Speechless Beauty — Van, Türkiye

There's more to Türkiye than Istanbul! Van is absolutely stunning. Friends, the biggest surprise of my trip to Türkiye was discovering the hidden gem of Van! I have to recommend it to you all. Save this guide now! 👍Why you should go: Located in eastern Türkiye, bordering Iran, Van's unique location gives it a multicultural charm. It boasts ancient and mysterious historical sites, breathtaking natural scenery, and relatively few tourists, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local life and experience authentic Turkish culture. 📍Attractions: - Lake Van: Türkiye's largest lake, with incredibly clear water surrounded by rolling mountains. The scenery is picturesque. The most interesting thing is seeing the Van cats with their distinctive "eyeliner." Their blue and green eyes are stunning, making for great photos every time. - Van Castle: This castle has a long history, dating back to 2000 BC. From the top, you can take in the magnificent views of Van city and Lake Van. Standing on the ancient walls, you can almost feel the touch of history. - Ani Ruins: Once the capital of the glorious Armenian kingdom, only ruins remain today. However, you can still imagine its former prosperity from the crumbling walls. For history buffs, this place is pure heaven. 🚅Transportation: - International Flights: Fly to Istanbul first, then transfer to Van Airport. The flight takes about 2 hours. - Local Transportation: Taxis are readily available and reasonably priced in Van. If you want to visit nearby attractions like Lake Van and Van Castle, local minibuses are a good option. Remember to check the routes and schedules in advance. 🗺Itinerary: - Day 1: After arriving in Van, check into your hotel and relax. In the afternoon, head straight to Lake Van, stroll along the shore, admire the scenery, and play with the adorable Van cats. In the evening, enjoy local cuisine at a lakeside restaurant and experience Van's nightlife. - Day 2: Visit Van Castle in the morning, delve into its history, and admire the stunning views of the old city and Lake Van. In the afternoon, explore the old town, where you'll find many traditional handicraft shops and souvenirs. - Day 3: Head to the Ani Ruins and spend the day exploring this mysterious ancient city. Take lots of photos and soak in the rich history. 🍰Food Recommendations: - Van Kebab: A must-try in Van! Made with fresh local lamb marinated in unique spices and then grilled, the meat is tender, juicy, and incredibly fragrant. You won't forget it. - Turkish Pizza: Different from Italian pizza, it has a thin crust topped with various meats, vegetables, and cheese. After baking, the crust is crispy, and the filling is rich and satisfying. - Turkish Tea: Find a street-side teahouse, order a steaming cup of Turkish tea, watch the people passing by, and enjoy a leisurely moment. This is a must-do for experiencing Turkish life. 💰Expenses: - Flights: Round-trip flights from Istanbul to Van cost around CNY 500-1000. Prices vary depending on the season and booking time. - Accommodation: Ordinary hotels cost around CNY 200-500 per night. Homestays might be more affordable. - Food: A regular meal costs about CNY 50-100. Street food is cheaper, ranging from a few to a dozen yuan. - Entrance Fees: Van Castle and Ani Ruins require entrance fees, costing around 20-50 lira (exchange rates fluctuate, so check in advance). ❤️Other Tips: - Language: Most locals in Van speak Turkish, and English is not widely spoken. It's best to download a translation app in advance for easier communication. - Religious Culture: Türkiye is a Muslim country. Dress respectfully when visiting religious sites like mosques and respect local customs. - Best Time to Visit: Van has cold winters and pleasant summers. The best time to visit is from May to October.