China is a land of mystery and charm. Its glorious history, spectacular landscapes, splendid culture and intriguing national customs have always offered a panorama of colour and excitement for visitors.Over the past 20 years with the adoption of the reform and open policy to the rest of the world, China has become a world-class tourist destination with a great achievement and development on modern infrastructure. With ancient oriental civilization, yet full of modern vitality, China has fascinated travellers from around the world.Location and GeographySituated in eastern Asia on the western shore of the Pacific Ocean, China is the third largest country in the world and the biggest of all Asian countries. With an area of 9.6 million square kilometres, it is 1.25 times the size of Australia. China's continental coastline extends for about 18,000 kilometres, and its vast sea surface is studded with more than 5,000 islands, of which Taiwan and Hainan are the largest. It extends more than 5000 kilometres from east to
west and more than 5,500 kilometres from north to south, its southern borders lying 4,500 kilometres northwest of Northern Australia. The topography varies tremendously and includes the world's highest peak, the 8,848 metre Mount Qomolangma (Mount Everest) on the China-Nepal border, and one of the world's lowest basin, the Turpan Basin, 154 metres below sea level, in Xinjiang. In China's extensive territorial waters, there are 6,536 islands and island groups.Land Formation and RiversChina's land drops off in escarpments eastward to the ocean, letting in humid air current and leading many rivers eastward. Among the rivers totaling 220,000 kilometres in length in China, the Changjiang (Yangtze) and the Huanghe (Yellow) are world reknowned.China has beautiful scenery, with mountains and ranges, highlands and plains, basins and hills. The highlands and hill regions account for 65 percent of the country's total land mass, and there are more than 2,000 lakes.ResourcesChina abounds in natural resources. It leads the world in many proven mineral deposits. No country in the world boasts more wildlife than China, many of which are native to China, such as the Giant Panda, Snub-nosed Golden Monkey, and Chinese Alligator. China's dawn redwood and Cathaya argyrophylla are known as the living fossils of ancient plants.To protect the nation's native animals and plants and especially the endangered species, China has established more than 700 nature reserves.Administrative UnitsChina is divided into 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions, 4 municipalities under the direct jurisdiction of the Central Government, and 2 special administrative regions. The 23 provinces are Hebei, Shanxi, Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang, Shaanxi, Gansu, Qinghai, Shangdong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangxi, Fujian, Taiwan, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, and Hainan. The 5 autonomous regions are Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Xinjiang, Guangxi, and Tibet.The four municipalities are Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, and Chongqing, whilst Hong Kong and Macao are the Special Administrative regionsCapitalBeijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China. A centre for politics, economy and culture, Beijing has been developed into a world-class metropolis in which the modern world is blended harmoniously with the glory of an imperial past.PopulationChina, as the world's most populous country, has a population exceeding 1.26 billion - almost a quarter of the world's total. To bring population growth under control, the country has followed a family planning policy since the 1970s. The PeopleWhile China has long been a unified, multi-national country, the majority of its people (92%) are members of the Han ethnic group with the remainder made up of 55 minority nationalities. Some nationalities have become assimilated to the point that, to western eyes, they are indistinguishable from their Han compatriots, while others, like the Uygurs of Xingjiang, descendants of Turks and followers of Islam, are immediately recognisable by their swarthy Caucasian appearance.LanguageMandarin or Putonghua is the official national language and is commonly used by 70% of the population. It is one of the five working languages designated by the United Nations. The majority of the 55 ethnic groups have their own languages. As a written language, Chinese is uniform throughout China and it has been used for over 6,000 years.Family NamesChinese family names came into being from some 5,000 family names, of which 200 or 300 are popular. The order of Chinese names is family name first. For instance, the family name of a person called Zhang Qian is Zhang.
When to go?China's geographic area is slightly larger than the U.S.A; it covers similar latitudes, with the lion's share located in the temperate zone. This provides endless year-round
variety for visitors to the country, from ice festivals in the north to tropical beach resorts in the south. Keep in mind the vast distances between destinations when planning your trip. Travelling, along the popular Golden Route (Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Guilin) is the rough equivalent of visiting Chicago, Washington DC, Atlanta, and Miami, all in one trip. Weather wise, Shanghai and Guangzhou's climates resemble those of US south-eastern coastal states, while Beijing's climate is more like Chicago's.
While China is a year-round destination, the months of May, September, and October are ideal months for travel anywhere in the country. In the north, the winters are cold, and summers warm, with moist monsoon air streams making it hot (80% of China's rainfall occurs between late May and early October, mostly in the Southern regions). June through August is a good time to visit central and northern China. Spring and autumn are the best months for travel in Southern China. The months of March and April are the lower-priced shoulder season; while the lowest price, off-season travel, is from November through the winter months. This is when adventuresome travellers are rewarded with unbelievably low prices and far fewer fellow tourists.Where to go?Stretching more than 4,800 kilometres. from the western shore of the Pacific Ocean across the face of Asia, China is a country of immense size and variety.
This vastness not only adds to the excitement of planning a trip to the country, but also to the dilemma of which cities and regions to visit first. When planning a trip to China, it is recommended that you don't try to see "everything" in one start-to-finish, whirlwind trip. Sure, you'll come home with some great pictures, but if you want to fully experience the country, allow enough time to really experience it. China is definitely the kind of place you will want to visit more than once. It is best to visit the major sites and cities on the first trip, at a relaxed pace, then plan to explore the country region by region on subsequent trips when you can experience all the different ethnic minority cultures and archaeological wonders. Keep in mind that China is a land of extreme climatic variations.
For example during February you can travel the southern coast and enjoy tropical fruits, sunbathe on the beaches of Hainan Island or visit the Flower Festival in Guangdong. At the same time, in the north, Harbin is dazzling travellers at the annual Ice Sculpture Festival with giant ice pagodas, ice palaces, and cleverly sculpted panda bears. Meanwhile, Beijing is celebrating the Longqing Gorge Ice and Snow Festival with illuminated ice lanterns, spectacular fireworks, and ice fishing. Witnessing the grandeur of the Forbidden City in the snow is an extraordinary sight indeed.
Cost of Travelling in China
While world travel prices have risen in recent years, China still offers good values in hotel accommodations, meals, and entertainment when compared to other world-class destinations. Air and train transportation within the country are particularly good value. Consider this: A couple in Beijing or Shanghai can stay in a 5-star hotel, take a full-day tour, enjoy three great meals including a Peking duck banquet; and attend an evening cultural performance, for about the cost of one deluxe room alone at a comparable hotel in Toronto, LA, Chicago, or New York.
Most visitors return home raving about the bargain shopping in China - jewellery, silk, carpets, Chinese calligraphy and paintings, jade, and other popular items can be purchased at much lower prices than in North America. Plan to travel light and carry an extra bag for all the great gifts and souvenirs you will undoubtedly want to buy.What to Pack?
Pack lightly, and bring casual clothes. A sturdy, comfortable pair of walking shoes is a must. A business suit and tie for men and one or two dresses or pant suits for women will suffice for most formal occasions. Bring a couple of shirts, sweaters, and a jacket (depending on the season) that can be worn in layers to accommodate China's range of climates. All hotels offer reliable laundry and dry cleaning services.Health Requirements
No special vaccinations are required, but those who have travelled from an infected area before coming to China should have vaccination records available for a Health Declaration form upon arrival.
Note: Don't forget to ask the hotel whether the tap water is drinkable or not. Tourists are recommended to drink bottled water when they travel in China. ElectricityElectrical appliances will require an adapter that can change the shape of the plug prongs, as well as an electrical voltage converter that will allow a normal 110-volt Canadian appliance to take 220 Volt Chinese current. Throughout China 220 volt is used, although 4 & 5-star hotels are wired for use of 110-volt electrical appliances. Most hotels have a hair-dryer in each room.SafetyChina is considered one of the safest countries in the world in which to travel. Crime is very low throughout China, and there are virtually no crimes committed against tourists visiting China. Even during the late evening hours travellers have little to be concerned about. The Chinese are friendly and hospitable, and Chinese law is quite strict.
Please be aware that all Chinese hotels provide an in-room safe or locked security boxes at the front desk. Leave valuables at the hotel. If there is a problem report it immediately to a security guard or the police.
Special Telephone Numbers110---Police119---Fire120---Emergency114---Directory inquires and informationTipping & Gift-GivingTipping is not customary in China, but visitors should be aware that local attitudes on tipping are changing, and vary with the occasion. Many tourists bring along inexpensive gifts to show their appreciation to guides, drivers or others who have been helpful. To find out what is appropriate, it is best to ask a China tour operator, or check protocol with your guide while in China.Money & Credit CardsChina's currency is the Renminbi (RMB), usually called the Yuan. Ten Jiao make up one Yuan. At present, the Yuan is worth about CAD $0.18, with slight daily fluctuations. The Bank of China has exchange desks for foreign currency and travellers cheques with convenient hours at all hotels, airports, Friendship Stores and others shopping areas. Visa, Master Card, American Express, Diner's Club, Federal Card, Million Card, and JCB credit cards are accepted at most hotels and state-run shops in the major cities. Some of the cards like Visa and American Express can be used to get cash advance in the main office of the Bank of China. Travellers are advised to pay in Yuan when shopping in smaller shops, at restaurants, and in smaller hotels.
Departure TaxWhen you depart China there is a 90 Yuan (CAD$16) departure tax. Departure tax on all other domestic flights is 50 Yuan (CAD$9). Fees must be paid in Chinese currency at a special airport tax desk before check in.Official Chinese Holidayso January 1-3 New Years Day o Late Jan. and Early Feb. Chinese New Year o May 1-3 Labor Day o October 1-3 National DayForeign-Language Publications The English-language China Daily and Beijing Weekend are available in all leading hotels and newsstands. Others like Beijing Review, China Pictorial, China Today and Women in China are sold in most bookstores.Dialling HomeIn large cities, you'll find an increasing number of Internet cafés, where you can make contact with home or friends by exchanging e-mails. You can get easy access to all major Canadian and US long-distance carriers by dialling a local number from any street phone.
5 Mart 2008 Çarşamba
INDIA
India In Brief
Welcome to havens that rejuvenate with their contrasting diversity. Come to a 5000-year-old culture that blends the new with the old, enthralling visitors for centuries with endless possibilities. The Indian subcontinent is a destination, in tune with international standards. It has a selection of world- class hotels and authentic palaces resorts well equipped with the latest state of the art facilities.
A land of myriad images , the Indian subcontinent takes you from the towering snow capped Himalayas to the great Indo-Gangetic plains, the blazing Thar desert to the placid backwaters of Kerala, the enchanting walking trails of Kathmandu to the sapphire blue seas and miles of golden beaches of Goa. It is impossible not to be astonished by India . Nowhere on Earth does humanity present itself in such a dizzying, creative burst of cultures and religions, races and tongues. Every aspect of the country presents itself on a massive, exaggerated scale, worthy in comparison only to the superlative mountains that overshadow it.
Set apart from the rest of Asia by the supreme continental wall of the Himalayas , the Indian subcontinent touches three large bodies of water and is immediately recognizable on any world map. It is the huge, terrestrial beak between Africa and Indonesia . This thick, roughly triangular peninsula defines the Bay of Bengal to the east, the Arabian Sea to the west, and the Indian Ocean to the south.
India 's puzzle board of 27 states holds virtually every kind of landscape imaginable . An abundance of mountain ranges and national parks provide ample opportunity for eco-tourism and trekking and its sheer size promises something for everyone. From its northernmost point on the Chinese border, India extends a good 2000 miles (3200 km) to its southern tip, where the island nation of Sri Lanka seems to be squeezed out of India like a great tear, the synapse forming the Gulf of Mannar . Mostly Nepal and the Himalayas, the world's highest mountain chain, dominate India 's northern border. Following the sweeping mountains to the northeast, its borders narrow to a small channel that passes between Nepal , Tibet , Bangladesh , and Bhutan , then spreads out again to meet Burma in an area called the "eastern triangle."
With nearly 1 billion citizens, India is the second most populous nation in the world . It is impossible to speak of any one Indian culture, although there are deep cultural continuities that tie its people together. English is the major language of trade and politics, but there are fourteen official languages in all. There are twenty-four languages that are spoken by a million people or more, and countless other dialects. India has seven major religions and many minor ones, six main ethnic groups, and countless holidays.
Religion is central to Indian culture, and its practice can be seen in virtually every aspect of life in the country. Hinduism is the dominant faith of India , serving about 80 percent of the population. Ten percent worship Islam, and 5 percent are Sikhs and Christians; the rest (a good 45 million) are Buddhists, Jains, Bahai, and more.
As stated earlier India provides a perfect contrast between the old and the new , the ancient and the modern. With a deep-rooted association with its centuries old history and traditions India has also witnessed gradual development and is today perceived to be amongst one of the most dynamic economies in the world. With pronounced growth in sectors such as Manufacturing, Info rmation and Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture, Automobiles, India has emerged from the throes to emerge as one of the most prominent economies in Asia .TOURISM
The need to travel and explore new destinations and cultures is probably as ancient as mankind itself.
India has always enchanted travellers across the globe and has provided them a destination that is culturally rich, deep rooted in history, vibrant, an eclectic mix of the old and the new, and in summation is "INCREDIBLE".
