Category: Asia

Iran’s geographical position and vast underground oil reserves make it a key player in international relations. Fortunately, in recent years, differences with other countries have been resolved through peaceful negotiation, leaving dark chapters of its history behind and Iran shows its best side: a modern, highly educated country welcomes travellers with open arms visitor.

Iran is shaped by the weight of its history. It is known as the cradle of Western civilisation and a crossroads for many peoples and cultures.

Mongolia is often associated with the Gobi Desert, nomads travelling with their tents and Genghis Khan, once the terror of the steppes. All of that is true, but there is much more. Here are some notes from our travel journal to help you learn more about the country, its customs and way of life.

Our colleague Jordi at Viajes Tuareg specialises in Central Asia. He travelled to Mongolia at the end of the year to update our routes to Mongolia and assess potential developments in the area on the ground.

We want to share with you some of his impressions of this exploratory trip in Asia. Here are their experiences and comments.

Iran is one of the most historically rich destinations you can visit. It is known as the cradle of Western civilisation and a crossroads for many cultures and peoples. Its geographical position and vast underground oil reserves make Iran a key player in international relations. Fortunately, in recent years its differences with other powers and states have been resolved peacefully through negotiation, leaving dark chapters of its history behind.

Would you like to explore Iran? We have departures in October, November and December, plus a special New Year trip to Iran.

“Very rarely do Westerners think of our own body as fresh meat. Very rarely do we consider ourselves the food of another living being...»

This was the opening of this wonderful 2018 article by I. Merino in the newspaper El País. He spoke about the tigers of India’s Sundarbans region and their complicated relationship with humans. Although they are more numerous in the marshes of Bengal, the best opportunities to observe tigers in their natural habitat are in the reserves of central India.

Running fast into the future. In Vietnam, the 21st century coexists with traditional rice fields, the junks of Halong Bay and vegetation ready to fill any empty space.

A strip of land washed by the South China Sea stretching 2,400 km between the Mekong Delta and the mountains on the Chinese border.

Our range of trips to Vietnam this summer 2023, brings together everything travellers imagine about Southeast Asia: a true postcard from the other side of the world. But Vietnam also means cutting-edge technology and bustling activity 24 hours a day: a world far removed from rural areas.

Our correspondent in Mingalarbar, Myanmar, sends us news that the main tourist sites are gradually reopening.

We are pleased to announce that more tourist sites are opening for domestic travel in Myanmar. Our government is gradually easing restrictions on domestic travellers and opening tourist sites in Bagan, Hpa-an, Inle, Kalaw, Pindaya and Loikaw to local visitors.

On many occasions we travel to know new things and discover wonderful places, landscapes and sensations. But there's something else, without which travel would make no sense. Something that vividly reflects all the above, the true essence of the place: local population.

Over our many years of experience we have travelled the world, crossing paths with men, women and children from every corner of the globe. Sometimes they greeted us with smiles; at other times with wise, innocent or curious looks. In every case, their faces have remained etched in our memories and those of our travellers, becoming part of us and ensuring we never forget them.

In their honour, we have put together a collection of images of people we have met on our travel. They are the faces of the human diversity.

We already have the first images and opinions ✅ of our first trip to China: Nature Walks in Eastern China. It seems we haven’t done too badly!!!

Alongside the cosmopolitan cities of the east, this route takes in the most spectacular sites in Central China: The pinnacles of Yangshuo and the Li River; the stone forest of Zhangjiajie and the Great Wall in the Jinshanling area. Masterpieces of nature that we will discover on varied, accessible walks, allowing us to get away from the local crowds.

We travel with a guide from our country who He's lived in China for years, he knows the language. and will help us understand the complex society of this destination.

https://www.facebook.com/ViajesTuareg/videos/569803750142558/

China trip reviews – Trekking through eastern China

ARMAND N > September 2018 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A varied trip packed with activities. A good balance between culture and nature.
The best of the trip:
An exceptional guide who showed great interest and complete dedication to the group, helping us enjoy the trip to the full. Among the visits, I would highlight Tianmen Mountain, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the treks in Longsheng, the Guilin cruise and the bike ride to Moon Hill.

