft tones. Sufi poetry and long-necked string instruments (the tanbur, dutar, and sato) feature prominently. The karnay, a long-necked trumpet, is the Uzbek national instrument, while the nay (a flute blown from its end) and surnay (a loud wooden oboe) are also common.

All of Uzbekistan is music to our ears. We hope you’ll agree when you explore with a small group during our Discover Uzbekistan adventure!

Asia & PacificSmall Group Discoveries

Uzbekistan’s Silk Road Cities

on March 25, 2019

For more than 2,000 years, camel caravans laden with textiles, jewels, spices and countless other coveted trinkets traversed the Silk Road between the Mediterranean and China. Harsh deserts and rugged mountains made for exhausting journeys, so traders were always relieved when welcoming, oasis-like cities appeared on the horizon. Our Discover Uzbekistan small-group adventure visits three of them—Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand—immersing you among the nation’s most breathtaking mosques, madrasas and mausoleums.

Khiva: First Oasis in Uzbekistan

A welcome sight to traders after their desert trek from Persia, extravagant Khiva emerges on the horizon like a mirage. Here are just a few highlights of this spectacular city:

  • The Ichan-Kala, or inner town, was defended by brick walls that stood 33 feet. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it remains today one of the most remarkably preserved examples of medieval Muslim architecture and urban planning in Central Asia.
  • Ichan-Kala’s expansive royal court is encircled by crenellated walls that might remind you of a massive sand castle. Palaces, mosques, minarets and other stunning structures adorned with majolica tiles transport you back to the days of powerful emirs.
  • The Kunya Ark dates back 1,000 years. It served as an expansive residence for Khiva’s rulers, complete with harems, stables, a throne room, and a jail that held slaves and prisoners.
  • The Djuma Mosque boasts a forest of some 200 pillars carved of wood and decorated with spiraling motifs.
  • The graceful architecture and blue tiles of the Pakhlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum are etched with age-old proverbs ascribed to the beloved poet and patron saint of the city.

Bukhara: The Holiest City

Bukhara is Central Asia’s most complete example of a medieval city. The urban planning and architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site were unsurpassed in the region. Its historic district is an open-air treasure trove of mosques, madrasas and minarets.

  • Within the Poyi-Kalon complex stands the massive Kalon Mosque, which can accommodate 10,000 worshippers. With its luminous blue domes, it proudly stands as a testament to Bukhara’s place as the most holy city in Central Asia. So stunning is its towering minaret, even Genghis Khan spared it from destruction.
  • The shakhristan, or Old Town, provides a snapshot of life in Bukhara 500 years ago. Slim alleyways of mud-brick lead to secluded mosques and fanciful residences from the 19th century.
  • Home of emirs, the Ark Fortress is an opulent summer palace and a resplendent town within a town.
  • The Oriental Bazaar evokes Silk Road traders of old with its shining jewelry, brightly hued carpets, silk clothing and countless other glittering treasures.
  • The center of Bukhara, the Lyabi Khauz Ensemble, is where locals gather for tea and conversation. Covered bazaars fan off the square and lead to the city’s religious sites.

Samarkand: A Thriving Center of Uzbek Culture

By some accounts, Samarkand is the most romantic of the Silk Road cities. It was certainly its most resplendent, thanks to the prosperous (albeit vicious) rule of Tamerlane the Great, who made it the shining capital of his empire.

  • The city, a stunning collection of architecture and art from the 13th century to today, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Registan Square is celebrated as the symbol of Central Asia. The ensemble of shimmering tiled buildings and gateways, including three madrasas, surround a vast and glorious square.
  • Samarkand’s mausoleums are a magnificent tribute to the dead. The enormous Guri Amir is the resting place of Tamerlane. Elsewhere, the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis—where dozens of history’s most notable people were laid—houses intricately decorated tombs surrounding that of Qussam Ibn Abbas, the cousin of Mohammed who is said to have brought Islam here in the 7th century.
  • The world’s largest mosque upon its completion in the 15th century, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque was built as a tribute to Tamerlane’s wife.
  • Portal to the stars in the 1420s, the short-lived yet fascinating Ulugh Beg Observatory was named for its builder. He and his colleagues used it to study the heavens until it was destroyed by religious zealots in 1449.