India as a destination provides solutions for all travellers alike . For the adventurous there are the Inspiring Himalayas in the North, for the culturally inclined there is the ever popular Golden triangle comprising of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur and for people in search of peace and tranquillity there are the golden sand beaches of Goa or alternatively they could holiday at their own pace in the backwaters of Kerala. No single destination across the world can boast of the sort of diversity in product that India offers. The only aspect that remains constant throughout the journey across India is the legendary art of true Indian hospitality that leaves travellers spellbound by an experience they can cherish for a lifetime.
India has witnessed rapid development in the tourism sector wherein today the levels of infrastructure (hotels, transport, services) available in India are at par with the best in the world. Enhancement in infrastructure levels across existing tourist circuits and development of new circuits is a continuous process and is impacting the inflow of visitors positively. At the present moment the overseas arrivals stand at a respectable 3 Million and this number is expected to double in the next couple of years. Some of the Recent Accolades that have been bestowed upon the destination reinforce the fact that India 's aura and mystique has spread worldwide and India is now regarded as an "Experience Of A Lifetime". The accolades are enlisted below:
• Conde Nast Traveller, UK , a leading travel publication in its reader Awards has rated India to be the sixth top destinations of the World for discerning travellers. Sarah Miller, the editor stated," India 's results are very exciting and show the country's increasing popularity amongst the sophisticated traveller".
• Lonely Planet in its recent poll for the independent traveller in 134 countries selected India among the top 5 international holiday destinations in the world.
In addition to world-renowned monuments and sights including the mesmerising Taj Mahal in Agra India also offers a variety of options with regards to accommodation. From the value for money budget category to hotels and resorts that indulge the discerning traveller in luxury and pamper their senses, India has a plethora of options to choose from.India can boast of providing clients across all categories the unique option of residing in Historic Palaces . These palaces have stood the tests of time and have seen various centuries fade away into oblivion. These Palaces can transport clients into India 's resplendent past and give them an insight into the lifestyles of India 's royalty.
Upon arrival in India , after immigration and customs clearance, your Cox and Kings representative will greet you outside the exit gate. Our representatives will not be in the main terminal building due to security reasons. The representative will issue you with any necessary documentation, accompany you to your vehicle for your transfer to your hotel and assist with the hotel check-in procedures.
It is mandatory that every passenger carry a valid travel insurance, which should also include repatriation cover. We recommend that insurance be taken out at the time of booking, so that in the event of cancellation your insurance will cover you.
Hindi is the national language, however English is the second language and is widely spoken.
Drinking Water: Tap water is not recommended, not even in the deluxe hotels. Always drink bottled mineral water and ensure the lid is sealed before purchasing the bottle. Mineral water is easily available thought India and there is no need to take water purification tablets. Ice is generally made from purified water in the bigger city hotels and is safe to drink. However, ice in smaller restaurants and hotels may not be and is it advisable to reconfirm.
Medicines: Those taking medicine for certain conditions such as diabetes or heart problems should make sure that they carry these in their hand luggage at all times in case the main luggage is not handy. As a precaution, it is recommended to carry the necessary medicines from your country of origin though.
Illness: Please advise your guide if you are feeling unwell at any stage of the tour. Our guides will then be able to offer you assistance and arrange for any medical attention necessary.
The Indian subcontinent's many religions and traditions are reflected in its vast range of cooking styles. All the major hotels serve both local and continental food and meat, fish and vegetable dishes are normally available throughout the country.
Food: Avoid eating and drinking local products from street vendors and restaurants with suspect hygiene or refrigeration practices. Uncooked fish / seafood or vegetables, salads, peeled fruits, diluted fruit juice, ice cream or fresh cheese are best avoided and a gentle introduction to the more highly seasoned Indian foods is advised.
Drink: Bottled water, fruit juices and western-style soft drinks are available almost everywhere. Alcohol can be obtained in most parts of India . Please be aware that imported western drinks such as wines and spirits can be very expensive, however, there is a burgeoning Indian wine industry. Local wines such as 'Sula', are sold at more affordable prices. The local beer is extremely good and much cheaper than any which is imported. Currency: Indian Rupees. Notes are in denominations of Rs. 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, and 5. Coins are in denominations of Rs.5, 2, 1 and 50, 25, and 10 Paise.
Cash: You are not allowed to bring Indian rupees into or out of the country so you will not be
able to obtain local currency before you depart for India . Please also note that changing money in the more remote areas can be difficult; it is best to change currency in the major city locations first.
Cox & Kings clients have the opportunity of exchanging their money at the Cox & Kings in-house 'Bureau-de-Change'. As well as offering commission free exchange, t here is a more favourable exchange rate compared to that of the airport and many hotels. Added bonuses also include the facility to draw cash against credit cards and a call in facility, which means that your foreign currency can be delivered to your hotel.Credit Cards: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted.
Cash /ATM Machines: These are readily available in major cities.
Traveller's cheques: These are widely accepted. Travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
Banking hours: Mon-Fri 1000-1400, Sat 1000-1200.
Tipping: Gratuities for small services is part of the culture in India , however, all of your guides, drivers and escorts in India have been fully pre-paid and you are under no obligation to tip them. Tipping is part of everyday life in India and a certain degree of firmness is required in certain instances. If you do not need the help of porters you must say so and be firm with them. It is useful to keep some small denomination notes for tipping and small purchases. Please be aware that some people you meet during your transfers may press you for tips, stating that they do not get paid. Please discuss with your tour guide if you have any concerns.
Entrance Fees & Camera Charges: All entrance fees for the sites on your tour are included (unless otherwise stated or if the excursion is optional).
Camera and video camera fees are not included. Most camera fees will be nominal, although video fees can vary between Rs.25 and Rs.750. Normally however they are under Rs.100.
Flights: For your international flights please aim to check in 2 - 3 hours prior to the departure time. For internal flights your local representative will advise you the time of pick up from your hotel in time to board your flight.
Our local agents will reconfirm all internal flights. The great size of India also means that there is a heavy demand on local flights, which may result in delays and overbooking, or the need to depart earlier or later than scheduled. If there are schedule changes to your flights, your tour leader will inform you as soon as possible. However, if you are unsure of any of these, please do not hesitate to contact him/her or one of our representatives on site.
Trains: Train travel in India can be both fascinating and rewarding and there are many excellent trains in India . However, the standard of seating and sleeping on trains is certainly not up to European standards. All seats on the trains in India are pre-allocated when the tickets is issued. Should you wish to make any changes in your seat allocation, you could approach the train superintendent on board for assistance.
Road Transport: Coaches are also locally custom made on truck chassis and are not comparable with European coach standards, but they are comfortable and maintained to a high local standard. Please bear in mind that if sitting at the back of a coach, it is possible that the ride will be less comfortable due to coach design. Please be aware that the vehicles used will not be equipped with toilet facilities as they are not standard in India , however there are designated comfort stops on each journey. Our guides will do their utmost to cater for unscheduled stops.
Car Hire: Please do not even consider hiring a car or a motorcycle in India . The driving culture and road conditions in India are so different to those in Western Europe that it is simply too dangerous to undertake self-driving.
Transfer times: We strongly advise that you listen to guides advise regarding pick-up times for transfers as they have the best knowledge of arrangements.
The incidence of crimes levelled against tourists in India is relatively low, however, an awareness of the following will lessen the risk to you and your belongings.
Valuables: Take the absolute minimum. A camera is a necessity for most travellers but if it is possible to keep it in a jacket pocket, then do so. It is not advisable to carry valuable jewellery. Money should be taken in traveller's cheques, with the receipt numbers retained separately in case they are lost or stolen. Cash kept on your person should be kept to the minimum required for a particular excursion.
Where possible, leave any valuables, documents and passports in your hotel safety deposit box. Your luggage is particularly vulnerable at airports or where crowds gather. Among the good buys available to you, are fabrics (including silks), clothing and shawls, paintings and prints, religious iconography, Oriental carpets, dolls, musical instruments, tea, saffron, batiks, items made of brass, wood, marble, copper, bronze, jute, crystal, papier-mâché and bamboo. Well-made souvenirs are available from most good hotels, but for the real Indian buying experiences head for any local market. Any item more than 100 years old is classified as an antique, and you will need an export license to take it home. You will be given the opportunity of visiting workshops where local crafts are made. Demonstrations take place in Delhi , Jaipur and Agra , which allow you the opportunity of witnessing the ancient techniques involved in the making of each product, at this point you will be able to purchase any crafts being made.
Shopping Hours: Monday-Saturday 0930 - 1800 hours. In established markets, shopping hours usually stretch on till night falls. Because markets differ in which days they close, it's sometimes a good idea to double check with locals before going to one.
Shopping is a way of life in India and many local guides assume visitors will automatically want to shop. If you do not wish to be taken to any shops, please make this clear to your guide. Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism.
GMT + 5 ½ hours International Dialling Code : +91
Making Calls from Hotels: Please note that hotels tend to charge high fees for making overseas telephone calls so it is wise to keep these to a minimum or to check the rates with reception before making the call.
Using Mobile Phones: Mobile phones that work overseas will work in India as long as your service provider has activated your account for use abroad. It is usually possible to get reception in and around large towns and cities, though not always in rural areas.
Welcome to havens that rejuvenate with their contrasting diversity. Come to a 5000-year-old culture that blends the new with the old, enthralling visitors for centuries with endless possibilities. The Indian subcontinent is a destination, in tune with international standards. It has a selection of world- class hotels and authentic palaces resorts well equipped with the latest state of the art facilities.
A land of myriad images , the Indian subcontinent takes you from the towering snow capped Himalayas to the great Indo-Gangetic plains, the blazing Thar desert to the placid backwaters of Kerala, the enchanting walking trails of Kathmandu to the sapphire blue seas and miles of golden beaches of Goa. It is impossible not to be astonished by India . Nowhere on Earth does humanity present itself in such a dizzying, creative burst of cultures and religions, races and tongues. Every aspect of the country presents itself on a massive, exaggerated scale, worthy in comparison only to the superlative mountains that overshadow it.
Set apart from the rest of Asia by the supreme continental wall of the Himalayas , the Indian subcontinent touches three large bodies of water and is immediately recognizable on any world map. It is the huge, terrestrial beak between Africa and Indonesia . This thick, roughly triangular peninsula defines the Bay of Bengal to the east, the Arabian Sea to the west, and the Indian Ocean to the south.
India 's puzzle board of 27 states holds virtually every kind of landscape imaginable . An abundance of mountain ranges and national parks provide ample opportunity for eco-tourism and trekking and its sheer size promises something for everyone. From its northernmost point on the Chinese border, India extends a good 2000 miles (3200 km) to its southern tip, where the island nation of Sri Lanka seems to be squeezed out of India like a great tear, the synapse forming the Gulf of Mannar . Mostly Nepal and the Himalayas, the world's highest mountain chain, dominate India 's northern border. Following the sweeping mountains to the northeast, its borders narrow to a small channel that passes between Nepal , Tibet , Bangladesh , and Bhutan , then spreads out again to meet Burma in an area called the "eastern triangle."
With nearly 1 billion citizens, India is the second most populous nation in the world . It is impossible to speak of any one Indian culture, although there are deep cultural continuities that tie its people together. English is the major language of trade and politics, but there are fourteen official languages in all. There are twenty-four languages that are spoken by a million people or more, and countless other dialects. India has seven major religions and many minor ones, six main ethnic groups, and countless holidays.
Religion is central to Indian culture, and its practice can be seen in virtually every aspect of life in the country. Hinduism is the dominant faith of India , serving about 80 percent of the population. Ten percent worship Islam, and 5 percent are Sikhs and Christians; the rest (a good 45 million) are Buddhists, Jains, Bahai, and more.
As stated earlier India provides a perfect contrast between the old and the new , the ancient and the modern. With a deep-rooted association with its centuries old history and traditions India has also witnessed gradual development and is today perceived to be amongst one of the most dynamic economies in the world. With pronounced growth in sectors such as Manufacturing, Info rmation and Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture, Automobiles, India has emerged from the throes to emerge as one of the most prominent economies in Asia .TOURISM
The need to travel and explore new destinations and cultures is probably as ancient as mankind itself.
India has always enchanted travellers across the globe and has provided them a destination that is culturally rich, deep rooted in history, vibrant, an eclectic mix of the old and the new, and in summation is "INCREDIBLE".
India as a destination provides solutions for all travellers alike . For the adventurous there are the Inspiring Himalayas in the North, for the culturally inclined there is the ever popular Golden triangle comprising of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur and for people in search of peace and tranquillity there are the golden sand beaches of Goa or alternatively they could holiday at their own pace in the backwaters of Kerala. No single destination across the world can boast of the sort of diversity in product that India offers. The only aspect that remains constant throughout the journey across India is the legendary art of true Indian hospitality that leaves travellers spellbound by an experience they can cherish for a lifetime.
India has witnessed rapid development in the tourism sector wherein today the levels of infrastructure (hotels, transport, services) available in India are at par with the best in the world. Enhancement in infrastructure levels across existing tourist circuits and development of new circuits is a continuous process and is impacting the inflow of visitors positively. At the present moment the overseas arrivals stand at a respectable 3 Million and this number is expected to double in the next couple of years. Some of the Recent Accolades that have been bestowed upon the destination reinforce the fact that India 's aura and mystique has spread worldwide and India is now regarded as an "Experience Of A Lifetime". The accolades are enlisted below:
• Conde Nast Traveller, UK , a leading travel publication in its reader Awards has rated India to be the sixth top destinations of the World for discerning travellers. Sarah Miller, the editor stated," India 's results are very exciting and show the country's increasing popularity amongst the sophisticated traveller".
