Turkish Delight: My 9-Day Adventure
Visa Update: Simplified Entry for Vietnamese Travelers
Good news! I'm sharing my recent Turkish adventure after my post about Cappadocia sparked a lot of interest. Many of you are planning trips, so here's a rundown of my experiences. Turkey has been the most culturally rich country I've visited so far, and I've explored over 20!
My group handled our visas and flights independently from Vietnam, then booked a land tour within Turkey. A guide met us at the airport. The entire trip, excluding shopping, cost around 40 million VND. This review will focus on highlights and personal impressions rather than a detailed DIY guide.
Navigating the Visa Process
- Visa-Free Entry (with conditions): If you have a valid SCHENGEN, US, or UK visa, you can conveniently apply for an E-visa online and pay the fee electronically. A condition is purchasing a flight with Turkish Airlines.
- Applying from Vietnam: Without a valid visa from the aforementioned countries, prepare a comprehensive application similar to a European visa application. Crucially, you'll need an ORIGINAL INVITATION LETTER from a Turkish travel agency. Secure a small tour or service from a Turkish agency and request the original invitation letter to include in your application. This was why we opted for a land tour! Visa processing can take 2-4 weeks, but acceptance is likely if your application is complete.
Must-See Destinations
Istanbul: Where East Meets West
Istanbul is a unique city straddling the Bosphorus Strait, connecting the Marmara Sea and the Black Sea, effectively separating Asia and Europe. Napoleon famously said, "If the whole world were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital." This is a city with a magnificent history, serving as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires.
- Topkapi Palace
- The iconic Blue Mosque
- Ancient Underground Cistern, Hippodrome Square
- Hagia Sophia Museum
- Dolmabahce Palace
- The 500-year-old Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar
- A scenic cruise on the Bosphorus Strait
Canakkale: Echoes of Antiquity
Explore this ancient city's historical sites.
- The excavation site of Troy (featuring a wooden horse replica). The wooden horse gifted by a Hollywood film crew is located in Canakkale Park.
- The ancient hospital of Asklepion
Kusadasi: Aegean Paradise
A renowned Turkish coastal city on the Aegean Sea (the same sea that borders Santorini), boasting stunning blue waters.
- The ancient city of Ephesus, the Library of Celsus (the third-largest library in the ancient world), Temple of Hadrian
- Temple of Artemis
Pamukkale: The Cotton Castle
Pamukkale's warm, mineral-rich hot springs flow over terraces for millennia, creating dazzling white travertine formations, hence its name, "Cotton Castle".
Cappadocia: A Fairytale Landscape
Cappadocia, famed for its volcanic rock valleys formed over millions of years and its hot air balloons, deserves a dedicated post! (Link to the previous post).
Essential Tips for Your Trip
- Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country (90% of the population) but is generally open-minded. Head coverings aren't required except when entering mosques like the Blue Mosque. Immerse yourself in Islamic culture through the daily call to prayer, cuisine, and lifestyle.
- Turkish cuisine is Halal, so pork is not available. It might be challenging for some Asian palates. Consider bringing some snacks if you have dietary restrictions.
- I visited Turkey in March (late spring), and it was still very cold. Summer (June-August) is said to be scorching. The ideal times to visit are likely May and September-October.
- Bargaining is expected when shopping, as haggling is a common practice in Arab cultures, including Turkey.