Experience these remarkable centers of the Silk Road during our Discover Uzbekistan small-group adventure!

Asia & PacificSmall Group Discoveries

The Majestic, Magnificent Madrasa

on March 20, 2019

To the Muslims of Uzbekistan, the madrasa is one of the most important cultural institutions in daily life. You need only look as far as their grand and glorious entranceways—enormous gate-like portals (called “iwan”) lined with glittering tiles and precise geometric design—to be moved to imagine what wonders lie within. The answer is both purely simple and highly revered—within each madrasa, you will find the wisdom of the ages.

“Madrasa” comes from an ancient word meaning “a place of learning or study.” Today, it refers to any type of school, whether it teaches children or young adults, from kindergarten to university. But madrasas date back to at least 859 when the first one was established in Fez, Morocco. Back then, students studied the teachings of the Koran, first aid, handwriting, athletics and other elements of wellness and wholeness. Over time, subjects taught at a madrasa evolved with shifts in culture, civics and science. For a time, “religious science” was often given priority over philosophy and secular science. That changed during the Islamic Golden Age, when fields such as astronomy, mathematics and botany saw major advances. Law and medicine, too, found their ways into the hallowed halls. 

Many madrasas include mosques as part of their complexes. Thanks to this religious element, the schools often enjoy an intimate link to a city’s social life. Outreach to local communities may include aid to the poor and other types of support to under-served populations. Citizens and students alike also benefit in a more organic way: The moral and spiritual teachings of a madrasa spill into a school’s community, while members of the community in turn contribute to the values upheld by the madrasa.

So essential is the madrasa to Uzbek life, it is impossible to spend a day in any major city without passing one by. The most fantastic ones may well be at Registan, the public square at the heart of Samarkand. Here, royal proclamations were once announced by horns forged from giant copper pipes called dzharchis. Registan is surrounded by three madrasas, making for a magnificent tableau of towering portals whose tiles glimmer in the sun. The Ulugh Beg Madrasa (1420), constructed by its namesake sultan, astronomer and mathematician, is the oldest. Its founder was a prominent teacher there, as was the great Persian poet and mystic Abdul-Rahman Jami. The Sher-Dor Madrasa (1636) is interesting for its mosaics. The tigers depicted in the glazed tiles ignored the Islamic ban that forbade the illustrations of living beings on religious buildings. Finally, the Tilya-Kori Madrasa (1660) doubled as a mosque. Its turquoise dome rises behind the façade. 

Join Discovery Tours during our Discover Uzbekistan small-group adventure to learn more about the revered madrasas that grace this proud nation’s stunning cities.

Asia & PacificSmall Group Discoveries

Uzbek Cuisine: A Primer

on March 13, 2019

The cuisine of Uzbekistan has a lot in common with the food of the rest of Central Asia. Indeed, it shares much of its heritage with neighboring countries, thanks to their similar agricultural resources. To Americans, many dishes may look exotic, but ingredients are quite similar in origin. Grain farming, for instance, is widespread here, so you will often find breads, rice and noodles on the menu. Carrots and onions also figure prominently in various preparation, as do other in-season vegetables such as cabbage, eggplant tomato and garlic. And with an abundance of sheep roaming the hillsides, mutton is a very popular ingredient. Herewith, a primer on the Uzbek diet.

Food:

Obi non – The staple bread of Uzbekistan is baked in a tandir, or clay oven. So central is it to Uzbek culture that it was mentioned in The Epic of Gilgamesh, one of oldest written works in the world. Variations of non (bread) are made around the country, from the small, thick non of Samarkand to the sesame-sprinkled non of Bukhara.

Manti, chuchvara, somsa – These dumpling dishes can be filled with various ingredients, from lamb or beef to cabbage or potato. Manti may be served as an appetizer with sour cream, ketchup, or onions dashed with vinegar and black pepper. Chuchvara may be prepared as part of a larger dish, such as vegetables in a tomato sauce. Samsa is more of a meat pastry and has the appearance of baked buns.

