9-Day Budget-Friendly Turkey Adventure: A Journey Filled with Good Fortune
Embarking on a grand exploration of Turkey for nine days, this journey was blessed with incredible luck, making it a truly memorable experience. This guide shares personal insights and practical tips for fellow travelers aiming for a cost-effective adventure.
Flights: Mapping Out the Journey
My flight itinerary spanned four segments: SGN-IST (via Thai Airways with a layover in Bangkok), IST-ASR (Turkish Airlines), ADB-IST (Turkish Airlines), and IST-SGN (again with Thai Airways and a Bangkok transit). The total airfare came to VND 24 million. It's worth noting that booking only six days before departure led to a higher price. For optimal savings, I recommend exploring alternative routes or diligently hunting for flight deals well in advance.
Evisa: A Seamless Entry
The Evisa process was a breeze, costing $51 and completed swiftly. Many travelers have shared their experiences, so I won't delve into further detail here.
Staying Connected: SIM Card Options
I opted for Viettel Roaming, which provided 1GB of data for VND 50,000 per day. At the airport, SIM card prices ranged from €25-€30, depending on data needs. It's a good idea to research and choose what best suits your travel plans.
Currency Exchange: Navigating the Lira
All airports offer Wi-Fi, allowing you to connect and find your way to currency exchange centers. At the airport, $100 exchanged for 2900 Lira. However, in the vibrant Taksim area, the rate improved to 4100 Lira. My personal favorite for the best exchange rate was the Grand Bazaar, where I secured 4150 Lira. Other locations like Goreme and Selcuk offered rates between 4050-4100 Lira. Strategic currency exchange can significantly boost your budget.
Weather: Embracing the Seasons
Traveling in late September, the days were pleasantly cool, transitioning to a crisp chill at night. Goreme, in particular, experienced colder temperatures during the evenings and pre-dawn hours. Packing layers is highly recommended for this region.
Essentials for Your Turkish Adventure
Before setting off, consider packing:
- Medications
- A light blanket
- A scarf (useful for sleeping in airports)
- A suitable travel adapter (a quick online search will provide specific details)
- Snacks, especially if you're a picky eater (though I found Turkish cuisine quite agreeable)
- A printed copy of your Evisa for added peace of mind.
Accommodation: Comfort on a Budget
My accommodation choices, booked through Booking.com, averaged between $30-$50 per night for a double room. As I was prioritizing a budget-friendly trip, I focused on well-rated and cost-effective options. I'm pleased to report that all my chosen hotels offered excellent value and comfort for their price range in Turkey.
- Istanbul: I stayed at New Pera ($32), conveniently located in the Taksim center, close to bus and train stations.
- Cappadocia: Atak Hotel ($44) was my base, centrally located and very convenient. For those seeking a splurge, Cappadocia offers incredible hotels with breathtaking views of the hot air balloons.
- Selcuk: Tuncay Pension ($48) included breakfast and was well-situated.
All these establishments provided comfortable amenities, making them worthwhile considerations for budget travelers.
Please remember that all experiences shared here are personal and may not reflect everyone's journey. I appreciate your understanding and kind reception of any discrepancies.
The Grand Turkish Expedition Begins:
Night 1: Transatlantic Travels
The journey commenced with an overnight flight from SGN to IST, with a smooth layover in Thailand. My checked luggage was transferred directly, making the transit remarkably efficient. Pay close attention to boarding gates, as the process is usually quick. The flight itself was quite comfortable, with ample food and drink provided, alleviating any concerns about hunger. The main potential challenge might be the availability of restrooms.
Day 2: Istanbul's Allure
Arriving at IST, immigration was incredibly swift, taking less than two minutes. A quick check of my Evisa and a stamp later, I was through. I activated my Viettel Roaming for internet access and exchanged a small amount of USD at the airport to purchase an Istanbulkart. This essential card grants access to all public transportation in Istanbul, including public restrooms, costing 165 Lira per card (usable by multiple people). You can easily top it up. Navigating the system is straightforward, with English language options available on the machines. I then took the train from level -2 and caught a bus to my hotel. Google Maps proved to be an invaluable companion, providing detailed directions. Choosing accommodation near train and bus stations is highly recommended to minimize travel time. The journey from the airport to the hotel took about 1.5 hours. After dropping off my luggage, I began exploring the city.
My initial exploration included Taksim Square, the iconic stairs near the tower, Galata Tower, and sampling local street food like grilled corn, fish sandwiches, Turkish ice cream, stuffed mussels, simit (ring bread), and kebabs. Walking across the bridge offered spectacular views. In the afternoon, I embarked on a Bosphorus Tour ferry ride for 250 Lira, a 1.5-hour excursion offering stunning sunset vistas. The evening was spent enjoying local cuisine and returning to the hotel by bus.
Day 3: Historical Wonders and Bazaar Treasures
Today's adventure took me to the colorful houses of Balat City, followed by visits to iconic landmarks such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. These magnificent sites are clustered closely together, making them easily accessible. Given their popularity, be prepared for crowds, but the surrounding areas also offer beautiful mosques worth exploring. A visit to the Grand Bazaar is a must; remember to haggle enthusiastically for the best prices.
