Month: July 2019

Khiva, Uzbekistan

Khiva: The most beautiful place in Uzbekistan

Khiva was one of those cities that took me by surprise. I have no idea why I liked it most out of all places I visited in Uzbekistan, including the famous Samarkand and Bukhara. But Khiva just felt more authentic, the atmosphere felt more relaxing and you don’t have the pressure of walking the entire day because you can see everything within a few hours. The walled city in Khiva, which is the reason most people come here for, is really small. But perhaps that’s the charm of it- there’s no need to rush here. Samarkand might be bigger and there’s a lot more to see such as the impressive Registan square, but it also means more tourists. If you prefer more quiet and smaller places, Khiva is where you should go.

Best time to visit Khiva

The best times to visit Uzbekistan in general is either during spring or autumn. Summers in Uzbekistan gets hot. Real hot. Especially in Khiva. But if you go during spring or autumn, the heat is more dry and warm, but not so hot like in summer time, when you’re just walking around wishing you could hop in a pool.

What to do in Khiva

As was stated, the walled city in Khiva is generally what most people come here for and where all the attractions are. It’s here where you can visit the Pahlavon Mahmoud mausoleum, walk around the central bazaar to look for souvenirs, take in the view from the Islom-Hoja Minaret, get lost in the backstreets and eat in some of Uzbekistan’s best restaurants. The Kalta Minor Minaret was my favourite and you can easily spot it at the entrance to the walled city.

Where to eat

There’s a limited amount of restaurants in Khiva, but the ones that exists are great. My personal favorite was Khorezm Art Restaurant. Not only was the food great, the prices are fair as well and the outdoor terrace is delightful to sit in. The location itself makes it worth visiting this lovely restaurant, so even if you’re not hungry, come here for a drink. Otherwise, you have the popular Terassa Cafe & Restaurant, which caters mostly to westerners. They have some vegetarian options though, which isn’t the easiest to find in Uzbekistan.

How to get to Khiva

If you’re coming from Bukhara, you can take the train. It only departs 4 hours per week though, so plan well, otherwise you might find yourself stuck in Bukhara for an extra day. You can also take shared taxis, also known as marshrutkas. Go to the bus station in Bukhara, tell them you want to go to Khiva and wait for the taxi to fill up. One way ride to Khiva should cost about 120,000 som. If you arrive to Urgentj by plane, you can take a taxi to Khiva. It’s cheap and it’s very easy.

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Places to see in Vietnam

Must visit cities in Vietnam

Vietnam is one of Asia’s most beautiful countries. Thanks to it’s fascinating landscapes, golden sand beaches, metropole cities and colorful towns, it’s quickly become a favorite amongst travelers. The weathers always favorable in Vietnam – at least if you stick to the south – and you’ll always find a beach to relax on. But don’t forget about the cities in Vietnam. They’re ever vibrant, filled with life, events, shops, street art, and so much more. It’s always a joy wandering around the cities and you’ll be surprised by how much there is to do and see. Here are the cities you must visit when in Vietnam.

Hanoi

Most people either start in Hanoi or end here. But besides being a good starting point, the capital city is also a fun and exciting city to be in. You can wander around the old quarter and marvel at the French colonial buildings, go grab a cup of egg coffee (a specialty in Hanoi!), find a warm bowl of delicious pho, go souvenir shopping, try craft beer and much more. Hanoi is a pulsating city that never seem to sleep. There’s always something to do, something new to see and people to meet.

Da Nang

Often overlooked, Da Nang is actually a fantastic city that shouldn’t be missed when you’re in Vietnam. Not only is it really close to Hoi An, the famous little town where there’s almost more lanterns than people, Da Nang is also filled with tons of hidden gems. Since most travelers tend to skip this city, you’ll get a more authentic vibe when you come here. You won’t be seeing a bunch of tourists walking around the streets, instead you’ll be welcomed by locals. There’s plenty of cute cafe shops, restaurants, boutiques and sights to see here to keep you occupied. When the weather gets too hot, hop on a motorbike and drive to the closest beach. You’re always just a few kilometers away from one.

Ho Chi Minh City

The biggest city in Vietnam can feel a bit overwhelming at times, but once you get the hang of Ho Chi Minh, you’ll love it. Since it is a massive city, there’s always something to do. But if you want to stay in the touristy areas, go to “Bui Vien Street”, also known as the backpacker area. During day time, you can wander around in the small alleys and get a glimpse of the locals life. At night, Bui Vien turns into a big party street with loud music blasting from the bars and clubs. It’s a fun place to be at, if that’s what you’re into. If not, you can go to different neighborhoods far away from all the backpackers, where you can sit in a local Vietnamese restaurant, slurp on some noodles and drink a beer with the locals.

This post was made possible by Edmonton Exterminators.