Oshi toki – Similar to dolma found throughout the Mediterranean, these stuffed grape leaves are usually served as a small plate or appetizer.

Palov – Uzbekistan’s signature dish is a blend of rice, meat and grated carrots and onions. Similar to pilaf (and also related linguistically!), it may be served any time of day. One version of it (plov) is typically served in the morning as part of multi-day family celebrations.

Shurpa – This soup is prepared with chunks of fatty mutton and fresh vegetables.

Norin – The pasta and meat dish, made with very thin hand-rolled noodles, can be served hot or cold.

Dimlama – This stew of Turkic origin is made with meat, potatoes, onions, vegetables and sometimes fruits. It’s a popular spring or summer meal as the vegetables are in season.

Kebabs – Though kebabs are cooked throughout the world, they were first skewered and grilled over an open flame in the Middle East. In Uzbekistan, they are served as a main course.

Drink:

Green tea – The national hot beverage of Uzbekistan, green tea is served throughout the day in homes and teahouses alike. Tea – whether green or black – is part of every meal.

Ayran – A refreshing and nutritious summertime staple, ayran is a chilled yogurt drink.

Wine – Some 14 wineries operate in Uzbekistan; despite that Uzbeks consider themselves Muslim, they live a largely secular lifestyle. But the grapes grown here don’t exactly roll off the English-speaking tongue: Gulyakandoz, Shirin, Aleatiko and Kabernet likernoe. (This last one translates into “Cabernet dessert wine” in Russian.) By some accounts, vines were introduced here by the Romans as they passed through on the legendary Silk Road. Today, wines produced here win international awards.

Sample it all during our Discover Uzbekistan small-group adventure!

#G1PhotoFridayAsia & Pacific

Nature and Architecture Converge at Ta Prohm in Siem Reap, Cambodia

on December 21, 2018

You may recognize Ta Prohm as one of the settings for the Tomb Raider movies with Angelina Jolie. You will understand why this place was chosen as a unique setting upon arrival. This temple is a true marvel of nature marrying architecture and creating something unique and beautiful all on its own, all in the middle of the Cambodian jungle. Come visit Ta Prohm for yourself. Make sure to get your camera charged and have your film ready, because you will want to take a lot of pictures here.

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @sgtsmartguy using the hashtag #gate1travel. This natural photo was taken in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Cambodia and Southeast Asia trips here!

#G1PhotoFridayAsia & Pacific

The Ornate Temple of Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai, Thailand

on November 16, 2018

Wat Rong Khun, or the White Temple, is located in Chiang Rai, Thailand and is one of the most unique destinations in Southeast Asia. The temple is a place of worship and is covered in ornate designs. The pure white color of the building is meant to symbolize the purity of the Buddha and nearly everything about the temple depicts a religious or symbolic meeting. The building was completely restored around 1997 and was designed by the same man who funded it.

chiangrai

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @jingle_dancer_ using the hashtag #gate1travel. This dreamy scene was taken at Way Rong Khun in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Thailand trips here!

Ayers Rock New Zealand
Asia & PacificGate 1 Connections

New Zealand and Australia: Rich Culture Amid Show-Stopping Beauty

on October 18, 2018

If your idea of the most rewarding journey is equal parts enriching culture and magnificent natural beauty, then the Lands Down Under are for you. Utterly fascinating, wholly engaging, and jaw-droppingly gorgeous, New Zealand and Australia will find you marveling at the pristine fjords of Milford Sound one day and browsing trendy Queenstown shops the next … drinking in the rich culture of Melbourne in the evening, then boarding a flight to the starkly beautiful desert of Ayers Rock the next morning. In these spectacular countries, the immensity and drama of the unspoiled wilderness is only matched by the rewards of their cultural offerings. And Gate 1 Travel brings it all within reach.