• Lonely Planet in its recent poll for the independent traveller in 134 countries selected India among the top 5 international holiday destinations in the world.
In addition to world-renowned monuments and sights including the mesmerising Taj Mahal in Agra India also offers a variety of options with regards to accommodation. From the value for money budget category to hotels and resorts that indulge the discerning traveller in luxury and pamper their senses, India has a plethora of options to choose from.India can boast of providing clients across all categories the unique option of residing in Historic Palaces . These palaces have stood the tests of time and have seen various centuries fade away into oblivion. These Palaces can transport clients into India 's resplendent past and give them an insight into the lifestyles of India 's royalty.
Upon arrival in India , after immigration and customs clearance, your Cox and Kings representative will greet you outside the exit gate. Our representatives will not be in the main terminal building due to security reasons. The representative will issue you with any necessary documentation, accompany you to your vehicle for your transfer to your hotel and assist with the hotel check-in procedures.
It is mandatory that every passenger carry a valid travel insurance, which should also include repatriation cover. We recommend that insurance be taken out at the time of booking, so that in the event of cancellation your insurance will cover you.
Hindi is the national language, however English is the second language and is widely spoken.
Drinking Water: Tap water is not recommended, not even in the deluxe hotels. Always drink bottled mineral water and ensure the lid is sealed before purchasing the bottle. Mineral water is easily available thought India and there is no need to take water purification tablets. Ice is generally made from purified water in the bigger city hotels and is safe to drink. However, ice in smaller restaurants and hotels may not be and is it advisable to reconfirm.
Medicines: Those taking medicine for certain conditions such as diabetes or heart problems should make sure that they carry these in their hand luggage at all times in case the main luggage is not handy. As a precaution, it is recommended to carry the necessary medicines from your country of origin though.
Illness: Please advise your guide if you are feeling unwell at any stage of the tour. Our guides will then be able to offer you assistance and arrange for any medical attention necessary.
The Indian subcontinent's many religions and traditions are reflected in its vast range of cooking styles. All the major hotels serve both local and continental food and meat, fish and vegetable dishes are normally available throughout the country.
Food: Avoid eating and drinking local products from street vendors and restaurants with suspect hygiene or refrigeration practices. Uncooked fish / seafood or vegetables, salads, peeled fruits, diluted fruit juice, ice cream or fresh cheese are best avoided and a gentle introduction to the more highly seasoned Indian foods is advised.
Drink: Bottled water, fruit juices and western-style soft drinks are available almost everywhere. Alcohol can be obtained in most parts of India . Please be aware that imported western drinks such as wines and spirits can be very expensive, however, there is a burgeoning Indian wine industry. Local wines such as 'Sula', are sold at more affordable prices. The local beer is extremely good and much cheaper than any which is imported. Currency: Indian Rupees. Notes are in denominations of Rs. 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, and 5. Coins are in denominations of Rs.5, 2, 1 and 50, 25, and 10 Paise.
Cash: You are not allowed to bring Indian rupees into or out of the country so you will not be
able to obtain local currency before you depart for India . Please also note that changing money in the more remote areas can be difficult; it is best to change currency in the major city locations first.
Cox & Kings clients have the opportunity of exchanging their money at the Cox & Kings in-house 'Bureau-de-Change'. As well as offering commission free exchange, t here is a more favourable exchange rate compared to that of the airport and many hotels. Added bonuses also include the facility to draw cash against credit cards and a call in facility, which means that your foreign currency can be delivered to your hotel.Credit Cards: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted.
Cash /ATM Machines: These are readily available in major cities.
Traveller's cheques: These are widely accepted. Travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
Banking hours: Mon-Fri 1000-1400, Sat 1000-1200.
Tipping: Gratuities for small services is part of the culture in India , however, all of your guides, drivers and escorts in India have been fully pre-paid and you are under no obligation to tip them. Tipping is part of everyday life in India and a certain degree of firmness is required in certain instances. If you do not need the help of porters you must say so and be firm with them. It is useful to keep some small denomination notes for tipping and small purchases. Please be aware that some people you meet during your transfers may press you for tips, stating that they do not get paid. Please discuss with your tour guide if you have any concerns.
Entrance Fees & Camera Charges: All entrance fees for the sites on your tour are included (unless otherwise stated or if the excursion is optional).
Camera and video camera fees are not included. Most camera fees will be nominal, although video fees can vary between Rs.25 and Rs.750. Normally however they are under Rs.100.
Flights: For your international flights please aim to check in 2 - 3 hours prior to the departure time. For internal flights your local representative will advise you the time of pick up from your hotel in time to board your flight.
Our local agents will reconfirm all internal flights. The great size of India also means that there is a heavy demand on local flights, which may result in delays and overbooking, or the need to depart earlier or later than scheduled. If there are schedule changes to your flights, your tour leader will inform you as soon as possible. However, if you are unsure of any of these, please do not hesitate to contact him/her or one of our representatives on site.
Trains: Train travel in India can be both fascinating and rewarding and there are many excellent trains in India . However, the standard of seating and sleeping on trains is certainly not up to European standards. All seats on the trains in India are pre-allocated when the tickets is issued. Should you wish to make any changes in your seat allocation, you could approach the train superintendent on board for assistance.
Road Transport: Coaches are also locally custom made on truck chassis and are not comparable with European coach standards, but they are comfortable and maintained to a high local standard. Please bear in mind that if sitting at the back of a coach, it is possible that the ride will be less comfortable due to coach design. Please be aware that the vehicles used will not be equipped with toilet facilities as they are not standard in India , however there are designated comfort stops on each journey. Our guides will do their utmost to cater for unscheduled stops.
Car Hire: Please do not even consider hiring a car or a motorcycle in India . The driving culture and road conditions in India are so different to those in Western Europe that it is simply too dangerous to undertake self-driving.
Transfer times: We strongly advise that you listen to guides advise regarding pick-up times for transfers as they have the best knowledge of arrangements.
The incidence of crimes levelled against tourists in India is relatively low, however, an awareness of the following will lessen the risk to you and your belongings.
Valuables: Take the absolute minimum. A camera is a necessity for most travellers but if it is possible to keep it in a jacket pocket, then do so. It is not advisable to carry valuable jewellery. Money should be taken in traveller's cheques, with the receipt numbers retained separately in case they are lost or stolen. Cash kept on your person should be kept to the minimum required for a particular excursion.
Where possible, leave any valuables, documents and passports in your hotel safety deposit box. Your luggage is particularly vulnerable at airports or where crowds gather. Among the good buys available to you, are fabrics (including silks), clothing and shawls, paintings and prints, religious iconography, Oriental carpets, dolls, musical instruments, tea, saffron, batiks, items made of brass, wood, marble, copper, bronze, jute, crystal, papier-mâché and bamboo. Well-made souvenirs are available from most good hotels, but for the real Indian buying experiences head for any local market. Any item more than 100 years old is classified as an antique, and you will need an export license to take it home. You will be given the opportunity of visiting workshops where local crafts are made. Demonstrations take place in Delhi , Jaipur and Agra , which allow you the opportunity of witnessing the ancient techniques involved in the making of each product, at this point you will be able to purchase any crafts being made.
Shopping Hours: Monday-Saturday 0930 - 1800 hours. In established markets, shopping hours usually stretch on till night falls. Because markets differ in which days they close, it's sometimes a good idea to double check with locals before going to one.
Shopping is a way of life in India and many local guides assume visitors will automatically want to shop. If you do not wish to be taken to any shops, please make this clear to your guide. Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism.
GMT + 5 ½ hours International Dialling Code : +91
Making Calls from Hotels: Please note that hotels tend to charge high fees for making overseas telephone calls so it is wise to keep these to a minimum or to check the rates with reception before making the call.
Using Mobile Phones: Mobile phones that work overseas will work in India as long as your service provider has activated your account for use abroad. It is usually possible to get reception in and around large towns and cities, though not always in rural areas.
TURKMENISTAN
Turkmenistan In Brief
Geographically Turkmenistan consists of three parts: deserts, oases and mountains. The country is situated in the south-western part of Central Asia and borders on Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in the north and the east, and on Afghanistan and Iran in the south. In the west it is washed by the Caspian Sea. At the mention of Turkmenistan, the first thing to appear in our minds is desert.
It is not surprising as desert covers eighty percent of the country's territory. In general opinion the desert is the limitless ocean of the sand, endless moving chains of sandy hills. However, in the Kara-Kum Desert moving dunes cover no more than one tenth of the surface and for the most part are consolidated by the bushes of black saxaul which accounts for the name " Kara-Kum " - " black sands ". Travelers, for the first time visiting the Kara-Kum Desert, often wonder at dense bushes and thorny plants: is this a desert? But the sands are not waterless.Just the reverse, sandy deserts, though looking absolutely arid, keep big reserves of groundwater. Local people say, " Kum bar, su bar ", which means, "where there's sand there's water" . Upper water-bearing layer resting on the waterproof layer supplies desert plants with water. However the relief of the desert is formed by different elements. There are vast flat depressions that dry up to the extent of baked-clay surfaces cracked into hexahedral plates resembling parquetry on being looked at from afar. Only a limited number of algae and lichen varieties can survive on such surface called takyr.
Another peculiar natural phenomenon is so called 'transit' rivers, which run across the desert and flow into the Amu Darya or Syr Darya . Plots of cultivated land and wild bushes, tugais, stretch along these rivers. Here subsists its own peculiar life: the world of hygrophilous plants, insects, snakes, song-birds. When in bushes of tugai, it is hard to imagine that these lively strips of nature are located in the desert.
The construction of the Kara-Kum canal that runs from the upper reaches of the Amu Darya to the Caspian Sea became a remarkable event in the life of the country. This artificial 'river', the length of which is one and a half thousand kilometers, irrigates about a million hectares of the land, supplies with water towns, cities and villages in the southern parts of the countries, including Ashgabat , the capital of the country. River boats sail along the canal and even fishery has been successfully developed here. In the past, oases appeared at the spots where there was water and caravan routes passed. One may say that the Great Silk Road, which intersected the territory of Turkmenistan, ran from well to well, from oasis to oasis. Thus the trail from Merv on the Murgab river to Amul on the Amu Darya bank was hard to pass. A traveler had to cover hundreds of kilometers, to suffer heat, wind, sandstorms and possible encounters with robbers. But those who managed to overcome these hardships reached Amul - a big trade centre on the Amu Darya river crossing. Here the travelers could find long-awaited safety, relax and profitable commerce. In the later period there was built a railroad and a big bridge in this place and the town was renamed into Charjou . Recently the town has been given a new name - Turkmenabad .
Mountains are the third constituent of the country's landscape. They stretch in the south, along the border with Iran, and their height is up to 3000 meters above sea level. They are, of course, incomparable with the Tien-Shan or Pamir mountains, but local people, especially those living in the capital, love their 'domestic' mountains and eagerly spend time in shadowy gorges and green valleys. The most popular resort, close to Ashgabad, is Firyuza resort with its gardens, parks and the legendary multi-trunk plane tree named "Seven Brothers" .
History of Turkmenistan, located on the crossroads of caravan routes, was rather rich: now and then the country found itself in the vortex of events, often against its own will. Many times the country was conquered by different conquerors and became a part of alien empires. In the sixth century BC Turkmenistan was a part of the Persian kingdom of Achaemenids, in the fourth century BC Alexander the Great invaded the country. From the third century BC it was under the Parthian kingdom. The Arabs invaded the country in the eighth century AD, and five centuries later it was conquered by the Mongols. In the fourteenth century Turkmenistan became a part of Temur's kingdom; and, finally, in the nineteenth century, it joined the Russian Empire.
After the revolution and civil war in 1921 Turkmen oblast, as a part of Turkestan ASSR, was formed, and in 1924 there was made up Turkmen Soviet Social Republic under the USSR. Turkmenistan proclaimed its independence on October 27, 1991.
The ancient caravan road witnessed prosperity of such civilizations as Parthia , Merv , Khorezm . To the west from Ashgabad there rise the ruins of Nisa , the capital of the powerful Parthian kingdom. The remains of urban quarters, temples, palaces have survived to present day. During the excavation archaeologists found wonderful ivory vessels, clay and stone sculptures, coins, characters on the clay plates. These archeological finds are of universal importance. To the north of Bairam Ali town there lie the ruins of another ancient town - Merv, which is rightfully included in UNESCO's World Heritage List. This is the most important historical and architectural monument of Turkmenistan. Merv's antique part, Erk Kala settlement, was populated in the first millennium BC. The town reached its peak in the 12th century under Seljukids and Khorezm Shakhs. The remains of Sultan-Kala settlement are the best remaining testimony to these powerful states. The Mausoleum of Sanjar and the grave of askhabs, Prophet Muhammad's associates, are rightfully called the gems of oriental architecture. In the north of Turkmenistan, in lower reach of the Amu-Darya River, near Kunya-Urgench, there lies in ruins ancient Urgench - the capital of Khorezm in the 10 - 12th centuries. Many historical monuments have preserved here. Among them mausoleums of il Arslan , Tyurebek Hanim and Fahreddin Rozi, grand sixty-meter minaret of Kutlug-Timur , the highest one in Central Asia. Over the grave of Tekesh shakh, founder of the powerful Khorezmian Empire, in the 12th century there was built a beautiful mausoleum with high tent-like dome. The relic mountain forests with their age-old trees, endemic subtropical plants and unusual water composition of numerous mineral springs impart a special attractiveness and originality to the nature of Turkmenistan. Thus, in the grove of jujube-tree in Kugitang nature reserve there are trees which are more than two centuries old. No less unique is pistachio savanna of Badhyz nature reserve. Among the trees growing on the territory of Turkmenistan there are many 'long-livers'. And the oldest is five-hundred-year-old Shahoz - Walnut King, which grows in the district of Karakal, in Ayder Gorge.
