The Land Where Sleep is Optional: Cappadocia Adventures
This year has been a total explosion for Turkey travel, thanks to their super easy e-visa policy that Vietnamese tourists can snag in just 5 minutes.
My trip had no fixed plans—I booked everything on arrival and scored some insanely cheap experiences in Cappadocia. I had a full 4 days there, but honestly, you need 6-7 days to really soak it all in. I'm still bummed I didn't dive deeper into the other towns around Goreme.
Hot Air Balloon Ride: From Confusion to a Steal
Before heading out, I was stressing over balloon tour prices—quotes ranging from 300€ down to 140€, with no clue on quality differences.
Then I stumbled into a Goreme agency with this super friendly, handsome consultant. He quoted me 150€ for the balloon ride, which I was cool with. I booked all my other tours through him too, at prices way lower than anywhere else. That afternoon, he texted: balloon was now just 65€! I snapped it up immediately :))
My Epic 4-Day Cappadocia Itinerary
Here's what I did over those 4 days:
- Day 1: Gallerie Ikman carpet house, Cappadocia Open Air Museum, ATV ride or horseback sunset tour (2 hours) in Love Valley/Rose Valley. Evening chill at Kaira Rooftop Bar.
- Day 2: Hot air balloon from 6-8:30 AM, Uchisar Castle, then hike through Love Valley back to Goreme. At 5 PM, hit Cappadocia Sunset Point for sunset and Goreme town lights.
- Day 3: Morning balloon photo sesh from my hotel rooftop. Explore underground cities Kaymakli/Derinkuyu and hike Ihlara Valley. Skip the Green Tour—rent a car and go solo for max fun (tours waste time on shopping stops).
- Day 4: Vintage car for balloon viewing 6-8 AM, or climb a nearby Love Valley hill. Visit Saruhan Caravanserai, Avanos pottery village (Sir Kupu shop), and devour rock-cut restaurant Gloria Tas Ev. Afternoon back in Goreme for coffee at Oze Coffee—their brews are amazing.
Goreme Food Gems That Hit the Spot
A few eateries in Goreme that matched my taste:
- Wood Fire Barbeque (tell them to cook the meat well done)
- My Mother's
- Cancan
- Peking for Chinese vibes
Cappadocia's famous for clay-pot beef/lamb stews, but the grilled meats don't top Istanbul spots 😁. Avanos food edged out Goreme for me.
Renting a Car: Pro Tips for Freedom
If grabbing a car at the airport, note Cappadocia has NAV and ASR—fly in/out of the same one to avoid hefty drop-off fees. I booked via Trip, picked up at AVEC's airport office (15-min process, 150€ credit card deposit refunded after 3-4 days). Need a Goreme rental? Hit me up for contacts 😆
Bottom line: If you haven't hit Turkey yet, go now! Cappadocia's beauty will steal your heart 🥰
Cre: Thuy Linh Nguyen