Auckland, Where Modern and Maori Meet

Stunning Auckland can best be summed up by its literal low and high points. Beautifully set at sea level on an isthmus, it boasts not one harbor, but two: Waitemata to the north and Manukau to the south. Nearby, lift your eyes to Maungawhau (Mt. Eden), one of the region’s dormant volcanoes, at 648 feet. Maungawhau is sacred to the indigenous Maori, who once called its slopes home and still act as its guardians. Then follow the horizon to the Sky Tower; at over 1,000 feet, it’s the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere and a symbol of the city’s economic vibrancy. To delve into the city’s rich heritage, visit the Auckland Museum, where the traditions of the Maori come alive. Between the city’s natural and manmade wonders, Auckland’s modern-meets-Maori flavor is on full display.

With its fantastic harbor setting, it should come as no surprise that one household out of every three has a registered boat. The local passion for yachting earned the city its nickname, the “City of Sails.” Gaze out over either harbor at any hour, and you’ll see vessels of all sizes, from massive trade ships to sleek yachts to the Maori waka, the simple, traditional watercrafts that have skimmed these waters for centuries. 
The Gold Rush & the Wine Boom: Dunedin & Queenstown

For those who want their outdoor experience enhanced by unforgettable vistas, the rugged Otago region on the South Island has it all: rushing rivers cutting through lush forests and crystal-clear lakes reflecting soaring mountains. These are the backdrops against which the 1860s’ gold rush played out. A visiting prospector who had already made a name for himself in California wrote home that he found a riverbed in which he “saw gold shining like the stars of Orion on a dark frosty night.” 

That set off a three-year stampede to the region and led to the rise of towns like Dunedin, which went from colonial outpost to the country’s largest city in two years flat. Visiting Dunedin today, the glories of the 19th century are on display everywhere in the Victorian and Edwardian architecture, especially the elaborately decorated railway station, a curious-looking hybrid that’s part gingerbread house and part royal palace.  

The economic rewards of that era also created lovely Queenstown; the most successful gold diggers built homes on the shores of mirror-like Lake Wakatipu. By the end of the rush, the town’s fortunes faltered, the population dwindled and the modest town struggled to find a new industry. It wasn’t until the 1950s that the gorgeous setting itself began to draw New Zealanders back, cementing Queenstown as the recreational hub of the nation with year-round options from skiing to jet-boating. 

What’s really made the economy sing again has been a boom of a different industry: wine-making. The very first vines here were planted during the gold rush, but then neglected. A few enterprising vintners revived them a century later. In the past 25 years, winemaking has soared, with the number of wineries rising from fewer than a dozen to 112 at last count. Unlike the gold of yore, the grapes are in no danger of running out —and that’s something lucky travelers can raise a glass to.

More South Island Spectacles

Wine lovers aren’t the only ones attracted to the South Island. The harbor of Oamaru, the pretty seaside town lush with beautiful Victorian architecture, is home to a colony of blue penguins. More than 130 make their home here, nesting in burrows dug out by other animals or in manmade structures. Some of them have been breeding here for over 16 years, which is double the average life span of those living in the wild.

Blanketing the island’s Canterbury Plains, you’ll find a little bit of England. In fact, Christchurch – New Zealand’s second largest city – is often regarded as the most British of the country’s cities. It also enjoys its status as the Kiwis’ favorite “Garden City.” Its many colorful and beautifully manicured gardens and parks are a joy to stroll.

The South Island’s most astonishing showcase of natural beauty is Milford Sound, part of New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This paradise of deep-cut fjords, towering peaks skirted by lush rainforest, and torrential waterfalls cascading down cliffs takes the breath away. You will have the opportunity to experience this unspoiled wilderness up close during a remarkably scenic cruise.

Melbourne & Sydney Go Head to Head 

A decade before that first prospector ever landed in Queenstown, the Australian state of Victoria across the Tasman Sea was having its own gold rush. Discovery of the glittering stone yielded epic wealth and transformed sleepy Melbourne into the richest city in the world and the second largest after London. The Royal Exhibition Building, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, opened here, as did the stock exchange, a bevy of concert halls and grand hotels, and Australia’s first high-rise. 