Another wonder of Turkmenistan are Karluc caves in Kugitang. The length of one of them is more than five thousand meters. There are about thirty caves here, some of which are still waiting for their explorers. By the beauty of their interior Karluc caves have no match throughout Central Asia.
A kind of "Jurassic Park" is the site on the slope of Kugitang Ridge, near Hojapilata village, where one can see petrified footprints of dinosaurs . Here, on the limestone surface of the Jurassic period, there have preserved about 500 footprints of ancient lizards that lived 140 million years ago.
Today Turkmenistan is a secular independent state, which is rapidly developing. The Republic is a full member of the world community and keeps neutrality in foreign policy. Turkmenistan possesses large reserves of oil and gas which form the basis of country's well-being. Many oilfields are exploited; there function oil refineries and carbon producing factories. Fine-stapled cotton, highly valued in the world market, is the Republic's main cultivated crop. Turkmenistan takes a leading place in karakul sheep breeding. Another important branch of the country's agriculture is silkworm breeding. Turkmenistan , in a sense, can be called a sea power. Port Turkmenbashi, which, after the renovation, is to become the most up-to-date port on the Caspian Sea, works at its full capacity. The fleet of Turkmenistan is constantly increasing; the ships under the flag of Turkmenistan can be met in the ports of Mahachkala, Aktau, Astrahan, in Iranian ports of Enzeli and Bender-Torkemen.
Hot dry climate of Turkmenistan, to which people from northern latitudes are not accustomed, is rather favorable for treatment of various diseases. There are several health resorts in the country, including the famous climatic resort Bairam-Ali for the people suffering renal diseases.
The Turkmen have always been horsemen. The horse for them is a friend, member of the family. Old Turkmenian proverb says, "When you start your day, say hello to your father, then to your horse" . The Turkmen inherited from their ancestors, Parthians, not only love for horses, but also the famous Ahaltekin breed, which is known all over the world for its grace, speed and indefatigability. Ahaltekin breed is considered to be the national symbol of Turkmenistan. Central part of the State Emblem is decorated with the silhouette of a horse of the legendary breed. And a horse, as it is known, always races onward.
Geographically Turkmenistan consists of three parts: deserts, oases and mountains. The country is situated in the south-western part of Central Asia and borders on Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in the north and the east, and on Afghanistan and Iran in the south. In the west it is washed by the Caspian Sea. At the mention of Turkmenistan, the first thing to appear in our minds is desert.
It is not surprising as desert covers eighty percent of the country's territory. In general opinion the desert is the limitless ocean of the sand, endless moving chains of sandy hills. However, in the Kara-Kum Desert moving dunes cover no more than one tenth of the surface and for the most part are consolidated by the bushes of black saxaul which accounts for the name " Kara-Kum " - " black sands ". Travelers, for the first time visiting the Kara-Kum Desert, often wonder at dense bushes and thorny plants: is this a desert? But the sands are not waterless.Just the reverse, sandy deserts, though looking absolutely arid, keep big reserves of groundwater. Local people say, " Kum bar, su bar ", which means, "where there's sand there's water" . Upper water-bearing layer resting on the waterproof layer supplies desert plants with water. However the relief of the desert is formed by different elements. There are vast flat depressions that dry up to the extent of baked-clay surfaces cracked into hexahedral plates resembling parquetry on being looked at from afar. Only a limited number of algae and lichen varieties can survive on such surface called takyr.
Another peculiar natural phenomenon is so called 'transit' rivers, which run across the desert and flow into the Amu Darya or Syr Darya . Plots of cultivated land and wild bushes, tugais, stretch along these rivers. Here subsists its own peculiar life: the world of hygrophilous plants, insects, snakes, song-birds. When in bushes of tugai, it is hard to imagine that these lively strips of nature are located in the desert.
The construction of the Kara-Kum canal that runs from the upper reaches of the Amu Darya to the Caspian Sea became a remarkable event in the life of the country. This artificial 'river', the length of which is one and a half thousand kilometers, irrigates about a million hectares of the land, supplies with water towns, cities and villages in the southern parts of the countries, including Ashgabat , the capital of the country. River boats sail along the canal and even fishery has been successfully developed here. In the past, oases appeared at the spots where there was water and caravan routes passed. One may say that the Great Silk Road, which intersected the territory of Turkmenistan, ran from well to well, from oasis to oasis. Thus the trail from Merv on the Murgab river to Amul on the Amu Darya bank was hard to pass. A traveler had to cover hundreds of kilometers, to suffer heat, wind, sandstorms and possible encounters with robbers. But those who managed to overcome these hardships reached Amul - a big trade centre on the Amu Darya river crossing. Here the travelers could find long-awaited safety, relax and profitable commerce. In the later period there was built a railroad and a big bridge in this place and the town was renamed into Charjou . Recently the town has been given a new name - Turkmenabad .
Mountains are the third constituent of the country's landscape. They stretch in the south, along the border with Iran, and their height is up to 3000 meters above sea level. They are, of course, incomparable with the Tien-Shan or Pamir mountains, but local people, especially those living in the capital, love their 'domestic' mountains and eagerly spend time in shadowy gorges and green valleys. The most popular resort, close to Ashgabad, is Firyuza resort with its gardens, parks and the legendary multi-trunk plane tree named "Seven Brothers" .
History of Turkmenistan, located on the crossroads of caravan routes, was rather rich: now and then the country found itself in the vortex of events, often against its own will. Many times the country was conquered by different conquerors and became a part of alien empires. In the sixth century BC Turkmenistan was a part of the Persian kingdom of Achaemenids, in the fourth century BC Alexander the Great invaded the country. From the third century BC it was under the Parthian kingdom. The Arabs invaded the country in the eighth century AD, and five centuries later it was conquered by the Mongols. In the fourteenth century Turkmenistan became a part of Temur's kingdom; and, finally, in the nineteenth century, it joined the Russian Empire.
After the revolution and civil war in 1921 Turkmen oblast, as a part of Turkestan ASSR, was formed, and in 1924 there was made up Turkmen Soviet Social Republic under the USSR. Turkmenistan proclaimed its independence on October 27, 1991.
The ancient caravan road witnessed prosperity of such civilizations as Parthia , Merv , Khorezm . To the west from Ashgabad there rise the ruins of Nisa , the capital of the powerful Parthian kingdom. The remains of urban quarters, temples, palaces have survived to present day. During the excavation archaeologists found wonderful ivory vessels, clay and stone sculptures, coins, characters on the clay plates. These archeological finds are of universal importance. To the north of Bairam Ali town there lie the ruins of another ancient town - Merv, which is rightfully included in UNESCO's World Heritage List. This is the most important historical and architectural monument of Turkmenistan. Merv's antique part, Erk Kala settlement, was populated in the first millennium BC. The town reached its peak in the 12th century under Seljukids and Khorezm Shakhs. The remains of Sultan-Kala settlement are the best remaining testimony to these powerful states. The Mausoleum of Sanjar and the grave of askhabs, Prophet Muhammad's associates, are rightfully called the gems of oriental architecture. In the north of Turkmenistan, in lower reach of the Amu-Darya River, near Kunya-Urgench, there lies in ruins ancient Urgench - the capital of Khorezm in the 10 - 12th centuries. Many historical monuments have preserved here. Among them mausoleums of il Arslan , Tyurebek Hanim and Fahreddin Rozi, grand sixty-meter minaret of Kutlug-Timur , the highest one in Central Asia. Over the grave of Tekesh shakh, founder of the powerful Khorezmian Empire, in the 12th century there was built a beautiful mausoleum with high tent-like dome. The relic mountain forests with their age-old trees, endemic subtropical plants and unusual water composition of numerous mineral springs impart a special attractiveness and originality to the nature of Turkmenistan. Thus, in the grove of jujube-tree in Kugitang nature reserve there are trees which are more than two centuries old. No less unique is pistachio savanna of Badhyz nature reserve. Among the trees growing on the territory of Turkmenistan there are many 'long-livers'. And the oldest is five-hundred-year-old Shahoz - Walnut King, which grows in the district of Karakal, in Ayder Gorge.
Another wonder of Turkmenistan are Karluc caves in Kugitang. The length of one of them is more than five thousand meters. There are about thirty caves here, some of which are still waiting for their explorers. By the beauty of their interior Karluc caves have no match throughout Central Asia.
A kind of "Jurassic Park" is the site on the slope of Kugitang Ridge, near Hojapilata village, where one can see petrified footprints of dinosaurs . Here, on the limestone surface of the Jurassic period, there have preserved about 500 footprints of ancient lizards that lived 140 million years ago.
Today Turkmenistan is a secular independent state, which is rapidly developing. The Republic is a full member of the world community and keeps neutrality in foreign policy. Turkmenistan possesses large reserves of oil and gas which form the basis of country's well-being. Many oilfields are exploited; there function oil refineries and carbon producing factories. Fine-stapled cotton, highly valued in the world market, is the Republic's main cultivated crop. Turkmenistan takes a leading place in karakul sheep breeding. Another important branch of the country's agriculture is silkworm breeding. Turkmenistan , in a sense, can be called a sea power. Port Turkmenbashi, which, after the renovation, is to become the most up-to-date port on the Caspian Sea, works at its full capacity. The fleet of Turkmenistan is constantly increasing; the ships under the flag of Turkmenistan can be met in the ports of Mahachkala, Aktau, Astrahan, in Iranian ports of Enzeli and Bender-Torkemen.
Hot dry climate of Turkmenistan, to which people from northern latitudes are not accustomed, is rather favorable for treatment of various diseases. There are several health resorts in the country, including the famous climatic resort Bairam-Ali for the people suffering renal diseases.
The Turkmen have always been horsemen. The horse for them is a friend, member of the family. Old Turkmenian proverb says, "When you start your day, say hello to your father, then to your horse" . The Turkmen inherited from their ancestors, Parthians, not only love for horses, but also the famous Ahaltekin breed, which is known all over the world for its grace, speed and indefatigability. Ahaltekin breed is considered to be the national symbol of Turkmenistan. Central part of the State Emblem is decorated with the silhouette of a horse of the legendary breed. And a horse, as it is known, always races onward.
MONGOLIA
Mongolia In Brief
LocationLocated in the plateau of Central Asia between China and Russian Siberia, Mongolia covers an area of 1,566,500 sq.km, which is roughly the size of Western Europe. Mongolia stretches about 2,400 kilometers from west to east and about 1,260 kilometers from north to south. The total length of the country's border is 8,158 kilometers.
The country in mountainous with an average altitude of 1,580 meters above sea level, which makes Mongolia one of the highest countries in the world. The lowest point, Huh Nuur Depression, is 560 meters above sea level and the highest point is Huiten Mountain in the Mongolian Altai Range (4,374 m). The capital Ulaanbaatar lies at 1,380 meters.
The geography of the country is characterized by great diversity. From north to south, it can be divided into four areas:
mountain-forest steppe, mountain steppe and, in theextreme south, semi-desert and desert (the latter being about 30% of the entire territory). In contrast to most visitors' expectations, much of the country's territory is mountainous. The principal mountains are concentrated in the west, with much of this region having elevations above 2,000 meters. The country's highest peaks are permanently snow-capped land covered with glaciers. Mountains and dense forest predominate central and northern Mongolia . The grasslands cover large areas of this region. Across the eastern part of the country stretches the vast grasslands of the Central Asian steppe. The steppe grades into the Gobi desert, which extends throughout southern Mongolia from the east to the west of the country. The Gobi Desert is mostly gravely, but also contains large areas of sand dunes in the drier areas of the Gobi near the southern border.
The country is dotted with hundreds of lakes, the largest being Uvs-Nuur (covering an area of 3,350 sq.km), Huvsgul (2,620 sq.km), and Har Us-Nuur (1,852 sq.km). Lake Huvsgul is also the largest fresh-water lake in Central Asia . The Orhon (1,124 kilometers), the Herlen (1,090 kilometers) and the Selenge (539 kilometers) are the largest rivers. (Detialed descriptions of geographic places of the country are included in Travel Destinations section of this book)
Climate
Mongolia 's climate is very dry with extreme continental temperatures. Humid air from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans are blocked by the huge Central Asian mountain ranges. Although Mongolian winters are long and famously cold, with temperatures dropping as low as-50 degrees centigrade in the far north of the country, summers are generally pleasant. (See Table 1).
The mean temperature falls below freezing for seven to eight months of the year. For two or three months in summer, the weather is warm and pleasant and relatively hot in the southern Gobi region, where mid summer temperatures peak at around 40 degrees and there is little shade available.
Winter usually lasts from mid-October until April, with the coldest period being between mid-December and the end of February or mid-March when the temperature drops to -20 or -30 ° C and occasionally even lower. Snow usually falls between mid-October and mid-April. There are some regions, especially in the northwest, where the temperature goes down to -40 to -50 ° C. In the Gobi it drops to -40 ° C.