ALEJANDRO F M > September 2018 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Excellent. We felt comfortable from the start, and our tour leader made sure everything ran smoothly. The trip lived up to the expectations set, and sometimes exceeded them. Our guide played an important part in this too. We also enjoyed simple things, such as a bicycle ride. We would do it again.
The best of the trip:
The combination of different elements. Truly imposing cities with places such as the Imperial City and the hutongs. The way the trip was organised allowed us to walk along the Great Wall at a relaxed pace and enjoy it, just as we did in the Longji area. The natural sites we visited retained their power and some of their character, even within the “scenic area” format that drives tourism in China and makes them accessible to so many people. And our guide Guillem: without him, it would have been a different trip.

SUSANA L > September 2018 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I think those people who like to combine cultural visits with walks will love it. It is quite impressive the mix of the old and the new: places with hundreds of years of history next to the skyscrapers and the most modern technology.
The best of the trip:
The dedication and passion of our guide. Thanks to Guillem, we were able to do more activities than originally planned and gain an insight into Chinese culture. He also joined us for every meal not included in the trip, bringing us closer to daily life in the country. I think he made the difference between a ‘good’ trip and a ‘very good’ one. Apart from the human connections, I would highlight the visit to the Great Wall. It is spectacular and well worth the bus journey to escape the areas most visited by tourists. Walking along it with hardly anyone around is priceless. Another highlight was walking through the Longsheng rice terraces. Words cannot describe it. The landscape's changing geometry at every step makes it magical!

Travelling as a family is a post our blog could not do without. Those of us who regularly organise trips with children know how difficult it can be to choose the right destination for them. As our colleague Yolanda has just returned from Thailand, we asked her to tell us what it was like to travel to this Southeast Asian country with children.

My first trip to Thailand It was many, many years ago… and I remember it particularly well because it was one of the first long-haul trips of my life!

This year I was planning to take my daughter on her first big trip. She is 12 years old and, by the way… beautiful!!!

I had fond memories of my first trip, and when it came to choosing a destination, I knew: Thailand was chosen for their first experience in this fantastic world!

Once we decided Thailand as our family travel destination, the questions begin…

• Will it be a safe destination?
• Active and varied, but suited to children’s pace?
• Fun?
• Interesting?

I can tell you that Thailand is ideal for travelling with children, with something for almost everyone. The varied itinerary combines two major cities, Bangkok and Chiang Mai, a great adventure in the northern mountains, where we will enjoy various activities and spend time with local ethnic minorities, followed by a well-earned finale… days of relaxation on the beach!!!!

We know that travelling with children slows the pace. This trip lets you enjoy the destination at leisure, without feeling that precious time is slipping away: there is time for everything. It is as if the clock would stop so we could make much more of the day. Explaining what lies ahead and involving children in the experience helps them engage and feel excited about each new adventure. It helps us parents relax and enjoy watching them have fun.

Luggage is one concern when travelling as a family. You need very little for this trip!!!

Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are the most important things. Toys can stay at home!!! And for shopping lovers… Thailand is an ideal destination!

A very well-balanced trip and, let’s be honest… AFFORDABLE!!! We know that, when travelling with children, the daily budget can multiply by the number of family members, without increasing the number of people paying the bills, right? Travelling with children to Thailand is within your budget.

I encourage you to try this adventure and I assure you that it is possible travelling with children and having a wonderful holiday.

If you enjoy travelling to little-known places or experiencing different cultures and now have children, keep pursuing your passion and take them with you.

All our Organised tours of Thailand are designed for travel in a small group of 4 to 12 people, making it an ideal destination for families, large or small.

When children are older, an active and varied trip often works extraordinarily well, and Thailand offers adventure, comfort and safety.

Thailand is a wonderful destination for travelling with children and introducing them to the world of travel.

Traveling to Thailand with children

If you are still not convinced that Thailand is an ideal destination for travelling with children, we want to offer more reasons to go. As a picture is worth a thousand words, here is Paula Tel’s video, filmed in Thailand, which won our 2016 competition. It perfectly captures the spirit of family travel in a destination as special as Thailand.