While the region suffered from the end of the gold rush, it never relinquished its role as arts capital of Australia. Sharing their city with 500 live music venues, international film and theatre festivals, and 100 galleries hosting Australia’s largest annual art show, Melburnians think they’re the clear frontrunner when it comes to culture. That’s just one reason it’s Australia’s fastest growing city.

Sydneysiders, as the residents of Sydney call themselves, hear Melbourne’s claims of cultural supremacy and counter with three words: Sydney Opera House. There is simply no more visually iconic concert hall on earth than this harbor-side UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its become an enduring symbol of the city’s cosmopolitan nature since it opened in the 1970s. 

Locals also point out that they have something else Melbourne doesn’t: more sunshine (twice as many sunny days a year) which means more time to soak up rays at Bondi Beach or enjoy boat rides across Sydney Harbour. The favorable climate is ideal for a stroll through the historic Rocks area. Its first residents were convicts, but today it is a vibrant (and very law-abiding!) neighborhood of markets, restaurants, and coffee shops. Whether braving a “BridgeClimb” across Harbour Bridge, affectionately called The Coathanger for its arched shape, or strolling the flower-lined pathways of the Royal Botanic Gardens, travelers have made this the most visited city in Australia.

Treasures of the Ocean and the Desert 

North of Sydney, surrounded by tropical rainforest and facing outward to the sea and the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is a paradise no matter how you look at it (including from space, where the reef is visible). No visit here is complete without cruising by catamaran among a few of the 600 islands that comprise the Inner and Outer Reefs. Every isle casts its own spell but we think you’ll love Green Island, a 6000-year-old coral cay featuring 126 native plant species, vivid tropical birds, and dazzling coral gardens which are home to an endless array of marine life. Back on land, you’ll find a leisurely pace and laid-back charm. Sink your toes into white sand beaches, poke in and out of little shops, or take a dip in the Esplanade and you’ll see why so many Aussies think of Cairns when they hear the world holiday.

It’s hard to believe that Ayer’s Rock is in the same country as Cairns, never mind on the same planet. Rising amid the arid “Red Centre” of Australia, the sandstone monolith is known to Aboriginal people as Uluru, and holds a sacred place in their culture. Rising 1,100 feet and running a mile in length, it’s a monster of nature almost too big to take in at one pass; that’s why we’ll make sure you see it twice, once at sunset, and again at morning. You’ll get the Aboriginal perspective when you follow the Mutitjulu Walk around the rocky base, witness Aboriginal rock paintings, and discover handmade goods at the Kata Tjuta Cultural Center. 

Join Gate 1 Travel to discover the enormous breadth and richness of New Zealand and Australia, from their indigenous roots to their glittering cities, all while knowing you’ll savor the greatest comfort, the most insightful sightseeing, and the best value.

#G1PhotoFridayAsia & Pacific

The Authentic Beauty of Hoi An, Vietnam

on October 12, 2018

Hoi An, Vietnam is located in the central coast of the country and is located in the Quang Nam Province. The town is known for it’s exceptionally well-preserved, UNESCO World Heritage, old town that contains canals, bridges, ancient buildings and more. The Japanese covered bridge, pictured, is one of the many beautiful sites to see while visiting Hoi An, Vietnam. Be sure to take a stroll at night along the water in Hoi An and see the beautiful lights reflecting on the water.

hoian

 

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @haydzarantz using the hashtag #gate1travel. This dreamy scene was taken at the Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An, Vietnam.  Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Vietnam trips here!

#G1PhotoFridayAsia & Pacific

The Great Lengths of The Great Wall of China

on July 6, 2018

The Great Wall of China is one of the main reasons many people decide to visit China. It is extremely famous, thousands of miles long and well-preserved. The Great Wall was built continuously from the 3rd century BC to 17th century AD and was built during several different dynasties The wall extends for a grand total length of over 13,000 miles long (over 20,000 kilometers) and extends throughout the north of the country. It is a true marvel and a must see destination for your travel bucket list.

greatwall
This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @ James.cascio using the hashtag #gate1travel. This lengthy view shows off the landmark that is the Great Wall of China. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s China trips here!