Spring, which generally starts in March, is known for its constant dust storms and huge fluctuations in air pressure. The steppe gradually starts to sprout fresh, green pasture and even in the capital, the change is both visible and welcome.
Summer evenings in the Western Altai range tend to be cooler and local nomads have to wear warm and heavy clothes.
The annual rain fall begins in late July and continues until September. Humidity is generally low (47-73%), especially in winter. But in the country the number of sunny days ranges between 220 and 260 a year.
Climate of Mongolia by Months
Months
Average temperature (Degree C)
Precipitation (mm)
January
-26.1
1.5
February
-21.7
1.9
March
-10.8
2.2
April
+0.5
7.2
May
+8.3
15.3
June
+14.9
48.8
July
+17.0
72.6
August
+15.0
47.8
September
+7.6
24.4
October
-1.7
6.0
November
-13.4
3.7
December
-24.0
1.6
Wildlife
Flora
Mongolia has diverse vegetation that includes an important part of Central Asia 's plant life. Plant species representative of Siberia's coniferous taiga forest, Central Asian steppe and desert, and the Altai Mountains are found here. Over 3000 vascular plants, 927 lichens, 437 mosses, 875 fungi, and numerous algae have been recorded up to date. There are many other species still to be classified. 150 species are endemic to Mongolia and more than 100 plant species are recorded as rare or endangered.
Fauna
Like its vegetation, Mongolia features diverse wildlife species from the Siberian forest, the steppe and desert. Mongolia has 136 mammal species, more than 400 different types of birds, 76 species of fish, 8 amphibians, and 22 reptiles. From the abundance of wolves to the globally endangered snow leopard, there is a myriad of wildlife to track, photograph and hunt.
The central and northern forest area is home to wolf, wild boar, elk, roedeer, and brown bear. Steppe and forest margins support marmot, muskrat, fox, steppe fox, and sable.
Western high Altai Mountain boasts a rich wildlife. Apart from common wolf and wild cats, such as lynx and snow leopard, Altai is home to the word's largest wild sheep-argali and Siberian ibex.
Species endemic to Central Asia are found primary in the Gobi desert and steppe including the Mongolian subspecies of the saiga antelope, four specie of jerboa, and a vole. The Gobi desert and the eastern Mongolian steppe are inhabited by thousands of gazelles. The rarest animal in the world-the Gobi bear is found in the south-western part of Gobi . Wild ass and wild camels are abundantly found in the desert while argali and Gobi ibex also inhabit the rocky mountains within the Gobi region. Takhi known as Przewalski horse, which is the last remaining true wild horse has been reintroduced to the country from captivity abroad after being unseen for about thirty years in their home country.
Bird life is rich and included the golden eagle, bearded vulture and other birds of prey, while the country's 2000 lakes are a magnet for water birds including storks and gulls. The east of Mongolia is famous for its birds life, boasting lakes of storks and pelicans, while vultures can be seen at will across the country and species as rare as the Altai snowcock and the mute swan are still observed in the countryside.
Population
The population of Mongolian is 2.373.500 (official estimate 2001), out of which 45% are nomadic herdsmen. Most of Mongolia 's large land is very scarsely populated. The average population density is 1.5 per square kilometer, making the country one of the sparsest populated nations in the world. In the southern Gobi it is as scarce as 0.3 square kilometer.
Although this small population of Mongolia is scattered across the vast steppe, the urbanization rate is high. During the last two decades, migration from the rural areas has accelerated, with the proportion of the population living in urban areas rising to 54%. More than a quarter of the entire population lives in Ulaanbaatar .
The population is homogeneous, with Mongol-speaking people constituting 95% of the total. The only substantial non-Mongol group, representing over 5% of the population, is the Kazaks, a Turkish-speaking people dwelling in the far West. A Chinese minority lives in Ulaanbaatar . Mongolians can be subdivided into more than 20 different ethic groups, which are scattered across the country, These groups can be distinguished by their individual customs, histories and dialects.
The largest ethnic group is Halha, which accounts for over 75% of the total population mainly live in central, eastern and southern Mongolia .
The Oirats are a group of ethnic western Mongolians, which includes smaller groups, Durvud, Torgud, bayad, Uuld, Zakhchin, Myangad and Uriankhai. Since the early history of Mongolian Oirat people have resided around Siberia's Lake Baikal , the Sayan Mountain Ranges in Northern Mongolia and forested areas within the Altai Mountain Range. The name Oirat translates as forest people. After the fall of the Mongol empire in the 14 th century, Oirat became an independent state, known as Dzhungarian Kingdom . It covered western Mongolia and the eastern Chinese steppe and only became part of the Mongolian Republic during the Manchurian conquest in the 1600's.
Northern Mongolian ethnic groups include the darkhat, Tsaatan, and Khotgoid. They inhabit the dense forests of Huvsgul lake area, near the Russian border. The Buryat are the only group who originates from the vast eastern steppe.
LocationLocated in the plateau of Central Asia between China and Russian Siberia, Mongolia covers an area of 1,566,500 sq.km, which is roughly the size of Western Europe. Mongolia stretches about 2,400 kilometers from west to east and about 1,260 kilometers from north to south. The total length of the country's border is 8,158 kilometers.
The country in mountainous with an average altitude of 1,580 meters above sea level, which makes Mongolia one of the highest countries in the world. The lowest point, Huh Nuur Depression, is 560 meters above sea level and the highest point is Huiten Mountain in the Mongolian Altai Range (4,374 m). The capital Ulaanbaatar lies at 1,380 meters.
The geography of the country is characterized by great diversity. From north to south, it can be divided into four areas:
mountain-forest steppe, mountain steppe and, in theextreme south, semi-desert and desert (the latter being about 30% of the entire territory). In contrast to most visitors' expectations, much of the country's territory is mountainous. The principal mountains are concentrated in the west, with much of this region having elevations above 2,000 meters. The country's highest peaks are permanently snow-capped land covered with glaciers. Mountains and dense forest predominate central and northern Mongolia . The grasslands cover large areas of this region. Across the eastern part of the country stretches the vast grasslands of the Central Asian steppe. The steppe grades into the Gobi desert, which extends throughout southern Mongolia from the east to the west of the country. The Gobi Desert is mostly gravely, but also contains large areas of sand dunes in the drier areas of the Gobi near the southern border.
The country is dotted with hundreds of lakes, the largest being Uvs-Nuur (covering an area of 3,350 sq.km), Huvsgul (2,620 sq.km), and Har Us-Nuur (1,852 sq.km). Lake Huvsgul is also the largest fresh-water lake in Central Asia . The Orhon (1,124 kilometers), the Herlen (1,090 kilometers) and the Selenge (539 kilometers) are the largest rivers. (Detialed descriptions of geographic places of the country are included in Travel Destinations section of this book)
Climate
Mongolia 's climate is very dry with extreme continental temperatures. Humid air from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans are blocked by the huge Central Asian mountain ranges. Although Mongolian winters are long and famously cold, with temperatures dropping as low as-50 degrees centigrade in the far north of the country, summers are generally pleasant. (See Table 1).
The mean temperature falls below freezing for seven to eight months of the year. For two or three months in summer, the weather is warm and pleasant and relatively hot in the southern Gobi region, where mid summer temperatures peak at around 40 degrees and there is little shade available.
Winter usually lasts from mid-October until April, with the coldest period being between mid-December and the end of February or mid-March when the temperature drops to -20 or -30 ° C and occasionally even lower. Snow usually falls between mid-October and mid-April. There are some regions, especially in the northwest, where the temperature goes down to -40 to -50 ° C. In the Gobi it drops to -40 ° C.
Spring, which generally starts in March, is known for its constant dust storms and huge fluctuations in air pressure. The steppe gradually starts to sprout fresh, green pasture and even in the capital, the change is both visible and welcome.
Summer evenings in the Western Altai range tend to be cooler and local nomads have to wear warm and heavy clothes.
The annual rain fall begins in late July and continues until September. Humidity is generally low (47-73%), especially in winter. But in the country the number of sunny days ranges between 220 and 260 a year.
Climate of Mongolia by Months
Months
Average temperature (Degree C)
Precipitation (mm)
January
-26.1
1.5
February
-21.7
1.9
March
-10.8
2.2
April
+0.5
7.2
May
+8.3
15.3
June
+14.9
48.8
July
+17.0
72.6
August
+15.0
47.8
September
+7.6
24.4
October
-1.7
6.0
November
-13.4
3.7
December
-24.0
1.6
Wildlife
Flora
Mongolia has diverse vegetation that includes an important part of Central Asia 's plant life. Plant species representative of Siberia's coniferous taiga forest, Central Asian steppe and desert, and the Altai Mountains are found here. Over 3000 vascular plants, 927 lichens, 437 mosses, 875 fungi, and numerous algae have been recorded up to date. There are many other species still to be classified. 150 species are endemic to Mongolia and more than 100 plant species are recorded as rare or endangered.
Fauna
Like its vegetation, Mongolia features diverse wildlife species from the Siberian forest, the steppe and desert. Mongolia has 136 mammal species, more than 400 different types of birds, 76 species of fish, 8 amphibians, and 22 reptiles. From the abundance of wolves to the globally endangered snow leopard, there is a myriad of wildlife to track, photograph and hunt.
The central and northern forest area is home to wolf, wild boar, elk, roedeer, and brown bear. Steppe and forest margins support marmot, muskrat, fox, steppe fox, and sable.
Western high Altai Mountain boasts a rich wildlife. Apart from common wolf and wild cats, such as lynx and snow leopard, Altai is home to the word's largest wild sheep-argali and Siberian ibex.
Species endemic to Central Asia are found primary in the Gobi desert and steppe including the Mongolian subspecies of the saiga antelope, four specie of jerboa, and a vole. The Gobi desert and the eastern Mongolian steppe are inhabited by thousands of gazelles. The rarest animal in the world-the Gobi bear is found in the south-western part of Gobi . Wild ass and wild camels are abundantly found in the desert while argali and Gobi ibex also inhabit the rocky mountains within the Gobi region. Takhi known as Przewalski horse, which is the last remaining true wild horse has been reintroduced to the country from captivity abroad after being unseen for about thirty years in their home country.
Bird life is rich and included the golden eagle, bearded vulture and other birds of prey, while the country's 2000 lakes are a magnet for water birds including storks and gulls. The east of Mongolia is famous for its birds life, boasting lakes of storks and pelicans, while vultures can be seen at will across the country and species as rare as the Altai snowcock and the mute swan are still observed in the countryside.
Population
The population of Mongolian is 2.373.500 (official estimate 2001), out of which 45% are nomadic herdsmen. Most of Mongolia 's large land is very scarsely populated. The average population density is 1.5 per square kilometer, making the country one of the sparsest populated nations in the world. In the southern Gobi it is as scarce as 0.3 square kilometer.
Although this small population of Mongolia is scattered across the vast steppe, the urbanization rate is high. During the last two decades, migration from the rural areas has accelerated, with the proportion of the population living in urban areas rising to 54%. More than a quarter of the entire population lives in Ulaanbaatar .
The population is homogeneous, with Mongol-speaking people constituting 95% of the total. The only substantial non-Mongol group, representing over 5% of the population, is the Kazaks, a Turkish-speaking people dwelling in the far West. A Chinese minority lives in Ulaanbaatar . Mongolians can be subdivided into more than 20 different ethic groups, which are scattered across the country, These groups can be distinguished by their individual customs, histories and dialects.
The largest ethnic group is Halha, which accounts for over 75% of the total population mainly live in central, eastern and southern Mongolia .
The Oirats are a group of ethnic western Mongolians, which includes smaller groups, Durvud, Torgud, bayad, Uuld, Zakhchin, Myangad and Uriankhai. Since the early history of Mongolian Oirat people have resided around Siberia's Lake Baikal , the Sayan Mountain Ranges in Northern Mongolia and forested areas within the Altai Mountain Range. The name Oirat translates as forest people. After the fall of the Mongol empire in the 14 th century, Oirat became an independent state, known as Dzhungarian Kingdom . It covered western Mongolia and the eastern Chinese steppe and only became part of the Mongolian Republic during the Manchurian conquest in the 1600's.
Northern Mongolian ethnic groups include the darkhat, Tsaatan, and Khotgoid. They inhabit the dense forests of Huvsgul lake area, near the Russian border. The Buryat are the only group who originates from the vast eastern steppe.
VIETNAM
Vietnam In Brief
Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, covers an area of 332,000 square kilometers. It shares common borders with China, Laos, and Cambodia. With a population of more than 80 million, it is the most densely populated country in Southeast Asia. The vast majority of the population is Vietnamese. Other ethnic groups include Chinese, Muong, Thai, Meo, Khmer, Man and Cham.
Vietnam's topography varies from low, flat delta in the south and north to hilly, mountainous terrain in the central, far north and northwest. Three-quarters of Vietnam is hilly or mountainous. Hanoi is the capital, and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is the largest city in the country.
Vietnam, once a forbidden country for tourists, now attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors (with numbers increasing) every year. Rich culture, strong tradition, and a patriotic people characterize this fascinating country.
This exotic destination offers such wonders as magical islands set in pristine waters as well as historic and cultural sites like temples, pagodas and churches. Traveling to Vietnam will be an unforgettable experience and will leave visitors deeply impressed.
CLIMATE
Vietnam shares borders with Cambodia, Laos and China, and features 3,200 km of coastline bordering the Eastern Sea. With an area of 332,000 square km, Vietnam's topography varies from coastal plains to mountain ranges.