Some wonderful holiday full of special moments in Thailand. A video showing a very active family in this Asian country. The closing motto, “We are the sum of all the moments in our lives» could not have been a better choice.

Thailand with the family with Viajes Tuareg -> Video winner of the video contest 2016

The routes we offer, are guided tours of Thailand. All transport, transfers and excursions are accompanied, although in some cities Krabi, there are a few days without organised activities. What can you do on these free days?

Krabi, is a province in southern Thailand on the Andaman Sea. Its wonderful maze of islands forms an archipelago that many would think possible only in films.

As well as idyllic beaches that are the fantasy of any traveller visiting Thailand, climbers from all over the world come to Krabi year after year, attracted by the the area’s exceptional conditions for rock climbing.

Among all the corners of Krabi where you can go rock climbing, Railay stands out in particular.

This is a small peninsula that can only be accessed by boat. Here are huge limestone cliffs that challenge the most experienced climbers and tempt those keen to try it in the ROCK CLIMBING. There are more than 150 marked routes of different levels of difficulty. Hire of equipment, instructors and guides is available.

A great trip. is not linked to a duration, a particular destination or means of transport, but one that poses a challenge. On a night like tonight, we remember three travellers who set off on a great journey following a star: Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar. A journey through the desert to bring gold, frankincense and myrrh to a newborn.

We do not know for sure whether they crossed the desert of Namibia, Gobi, Wadi Rum and Sahara. What we do know is that each of you, as travellers, has a challenge when setting off on an adventure, whether following a star, a dream or a desire to discover new places…

Alongside Christmas sweets, family gatherings and feasts, this time of year is known for compilations and lists of resolutions that this year Yes, we will. We have prepared our list for 2018. Do you already have yours?

I am sure many of you have an item on your list that says: “This is the year I finally Make that trip. that I have always wanted». This is usually a dream of somewhere far away, on the other side of the world.

I’m sure many of you still remember a family trip when you were little. Because travel leaves its mark on all of us, but especially on children that, however young they are, those memories will surface as they grow older, reminding them of their first family trips.

We know that many of you have doubts about travelling with the youngest members of the family because some of the journey is long and involves intercontinental flights. Who does not remember those endless road trips when we were children? None of us was traumatised! Things have changed, and a 10-hour flight with all the comforts available today is no trouble for children.

Oman It is one of those countries you hardly notice but never forget. Sparsely populated (just over three million inhabitants) yet vast, it is a remarkable place, and not only for the variety and richness of its pristine landscapes. 80% of territory is desert and where we can find authentic Bedouin communities, better known as desert dwellers.

Last week we posted on Facebook news from El País in which he discussed Sikkim and its organic crops, which particularly caught our attention. Sikkim is a state nestled in the Himalayas, with no rail connections or commercial flights to date. But Sikkim succeeded in its mission, overcoming every obstacle. 12 years ago, in 2003, when the government led by Pawan Chamling decided to make Sikkim a state of organic farming through a declaration in the legislature. Today, it has become India's first fully organic state by implementing organic practices on about 75,000 hectares of agricultural land.

Since childhood, books have been an endless source of inspiration. They can transport us to unknown worlds and show us fascinating places we have never visited. Many encourage us to travel and discover those places first-hand. Today we take a brief tour of books that could help you choose a destination in Asia.

The Lake Issyk-Köl (Ysyk-Köl, Issyk-Kul) is the second largest alpine lake in the world after the Lake Titicaca in South America. The name, which means “hot lake”, is something of an exaggeration. A combination of great depth, thermal activity and mild salinity ensures that the lake never freezes, even in the harsh winters of Central Asia, despite being at an altitude of more than 1600 m.

The lake's origins are unknown, but the existence of a city built in the 5th century BC, submerged by flooding caused by an earthquake in the 16th century, has been demonstrated. Underwater expeditions over the years have found coins from that period.

Kamchatka is a peninsula located at the eastern end of Russia, in a place whose remoteness has helped preserve its great natural beauty. Foreigners were not allowed to visit during the Soviet era, and even today few tourists venture to this far-flung corner of the world