Asia & PacificTravel Tips

The Perks of Work: Employee Travel Testimonial – Vietnam

on June 18, 2018

vietnam_5Vietnam is a true up-and-coming destination that is really making a great name for itself! An authentic culture, relaxing way of life, unforgettable scenery and a fascinating history are a few of the countless reasons to visit this country in Southeast Asia. We caught up with Ryan, a Gate 1 Travel employee who recently traveled on the 12 Day Classic Vietnam tour, and got the inside scoop on his trip. Ryan tells us his highlights of the trip, some must see spots and what to pack if you are planning to go to Vietnam yourself.

Why did you choose this trip and what had you heard about these places that made you decide on it? I chose Vietnam, as I have always wanted to experience the other side of the world, specifically Southeast Asia. My dad served in the Army in the Vietnam War, and thought it would be cool to visit the same destination, obviously for very different reasons though of course.

Vietnam is becoming a very popular international travel destination, how was that vietnam_4reflected in your trip? Vietnam is a beautiful country and culturally diverse. Many of the locations we visited catered to tourists. We witnessed many other touring groups throughout the country side. 

What were some of the highlights of your trip? The biggest highlight for me was Hoi An, this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with lots of history. It was by far the easiest to get around (the cities were so packed with traffic), and just had a great personality about it. It was also very close to the Eastern Sea (South China Sea), with great beachfront venues and gorgeous scenery! Halong Bay was fantastic as well! The huge limestone rock formations jutting out of the water were a spectacular sight. The cities of Saigon, Hanoi and Hue, although very congested, had so much to offer. There were dining venues along every street, shopping and nightlife as well. Having lunch prepared at a Buddhist Monastery by Buddhist nuns was also a highlight. It was such a serene location and wonderfully cultural experience! Hanoi is considered the most Asian city, it had lots of culture. Also, close to a hotel where guests stay at, is a lake that people can walk around. It’s full of people doing yoga and meditation. It’s very peaceful. I’m also an avid craft beer fan, and vietnam_1both Saigon and Hanoi have a couple of new craft breweries that are not to be missed!

What was your favorite meal or what food did you have that you really enjoyed or felt was authentic? The meal prepared by the Buddhist nuns was definitely the most authentic to me. I’m not a particular fan of many vegetables, but all the meals I had there were quite tasty! Pho is the local dish and not to be missed, as well.

How was the shopping and did you visit anywhere specifically great for shopping? I am not a big shopper, but there were plenty of areas to shop, all over the country. The cities obviously had many small shops and vendors, along with big malls. There were markets that sold arrangements of local crafts, and knock-off designer ware.vietnam_3

What travel tips would you give to someone preparing to go on this trip? Prepare for a very long journey to get there and back. If possible, book Business class for a more comfortable ride. If that’s not possible, bring a couple of good books, movies, and ZZZquil! Also, prepare for the heat. Bring comfortable clothing and walking shoes and a hat for this trip. Sunscreen is your friend…apply liberally and often! 

How did you prepare for this trip? I packed accordingly with the hot weather. Lots of shorts, sandals, loose t-shirts and a hat. 

Would you go back? I would definitely go back! I would surely stay in Hoi An longer, and go to Da Nang, where there are many beach resorts being built. 

How was your tour manager and what were they like? In what ways did they affect your trip? Our tour manager Tom was from Hanoi. He was very knowledgeable (a former teacher), and conducted all the tours himself. He was very informative and kept us entertained on the longer bus rides. He gave great perspectives from the Vietnamese perspective vietnam_2on everything from ancient history to modern. And of course, the Vietnam War.

What did you feel was the overall theme of your trip? Culture, history and culinary exploration.

How did being on an escorted tour affect your trip? It was a great experience, as there were many things, if not all, that I would have missed if I were to try and book this trip on my own. 

Would you recommend this trip to family/friends? Definitely! It was a great insight on life in Southeast Asia. The Vietnamese are very friendly, accommodating, and eager to share their country. 

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