Vietnam stretches over 1,800 km from north to south; therefore weather patterns in the principle cities are very different.
North : Winter lasts from November to April, with temperatures averaging 10 - 16C, fog and drizzle in January - March.
Summer begins in May and lasts until October, with an average temperature of 30C, heavy rainfall and the occasional violent typhoon.
Center : Central Vietnam experiences a transitional climate, with heavy rainfalls between November and December and dry, hot summer months.
South : Temperatures are fairly constant through the year; 25C - 30C. Seasons are determined by the rains - the dry season runs from November to April and the wet season from May to October. The hottest period is March and April. Typhoons are quite common in coastal areas between July and November.
Highland areas : In the hill resorts of Dalat (1,500 m), Buon Me Thuot and Sapa, nights are cool throughout the year, and in the winter months, October to March, it can be distinctly chilly with temperatures falling to 0C. Even in the hottest months of March and April the temperature rarely exceeds 26C.
CUSTOMS AND FORMALITIES
All visitors to Vietnam must fill in declaration forms and show their luggage to customs officials on request.
Visitors can bring with them unlimited amounts of foreign currency, objects made of gold, silver, precious metals and gemstones or plated with silver or gold, all of which must be declared in detail on the customs forms. Commercial Video films and printed materials that are considered offensive are normally confiscated and sent to Ministry of Culture for inspection.
Goods prohibited to import: weapons, ammunition, explosives, military technical equipment, drugs, toxic chemicals, debauched and reactionary products, firecrackers of all kinds, toys with negative impacts on the dignity education, social security and safety, cigarettes beyond the stipulated quantity, etc.
Goods prohibited to export: weapons, ammunition, explosives, military technical equipment, antiques, drugs, toxic chemicals, wild animals, rare and precious animals and plants, documents related to the national security, etc.
CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE
The local currency is the Dong (abbreviated "d" or VND). Bank notes are 100d, 200d, 500d, 1000d, 2,000d, 5,000d, 10,000d, 20,000d, 50,000d, 100,000d & 500,000d. The exchange rate (as of July 2005) is approximately Dong 15.750 to one US. Dollar.
Money and travelers cheques, particularly U.S. Dollars, can be exchanged at banks, hotels and authorized money- exchangers. It is advisable to carry U.S. Dollar bills in small denominations.
Credit cards are generally only accepted in major hotels, and in some up-market shops and restaurants in major cities.
ATM facilities are readily available now in major cities.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
No actual vaccinations are officially required. Visitors are advised to check with their doctor or travel immunization clinic regarding the advisability of inoculation against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A & B and Malaria.
Those visitors taking medicine for certain conditions such as diabetes or heart problems should make sure that they carry these medications in their hand luggage at all times in case the main luggage should be delayed.
It is recommended that all travellers take out comprehensive Personal Travel Insurance to cover personal belongings, in case of accident or illness etc.
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
Vietnam has three International Airports : Hanoi / Noi Bai, Ho Chi Minh City / Tan Son Nhat and Danang / Danang Airport.
Cities with directs flight to Hanoi / Noi Bai Airport are Bangkok, Beijing, Frankfurt Guang Zhou, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Kunming, Moscow, Paris, Siem Reap, Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo, Vientiane and Seoul.
Airlines currently serving Hanoi : Aeroflot (SU), Air France (AF), All Nippon Airways (NH), Asiana Airlines (OZ), Cathay Pacific Airways (CX), China Airlines (CI), China Southern Airlines (CZ), Eva Air (BR), Japan Airlines (JL), Korean Air (KE), Malaysia Airlines (MH), Lao Airlines (QV), Singapore Airlines (SQ), Thai Airways (TG), Tiger Airways (TR), Uni Air (B7), Vietnam Airlines (VN).
Cities with directs flight to Ho Chi Minh City / Tan Son Nhat Airport are Bangkok, Frankfurt, Fukuoka, Guang Zhou, Hong Kong, Kaohsiung, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Melbourne, Moscow, Osaka, Paris, Phnom Penh, San Francisco, Seoul, Siem Reap, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei, Tokyo, and Vientiane.
Airlines currently serving Ho Chi Minh City : Aeroflot (SU), Air France (AF), All Nippon Airways (NH), Asiana Airlines (OZ), Cathay Pacific Airways (CX), China Airlines (CI), China Southern Airlines (CZ), Eva Air (BR), Japan Airlines (JP), Korean Air (KE), Lufthansa German Airlines (LH), Malaysia Airlines (MH), Pacific Airlines (BL), Philippine Airlines (PR), Singapore Airlines (SQ), Shanghai Airlines (FM), Thai Airways (TG), Tiger Airways (TR), United Airlines (UA), Vietnam Airlines (VN).
Cities with directs flight to Danang/ Danang Airport are Bangkok, Singapore.
Airlines currently serving Danang : PB Air (PB); Silk Air (MI).
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
If flights are required in your itinerary they are in coach class, unless specified otherwise. Flight timings quoted are local and are subject to change. Domestic flights require a check-in, 1-hour prior to the flight departure.
Carry on luggage is limited to one piece plus a camera.
All "carry-on" hand luggage must have luggage tags which are provided by the airlines when passengers check in at airports for their flights. Security regulations at airports are strict. Passengers are required to identify their checked luggage after they have passed through security check points in the airport. This identification process is done before boarding your flight. Appropriate announcements may or may not be made for this procedure.
In economy class air travel baggage allowance is 20kg per person. Excess baggage may be subject to overweight charges by the airline. We cannot be held responsible for the loss or damage to passenger's belongings. Domestic flights are prone to last minute schedule changes and cancellation without ANY advance notice.
AIRPORT TAX
Airport departure tax for international flights currently is:
US$ 14 from Hanoi US$ 8 from Danang US$ 12 from Ho Chi Minh City.
The departure airport tax may be paid in local currency or in US Dollars.
Airport departure tax for domestic flights is included in the airfare.
INTERNET
Vietnam joined the global computer age and internet-service providers are currently operating in most of the Cities. You can access the internet through hotels, Cyber Cafés & Internet/Computer Service Centers. Following are internet addresses with relevant information on Vietnam:
Vietnam Development Gateway
http://www.vietnamgateway.org/
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
http://www.mofa.gov.vn/en
Vietnam News
http://vietnamnews.com.vn/
Vietnam National Administration of Tourism
http://www.vietnamtourism.com/
Vietnam Airlines
http://www.vietnamairlines.com/
LANGUAGE
Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam. Learning foreign languages, particularly English, is currently popular among young people in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Danang and other cities. Tourist guides are available for English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Japanese and Russian speakers.
LOCAL TIME & WORKING HOURS
Local time is GMT + 7 hours.
Governmental agencies work Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 4.30pm (excluding one-hour lunch) and are closed Saturday and Sunday.
Banks are open Monday to Friday from 7.30am or 8am to 11.30am and from 1pm to 4pm and are closed Saturday and Sunday.
Private shops are open from 8 or 8.30am to 9 or 10pm.
OFFICIAL PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2006
01 - 02 JAN' 06
(Sun - Mon)
International New Year
28 Jan - 02 FEB' 06
(Sat - Thu)
Lunar New Year (TET)
30 APR' 06
(Sun)
Liberation Day
01 - 03 MAY' 06
(Mon - Tue)
Labor Day
02 - 04 SEP' 06
(Sat - Mon)
National Day
OVERLAND TRAVEL
The road system in Vietnam is reasonable in the main urban cities. The drives through the countryside can be a wonderful sightseeing experience. However, it must be noted that the roads are narrow and some may be poorly paved when outside the main cities, and as a consequence the drives can be rough and difficult at times.
The journey timings described in your itinerary are based on the usual amount of time a particular journey will take. However, please appreciate that not all roads can be checked for their condition throughout the year.
Most cars used are manufactured locally by Toyota, Honda and Ford and are for the most part comfortable and ideally suited to local roads. Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle, under any conditions. There is ample opportunity to smoke during photographic, luncheon and sightseeing stops.
If you decide to leave the hotel and go out on your own, there are various means of transport that you may like to take such as taxis or "cyclos". If taking a taxi or "cyclo", insist on the meter being switched on before you begin your journey. Due to an effort to stop pollution, most "cyclos" are pedaled as opposed to motor. It is suggested that you carry the name of your destination or hotel written in local language in the event your driver does not understand English. The staff at your hotel can assist you in this regard.
Border crossing into Vietnam is possible from China, Laos and Cambodia. Tourists can pass borders at the following checkpoints :
From China : Huu Nghi, Lao Cai, Mong Cai.
From Laos : Cau Treo, Cha Lo (Quang Binh), Lao Bao.
From Cambodia : Moc Bai, Vinh Xuong (by boat)
PASSPORT AND VISAS
Travellers to Vietnam are required to hold a passport valid for at least six (06) months beyond the completion of their visit and must contain a valid visa. If tourist visas are to be obtained via Diethelm Travel, the following personal data must be supplied to us at least 2 (two) weeks before travel to Vietnam:
full name as per passport
passport number, date of issue and expiry date
date and place of birth
occupation and nationality
Visas are usually issued by the Vietnamese Embassy in Bangkok or in the passengers' home country (against the visa's approval number), which require the original passport, and 2 photos and for 2 (two) full working days in order to issue a visa stamp.
Visas can also be obtained upon arrival at Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang airports, in which case the stamping fee will be quoted separately. Apart from required details above we further need arrival/departure date and flight information. Diethelm Travel will send a confirmation letter to show to airport staff at the departing airport, confirming that clients will get the visa on arrival. Visas can only be requested via Diethelm Travel in connection with the booking of travel arrangements to Vietnam.
Visa exemption :
Not more than 30 days: for citizens of Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
Not more than 15 days: for citizens of Denmark, Finland, Japan, Norway, South Korea and Sweden.
Hotels might reserve the right to keep travel documents overnight at the reception for registration purpose.
FOOD
Vietnam has abundant food supplies and an elaborate cuisine. Cooking is seen as an art and some Vietnamese dishes have achieved international fame, including such traditional dishes as noodle soup (pho), pork sausage (gio lua), spring rolls (nem ran), and fish balls (cha ca). In addition to Vietnamese food, the larger hotels also serve a wide variety of Continental and Chinese cuisine. In the smaller cities, when the hotels only have one restaurant, ordering a-la-carte may involve a slight wait, consequently it is advised that you take advantage of the large and diverse buffets available at these hotels to minimize any delay.
Never drink water from the hotel tap, no matter what category of hotel you are staying in. Bottled mineral water is available at all hotels throughout Vietnam. Do not have any ice in your drinks as this is often made from water that has not been purified.
POST AND COMMUNICATIONS
A regular international post service is available. In addition Express Mail Service (EMS) is available to more than 50 countries worldwide with a delivery time of 2 to 10 days.
Vietnam has high international telephone charges. It is important to check the exact amount with the hotel before making a call, as hotel surcharges are often imposed.
VOIP calls which help reduce call charges (for most of International calls from any destination within Vietnam and for domestic calls between the main cities of the country) are now available as well pre-paid internet & mobile card can be bought in the major cities.
SHOPPING
Foreign visitors to Vietnam have the opportunity to buy souvenirs made of rattan, gold, silver and stone. There is a diverse range of products, from woodenwares such as wooden buttons or sindora beds to lacquer paintings, bowls and chopsticks, bamboo screens and stone tea sets. Woven tapestries, "tho cam" handbags and other handicrafts are produced by the traditional skills of the women of ethnic minorities in such rural regions in the north as Sapa, Mai Chau and Dien Bien.
TIPPING
Tipping is widely practiced and expected
Porters :
VND 5.000 - 10.000 per bag
Waiters in restaurants:
5-10% of total bill
Taxi drivers :
10% of total bill
Tour guides :
VND 40.000 per person/per day
Drivers :
VND 20.000 per person/per day
All of the above information is accurate at the time of publication.
Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, covers an area of 332,000 square kilometers. It shares common borders with China, Laos, and Cambodia. With a population of more than 80 million, it is the most densely populated country in Southeast Asia. The vast majority of the population is Vietnamese. Other ethnic groups include Chinese, Muong, Thai, Meo, Khmer, Man and Cham.
Vietnam's topography varies from low, flat delta in the south and north to hilly, mountainous terrain in the central, far north and northwest. Three-quarters of Vietnam is hilly or mountainous. Hanoi is the capital, and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is the largest city in the country.
Vietnam, once a forbidden country for tourists, now attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors (with numbers increasing) every year. Rich culture, strong tradition, and a patriotic people characterize this fascinating country.
This exotic destination offers such wonders as magical islands set in pristine waters as well as historic and cultural sites like temples, pagodas and churches. Traveling to Vietnam will be an unforgettable experience and will leave visitors deeply impressed.
CLIMATE
Vietnam shares borders with Cambodia, Laos and China, and features 3,200 km of coastline bordering the Eastern Sea. With an area of 332,000 square km, Vietnam's topography varies from coastal plains to mountain ranges.
Vietnam stretches over 1,800 km from north to south; therefore weather patterns in the principle cities are very different.
North : Winter lasts from November to April, with temperatures averaging 10 - 16C, fog and drizzle in January - March.
Summer begins in May and lasts until October, with an average temperature of 30C, heavy rainfall and the occasional violent typhoon.
Center : Central Vietnam experiences a transitional climate, with heavy rainfalls between November and December and dry, hot summer months.