In the evening, I took a bus and train back to the airport for my flight to Goreme.
Day 4: Cappadocia's Magic and Sunset Views
My flight from IST to ASR departed at 1 AM, and I arrived in Cappadocia around 3 AM. I had pre-booked a shared shuttle from the airport to the city center for €10 (available on Booking or Agoda – double-check your pickup and drop-off points to avoid confusion). Opting for a shared shuttle is significantly more economical than a private taxi. After settling into my hotel, I headed to a viewpoint café, hoping to catch the sunrise and hot air balloons, but unfortunately, the balloons were grounded that day.
Later, I purchased a bus ticket to Denizili for the following evening (booking in advance is crucial as tickets can sell out). Bus fares typically range from 800 to 1100 Lira, depending on the departure time. Please note that buses usually go to Denizili, and you'll need to take a separate bus to Pamukkale. More on that later.
The afternoon was dedicated to an exhilarating ATV tour, riding through the Red Rose and Love valleys, culminating in a spectacular sunset. This tour, shared between two people on one ATV with a guide, cost around €30 for two (inclusive). Negotiating the price is advisable.
The evening was spent exploring the local restaurant scene. I recommend checking menus outside establishments to find one that suits your taste and budget, with prices generally ranging from 550-1000 Lira per person.
Day 5: The Enchantment of Hot Air Balloons
I woke up at 4 AM to find a high vantage point for the sunrise and hot air balloon spectacle. Between 5 AM and 5:30 AM, my dream materialized as I witnessed the breathtaking beauty of hundreds of balloons dotting the sky. It was a truly magical and awe-inspiring sight.
For those interested, hot air balloon tours and vintage car photo shoots are available. Prices vary, so negotiation is key. I managed to arrange a vintage car photo session for €40. While I didn't opt for the hot air balloon ride myself, I recommend exploring pricing and bargaining diligently. Alternatively, many cafes in the city center offer excellent viewpoints.
For independent exploration of valleys and hills, consider renting a motorbike for €20 for 4 hours, eliminating the need for tours. Ikman Galerie offers unique photo opportunities, including drone photography services and costume rentals.
That night, I boarded an overnight bus from Goreme to Denizili, a journey of approximately 9 hours.
Day 6: Pamukkale's Cotton Castle and Selcuk Bound
Arriving at the Denizili bus station at 6 AM, I headed downstairs to Bay 76 to catch a bus to Pamukkale (50 Lira per person, a 30-minute ride). Buses start running from 7 AM. Luggage storage is available at the station (140 Lira for large suitcases, 120 Lira for small ones). The bus drops you off near the Pamukkale entrance.
The entrance fee for Pamukkale is €30. There are North and South gates, allowing you to explore the travertines, Cleopatra's Pool, and the ancient city in either direction. A map can be found online.
In the afternoon, I took a bus back to Denizili. Across the street from the bus station is the train station. I purchased a train ticket to Selcuk for 220 Lira. It's advisable to buy this ticket earlier in the day to secure your preferred travel time. The train journey to Selcuk takes about 4 hours.
Upon arrival in Selcuk in the evening, I dined at Old House (Eskiev). This restaurant offers delicious food at reasonable prices, a beautiful ambiance, and exceptionally friendly staff. They even include a complimentary salad with main courses. I highly recommend this place; I enjoyed meals there for two consecutive days, a rare occurrence for me.
Day 7: Ancient Ruins and Picturesque Villages
Today was dedicated to exploring Selcuk's renowned sites. I visited the Celsus Library and the ancient city of Ephesus (combined entry fee of €50). While I admire history, I opted to focus on natural beauty and budget, choosing to admire the surroundings rather than entering the paid attractions.
Other free attractions include Isa Bey Mosque and the Temple of Artemis. Wandering through the local neighborhoods offered beautiful sunrise views.
I took a taxi to the charming village of Sirince, about 9 km away. The peaceful and picturesque village is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
For those with more time, a bus trip to Alacati, approximately 70 km away, is also an option, though I did not visit it myself.
Days 8-9: Journey Home
My departure involved taking a train from Selcuk to ADB airport (90 Lira per person), followed by a flight back to IST and then onward to SGN, with a layover in Bangkok. Due to time constraints, this itinerary covered my chosen highlights. Feel free to adjust the schedule to suit your interests.
Memorable Encounters:
A truly special aspect of this trip was the kindness of the locals. I experienced numerous instances of hitchhiking, even getting a ride from a police car in Pamukkale – they were incredibly friendly! This is a great option for those looking to save money. I also found myself repeatedly approached for photos with my Vietnamese conical hat (nón lá), which I happily shared while emphasizing its Vietnamese origin.
Airport and bus station lounges became my resting spots, demonstrating that with safety and awareness, comfortable overnight stays are possible in various locations.
Overall Expedition Cost:
The total cost for this trip for two people, including all expenses, was VND 35 million per person. I've omitted specific breakdowns to avoid potential debates, as individual spending habits, accommodation preferences, and travel styles can vary significantly. My aim is to provide useful information to help you plan your own adventure.
This Turkish escapade was an overwhelming success, filled with invaluable experiences. I wish you a journey that is equally fulfilling and memorable!
Credit: Trần Lê Ngọc Thu