South : Temperatures are fairly constant through the year; 25C - 30C. Seasons are determined by the rains - the dry season runs from November to April and the wet season from May to October. The hottest period is March and April. Typhoons are quite common in coastal areas between July and November.
Highland areas : In the hill resorts of Dalat (1,500 m), Buon Me Thuot and Sapa, nights are cool throughout the year, and in the winter months, October to March, it can be distinctly chilly with temperatures falling to 0C. Even in the hottest months of March and April the temperature rarely exceeds 26C.
CUSTOMS AND FORMALITIES
All visitors to Vietnam must fill in declaration forms and show their luggage to customs officials on request.
Visitors can bring with them unlimited amounts of foreign currency, objects made of gold, silver, precious metals and gemstones or plated with silver or gold, all of which must be declared in detail on the customs forms. Commercial Video films and printed materials that are considered offensive are normally confiscated and sent to Ministry of Culture for inspection.
Goods prohibited to import: weapons, ammunition, explosives, military technical equipment, drugs, toxic chemicals, debauched and reactionary products, firecrackers of all kinds, toys with negative impacts on the dignity education, social security and safety, cigarettes beyond the stipulated quantity, etc.
Goods prohibited to export: weapons, ammunition, explosives, military technical equipment, antiques, drugs, toxic chemicals, wild animals, rare and precious animals and plants, documents related to the national security, etc.
CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE
The local currency is the Dong (abbreviated "d" or VND). Bank notes are 100d, 200d, 500d, 1000d, 2,000d, 5,000d, 10,000d, 20,000d, 50,000d, 100,000d & 500,000d. The exchange rate (as of July 2005) is approximately Dong 15.750 to one US. Dollar.
Money and travelers cheques, particularly U.S. Dollars, can be exchanged at banks, hotels and authorized money- exchangers. It is advisable to carry U.S. Dollar bills in small denominations.
Credit cards are generally only accepted in major hotels, and in some up-market shops and restaurants in major cities.
ATM facilities are readily available now in major cities.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
No actual vaccinations are officially required. Visitors are advised to check with their doctor or travel immunization clinic regarding the advisability of inoculation against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A & B and Malaria.
Those visitors taking medicine for certain conditions such as diabetes or heart problems should make sure that they carry these medications in their hand luggage at all times in case the main luggage should be delayed.
It is recommended that all travellers take out comprehensive Personal Travel Insurance to cover personal belongings, in case of accident or illness etc.
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
Vietnam has three International Airports : Hanoi / Noi Bai, Ho Chi Minh City / Tan Son Nhat and Danang / Danang Airport.
Cities with directs flight to Hanoi / Noi Bai Airport are Bangkok, Beijing, Frankfurt Guang Zhou, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Kunming, Moscow, Paris, Siem Reap, Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo, Vientiane and Seoul.
Airlines currently serving Hanoi : Aeroflot (SU), Air France (AF), All Nippon Airways (NH), Asiana Airlines (OZ), Cathay Pacific Airways (CX), China Airlines (CI), China Southern Airlines (CZ), Eva Air (BR), Japan Airlines (JL), Korean Air (KE), Malaysia Airlines (MH), Lao Airlines (QV), Singapore Airlines (SQ), Thai Airways (TG), Tiger Airways (TR), Uni Air (B7), Vietnam Airlines (VN).
Cities with directs flight to Ho Chi Minh City / Tan Son Nhat Airport are Bangkok, Frankfurt, Fukuoka, Guang Zhou, Hong Kong, Kaohsiung, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Melbourne, Moscow, Osaka, Paris, Phnom Penh, San Francisco, Seoul, Siem Reap, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei, Tokyo, and Vientiane.
Airlines currently serving Ho Chi Minh City : Aeroflot (SU), Air France (AF), All Nippon Airways (NH), Asiana Airlines (OZ), Cathay Pacific Airways (CX), China Airlines (CI), China Southern Airlines (CZ), Eva Air (BR), Japan Airlines (JP), Korean Air (KE), Lufthansa German Airlines (LH), Malaysia Airlines (MH), Pacific Airlines (BL), Philippine Airlines (PR), Singapore Airlines (SQ), Shanghai Airlines (FM), Thai Airways (TG), Tiger Airways (TR), United Airlines (UA), Vietnam Airlines (VN).
Cities with directs flight to Danang/ Danang Airport are Bangkok, Singapore.
Airlines currently serving Danang : PB Air (PB); Silk Air (MI).
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
If flights are required in your itinerary they are in coach class, unless specified otherwise. Flight timings quoted are local and are subject to change. Domestic flights require a check-in, 1-hour prior to the flight departure.
Carry on luggage is limited to one piece plus a camera.
All "carry-on" hand luggage must have luggage tags which are provided by the airlines when passengers check in at airports for their flights. Security regulations at airports are strict. Passengers are required to identify their checked luggage after they have passed through security check points in the airport. This identification process is done before boarding your flight. Appropriate announcements may or may not be made for this procedure.
In economy class air travel baggage allowance is 20kg per person. Excess baggage may be subject to overweight charges by the airline. We cannot be held responsible for the loss or damage to passenger's belongings. Domestic flights are prone to last minute schedule changes and cancellation without ANY advance notice.
AIRPORT TAX
Airport departure tax for international flights currently is:
US$ 14 from Hanoi US$ 8 from Danang US$ 12 from Ho Chi Minh City.
The departure airport tax may be paid in local currency or in US Dollars.
Airport departure tax for domestic flights is included in the airfare.
INTERNET
Vietnam joined the global computer age and internet-service providers are currently operating in most of the Cities. You can access the internet through hotels, Cyber Cafés & Internet/Computer Service Centers. Following are internet addresses with relevant information on Vietnam:
Vietnam Development Gateway
http://www.vietnamgateway.org/
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
http://www.mofa.gov.vn/en
Vietnam News
http://vietnamnews.com.vn/
Vietnam National Administration of Tourism
http://www.vietnamtourism.com/
Vietnam Airlines
http://www.vietnamairlines.com/
LANGUAGE
Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam. Learning foreign languages, particularly English, is currently popular among young people in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Danang and other cities. Tourist guides are available for English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Japanese and Russian speakers.
LOCAL TIME & WORKING HOURS
Local time is GMT + 7 hours.
Governmental agencies work Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 4.30pm (excluding one-hour lunch) and are closed Saturday and Sunday.
Banks are open Monday to Friday from 7.30am or 8am to 11.30am and from 1pm to 4pm and are closed Saturday and Sunday.
Private shops are open from 8 or 8.30am to 9 or 10pm.
OFFICIAL PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2006
01 - 02 JAN' 06
(Sun - Mon)
International New Year
28 Jan - 02 FEB' 06
(Sat - Thu)
Lunar New Year (TET)
30 APR' 06
(Sun)
Liberation Day
01 - 03 MAY' 06
(Mon - Tue)
Labor Day
02 - 04 SEP' 06
(Sat - Mon)
National Day
OVERLAND TRAVEL
The road system in Vietnam is reasonable in the main urban cities. The drives through the countryside can be a wonderful sightseeing experience. However, it must be noted that the roads are narrow and some may be poorly paved when outside the main cities, and as a consequence the drives can be rough and difficult at times.
The journey timings described in your itinerary are based on the usual amount of time a particular journey will take. However, please appreciate that not all roads can be checked for their condition throughout the year.
Most cars used are manufactured locally by Toyota, Honda and Ford and are for the most part comfortable and ideally suited to local roads. Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle, under any conditions. There is ample opportunity to smoke during photographic, luncheon and sightseeing stops.
If you decide to leave the hotel and go out on your own, there are various means of transport that you may like to take such as taxis or "cyclos". If taking a taxi or "cyclo", insist on the meter being switched on before you begin your journey. Due to an effort to stop pollution, most "cyclos" are pedaled as opposed to motor. It is suggested that you carry the name of your destination or hotel written in local language in the event your driver does not understand English. The staff at your hotel can assist you in this regard.
Border crossing into Vietnam is possible from China, Laos and Cambodia. Tourists can pass borders at the following checkpoints :
From China : Huu Nghi, Lao Cai, Mong Cai.
From Laos : Cau Treo, Cha Lo (Quang Binh), Lao Bao.
From Cambodia : Moc Bai, Vinh Xuong (by boat)
PASSPORT AND VISAS
Travellers to Vietnam are required to hold a passport valid for at least six (06) months beyond the completion of their visit and must contain a valid visa. If tourist visas are to be obtained via Diethelm Travel, the following personal data must be supplied to us at least 2 (two) weeks before travel to Vietnam:
full name as per passport
passport number, date of issue and expiry date
date and place of birth
occupation and nationality
Visas are usually issued by the Vietnamese Embassy in Bangkok or in the passengers' home country (against the visa's approval number), which require the original passport, and 2 photos and for 2 (two) full working days in order to issue a visa stamp.
Visas can also be obtained upon arrival at Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang airports, in which case the stamping fee will be quoted separately. Apart from required details above we further need arrival/departure date and flight information. Diethelm Travel will send a confirmation letter to show to airport staff at the departing airport, confirming that clients will get the visa on arrival. Visas can only be requested via Diethelm Travel in connection with the booking of travel arrangements to Vietnam.
Visa exemption :
Not more than 30 days: for citizens of Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
Not more than 15 days: for citizens of Denmark, Finland, Japan, Norway, South Korea and Sweden.
Hotels might reserve the right to keep travel documents overnight at the reception for registration purpose.
FOOD
Vietnam has abundant food supplies and an elaborate cuisine. Cooking is seen as an art and some Vietnamese dishes have achieved international fame, including such traditional dishes as noodle soup (pho), pork sausage (gio lua), spring rolls (nem ran), and fish balls (cha ca). In addition to Vietnamese food, the larger hotels also serve a wide variety of Continental and Chinese cuisine. In the smaller cities, when the hotels only have one restaurant, ordering a-la-carte may involve a slight wait, consequently it is advised that you take advantage of the large and diverse buffets available at these hotels to minimize any delay.
Never drink water from the hotel tap, no matter what category of hotel you are staying in. Bottled mineral water is available at all hotels throughout Vietnam. Do not have any ice in your drinks as this is often made from water that has not been purified.
POST AND COMMUNICATIONS
A regular international post service is available. In addition Express Mail Service (EMS) is available to more than 50 countries worldwide with a delivery time of 2 to 10 days.
Vietnam has high international telephone charges. It is important to check the exact amount with the hotel before making a call, as hotel surcharges are often imposed.
VOIP calls which help reduce call charges (for most of International calls from any destination within Vietnam and for domestic calls between the main cities of the country) are now available as well pre-paid internet & mobile card can be bought in the major cities.
SHOPPING
Foreign visitors to Vietnam have the opportunity to buy souvenirs made of rattan, gold, silver and stone. There is a diverse range of products, from woodenwares such as wooden buttons or sindora beds to lacquer paintings, bowls and chopsticks, bamboo screens and stone tea sets. Woven tapestries, "tho cam" handbags and other handicrafts are produced by the traditional skills of the women of ethnic minorities in such rural regions in the north as Sapa, Mai Chau and Dien Bien.
TIPPING
Tipping is widely practiced and expected
Porters :
VND 5.000 - 10.000 per bag
Waiters in restaurants:
5-10% of total bill
Taxi drivers :
10% of total bill
Tour guides :
VND 40.000 per person/per day
Drivers :
VND 20.000 per person/per day
All of the above information is accurate at the time of publication.
UZBEKISTAN
Uzbekistan In Brief
HealthWhile preparing for a trip to Uzbekistan or to any of the Central Asian countries medical insurance, including emergency evacuation, should be taken care of.
The question of vaccinations is completely at one's own discretion since Uzbekistan and other Republics of Central Asia require no vaccinations.
The strictest attention must be paid to the local food and especially to the quality of tap water. The former has special ingredients such as local spices and a lot of grease while the latter has an unusual flavour and is full of chlorine. When tea, boiled and bottled water are unavailable, purify tap water with iodine tablets.
Among the other distinctive features is the high risk of sunstroke, thus precautionary measures must be taken while under the sun.
Medical kit: aspirin, paracetamol, tylenol, diarrhoea pills, dehydration powders, iodine tablets, antiseptic cream/wipes; plasters.ElectricityAs with the other Central Asian countries, Uzbekistan runs on 220 volt, 50 Hz with round 2 pin continental plugs.
Time Difference
Uzbekistan is +5 hours ahead GMT all year round.
Cities
Time difference
Amsterdam, Barcelona, Frankfurt, Madrid, Paris
GMT+1
Ankara, Athens, Tel-Aviv
GMT+2
Bahrain, Moscow
GMT+3
Tashkent, Karachi, Ekaterinburg
GMT+5
Bangkok
GMT+7
Beijing, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur
GMT+8
Tokyo
GMT+9
Sydney
GMT+10
Dakar, Dublin
GMT
Buenos Aires
GMT-3
New York
GMT-5
Chicago
GMT-6
San Francisco
GMT-8 Best Time To Travel
Travel is the most pleasant from the brief spring that dusts the desert with floral colour until early June and from September to early November, when tree-lined streets shine in autumnal glory. Clothing Needed
Light-coloured cotton clothes are the best for summer time. Trousers, long skirts and long sleeved shirts of conservative type prevent sunburnt and respect Muslim sensibilities. Although not many people pay attention to this question in major city centres, flesh must be covered when visiting any holy site.
In the cities open sandals and plimsolls are good for walking while shoes and sneakers are best for exploring ancient sites and monuments.
In colder weather jackets or light sweaters are good in the evenings and for hiking in the mountains. In the desert be ready for nightly temperature drops.Money Uzbekistan's monetary unit - soum. US dollars and other hard currencies may be exchanged for soum in any branch of the National Bank of Uzbekistan as well as traveller's cheques and credit cards. At the same time paying by credit cards is becoming widely spread in the big stores, hotels etc. Dialing Codes
International code for Uzbekistan: +998
City
Dialing codes
Tashkent
(+998 71) + 7 digit telephone number (+998 712) + 6 digit telephone number
Samarkand
(+998 66) + 7 digit telephone number (+998 662) + 6 digit telephone number
Bukhara
(+998 65) + 7 digit telephone number (+998 652) + 6 digit telephone number (+998 6522) + 5 digit telephone number
Urgench
(+998 62) + 7 digit telephone number (+998 622) + 6 digit telephone number (+998 6222) + 5 digit telephone number
Ferghana
(+998 73) + 7 digit telephone number (+998 732) + 6 digit telephone number (+998 7322) + 5 digit telephone number
Andijan
(+998 74) + 7 digit telephone number (+998 742) + 6 digit telephone number (+998 7422) + 5 digit telephone number
Dzhizak
(+998 72) + 7 digit telephone number (+998 722) + 6 digit telephone number (+998 7222) + 5 digit telephone number
Namangan
(+998 69) + 7 digit telephone number (+998 692) + 6 digit telephone number (+998 6922) + 5 digit telephone number
Navoi
(+998 79) + 7 digit telephone number (+998 792) + 6 digit telephone number (+998 7922) + 5 digit telephone number
Shakhrisabz
(+998 75) + 7 digit telephone number (+998 752) + 6 digit telephone number (+998 7522) + 5 digit telephone number
Termez
(+998 76) + 7 digit telephone number (+998 762) + 6 digit telephone number (+998 7622) + 5 digit telephone number
Nukus
(+998 61) + 7 digit telephone number (+998 612) + 6 digit telephone number (+998 6122) + 5 digit telephone number
HealthWhile preparing for a trip to Uzbekistan or to any of the Central Asian countries medical insurance, including emergency evacuation, should be taken care of.
The question of vaccinations is completely at one's own discretion since Uzbekistan and other Republics of Central Asia require no vaccinations.
The strictest attention must be paid to the local food and especially to the quality of tap water. The former has special ingredients such as local spices and a lot of grease while the latter has an unusual flavour and is full of chlorine. When tea, boiled and bottled water are unavailable, purify tap water with iodine tablets.
Among the other distinctive features is the high risk of sunstroke, thus precautionary measures must be taken while under the sun.
Medical kit: aspirin, paracetamol, tylenol, diarrhoea pills, dehydration powders, iodine tablets, antiseptic cream/wipes; plasters.ElectricityAs with the other Central Asian countries, Uzbekistan runs on 220 volt, 50 Hz with round 2 pin continental plugs.
Time Difference
Uzbekistan is +5 hours ahead GMT all year round.
Cities
Time difference
Amsterdam, Barcelona, Frankfurt, Madrid, Paris
GMT+1
Ankara, Athens, Tel-Aviv
GMT+2
Bahrain, Moscow
GMT+3
Tashkent, Karachi, Ekaterinburg
GMT+5
Bangkok
GMT+7
Beijing, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur
GMT+8
Tokyo
GMT+9
Sydney
GMT+10
Dakar, Dublin
GMT
Buenos Aires
GMT-3
New York
GMT-5
Chicago
GMT-6
San Francisco
GMT-8 Best Time To Travel
Travel is the most pleasant from the brief spring that dusts the desert with floral colour until early June and from September to early November, when tree-lined streets shine in autumnal glory. Clothing Needed
Light-coloured cotton clothes are the best for summer time. Trousers, long skirts and long sleeved shirts of conservative type prevent sunburnt and respect Muslim sensibilities. Although not many people pay attention to this question in major city centres, flesh must be covered when visiting any holy site.
In the cities open sandals and plimsolls are good for walking while shoes and sneakers are best for exploring ancient sites and monuments.
In colder weather jackets or light sweaters are good in the evenings and for hiking in the mountains. In the desert be ready for nightly temperature drops.Money Uzbekistan's monetary unit - soum. US dollars and other hard currencies may be exchanged for soum in any branch of the National Bank of Uzbekistan as well as traveller's cheques and credit cards. At the same time paying by credit cards is becoming widely spread in the big stores, hotels etc. Dialing Codes
International code for Uzbekistan: +998
City
Dialing codes
Tashkent
(+998 71) + 7 digit telephone number (+998 712) + 6 digit telephone number
Samarkand
(+998 66) + 7 digit telephone number (+998 662) + 6 digit telephone number
Bukhara
(+998 65) + 7 digit telephone number (+998 652) + 6 digit telephone number (+998 6522) + 5 digit telephone number
Urgench
(+998 62) + 7 digit telephone number (+998 622) + 6 digit telephone number (+998 6222) + 5 digit telephone number
Ferghana
(+998 73) + 7 digit telephone number (+998 732) + 6 digit telephone number (+998 7322) + 5 digit telephone number
Andijan
(+998 74) + 7 digit telephone number (+998 742) + 6 digit telephone number (+998 7422) + 5 digit telephone number
Dzhizak
(+998 72) + 7 digit telephone number (+998 722) + 6 digit telephone number (+998 7222) + 5 digit telephone number
Namangan
(+998 69) + 7 digit telephone number (+998 692) + 6 digit telephone number (+998 6922) + 5 digit telephone number
Navoi
(+998 79) + 7 digit telephone number (+998 792) + 6 digit telephone number (+998 7922) + 5 digit telephone number
Shakhrisabz
(+998 75) + 7 digit telephone number (+998 752) + 6 digit telephone number (+998 7522) + 5 digit telephone number
Termez
(+998 76) + 7 digit telephone number (+998 762) + 6 digit telephone number (+998 7622) + 5 digit telephone number
Nukus
(+998 61) + 7 digit telephone number (+998 612) + 6 digit telephone number (+998 6122) + 5 digit telephone number
TURKEY
TURKEY IN BRIEF
Name: Republic of Turkey Extension: Approximately 780 thousand sq. kms Approximately 1,600 kms East to West; 650 kms North to South Population: 67.84 million (October 2000 National Census) Capital: Ankara Language: Turkish Religion: 99% Muslim, 1% Orthodox Christians, Catholics, Protestans and other. Turkey is a secular state where religious and state affairs are separated. National Anthem: Istiklal Marsi (“The Independence Hymn”) National Flag: White crescent moon and a star on a red background. Historical Outline: 1299: Establishment of the Ottoman Empire 1922: Fall of the Ottoman Empire 1923: Proclamation of the Republic of Turkey on October 29 ( First President: Mustafa Kemal ATATURK)
Politics
Form of Government: Republic (Established on October 29, 1923, by Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK , founder of modern Turkey) Turkey has been holding freely contested multi-party elections since 1946. Head of State: President Ahmet Necdet SEZER (seven-year term, elected on 16 May 2000) Legislature: Unicameral system (550 seats / five-year term) Last general elections held on November 3, 2002 Government: Justice and Development
Party (AKP), absolute majority government Prime Minister: Recep Tayyip ERDOGAN (March 11, 2003) Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs: Abdullah GÜL (March 11, 2003)
Economy
Gross National Product: $489,7 billion (2002 forecast) (Purchasing Power Parity) Currency: New Turkish Lira (YTL) Per Capita Annual Income: Approximately $ 7,300 (Purchasing Power Parity)
Some Other Facts About Turkey
In terms of population, Turkey is the second largest country in Europe (after Germany ), with 70 million people. In 2020, it is projected to be the most populous European country, with a population of 83 million.
Four million Turks live abroad. Of that number, almost 2.5 million live in Germany .
Geographically, Turkey straddles two continents, Europe in the west and Asia in the east.
The two continents are divided by the Istanbul and Dardanelles straits, which are located in Turkey .
Turkey is unique in being on the one hand Balkan and European, and on the other, Middle Eastern, Caucasian and Asian. It is also as much a Black Sea country as it is an Aegean and Mediterranean one.
Another unique aspect of Turkey is the fact that it is the only democratic, secular country among the Muslim nations of the Middle East .
In addition to being a pioneering country in the Islamic world, Turkey has also become fully integrated into Europe since 1923, when the Republic was established. She is a member of almost all European/European-related institutions, such as the Council of Europe, OSCE, NATO, OECD. Turkey has been an associate member of the European Union since 1963 and a candidate for full membership in the Union since 1999.
Turkey has the second biggest Army in NATO after the United States .
Turkey also entertains relations of strategic cooperation with the United States .
Turkey lies in close proximity to 70 percent of the world's proven energy resources and is a prospective regional centre for storage and distribution of oil and natural gas.
Turkey is among the world's 20 largest economies and she is a member of the Group of 20 countries.
The Turkish economy has been identified as being one of the 10 significant emerging markets by U.S. sources.
Turkey is a prominent producer and exporter of many commodities. Here are some examples:
Turkey is the leading cement producer in Europe and the seventh-ranked producer in the world.
Turkey is the second-ranked producer of glass-made items in Europe and fourth-ranked producer in the world.
Turkey has 40% of the world marble reserves.
Turkey is the second-ranked exporter of jewelry in the world.
Turkey is the world's leading supplier of processed leather.
Turkey is the second-ranked supplier of textiles and garments to the EU.
Turkey is the fifth-ranked carpet exporter in Europe.
Turkey is the sixth-ranked cotton producer in the world.
Turkey is the world's principal supplier of hazelnuts, chickpeas, fresh and dried figs, and apricots.
Turkey is the second-ranked supplier of cherry and watermelon in the world.
Turkey is the second-ranked producer of pine tree honey in the world.
Turkey is the second-ranked supplier of red lentils in the world.
Turkey is the third-ranked producer of tomatoes and second-ranked producer of tomato paste in the world.
Turkey is the third-ranked producer of olives and fourth-ranked producer and exporter of olive oil in the world.
Practical Informaiton About Turkey
Work Hours Banks are open weekdays from 8:30 am until noon or 12:30 am, depending on the bank, and from 1:30 am until 5.00 am. However, there are some banks which continue to serve during lunch breaks.
Museums are generally open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 am until 5.00 am or 5:30 pm and closed on Monday. Palaces are open the same hours but are closed on Thursdays. For specific information on museums, please visit our museums section.
Shops and bazaars are normally open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 1.00 pm and from 2.00 pm to 7.00 pm, and closed all day on Sunday. But most stores in shopping malls and crowded streets are open seven days a week, including lunch breaks.
You can find restaurants or cafes open virtually at any time of the day or night.
Mail-Telephone Calls
Post offices are painted bright yellow and have PTT (Post, Telegraph, and Telephone) signs on the front. The central Post office is open Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 9 am, Sunday from 9 am to 7am. Smaller ones are open Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 5.00 pm.
How do I make calls? To make calls from your mobile phone in Turkey , please dial by following these guidelines.
To call another Turkcell subscriber: Dial 0, the network code, and then the seven-digit number; 0 53x xxx xxxx
To call a fixed line within Turkey : Dial 0, the tree-digit area code, and then the seven digit number; 0 xxx xxx xxxx.
To call another GSM operator in Turkey : Dial 0, the operator's three-digit network code and then the seven-digit number ; 0 xxx xxxx
To call an international GSM number: Dial the international prefix + the country code the GSM Network code and then the mobile number.
To call an international fixed line: Dial the international prefix + the country code the area code and then the phone number.
To send an SMS to a domestic GSM subscriber: After writing your message dial 0 xxx xxx xxxx
To send an SMS to an international GSM number: After writing your message dial the international prefix + the country code the GSM network code and then the mobile number. Currency
As of 1 January 2005, the monetary unit in Turkey was changed to New Turkish Lira (YTL), which comes in bank notes of 1.00 YTL; 5.00 YTL; 10.00 YTL ; 20.00 YTL; 50.00 YTL and 100.00 YTL. Smaller denominations will come in coins of 1.00 YTL; 50 Ykr; 25Ykr; 10Ykr; 5Ykr and 1Ykr. "Ykr" stands for New Kurus which represent the cents of YTL.
In Turkey travellers' checks are rarely accepted. We recommend that you cash your travellers' checks at the banks. ATMs can be found in even the smallest Turkish towns. Most accept international credit cards or bank cards (a strip of logos is usually displayed above the ATM). Almost all ATMs have a language key to enable you to read the instructions in English. Credits cards are widely used in restaurants, cafés, shopping centers, super markets, boutiques, etc. VISA, MASTERCARD and EUROCARD are more widely accepted as compared to AMERICAN EXPRESS and DINERS Card.
Vat
The value-added tax, here called KDV, is 18%. Hotels typically combine it with a service charge of 10% to 15%, and restaurants usually add a 15% service charge. Value-added tax is nearly always included in quoted prices. Certain shops are authorized to refund the tax (ask).
Electricity
The electrical current in Turkey is 220 volts, 50 cycles alternating current (AC); wall outlets take Continental-type plugs, with two round prongs.
Safety & Security
The streets of Istanbul are considerably safer than their counterparts in the United States or Western Europe . Travelers should nevertheless take care of their valuables, as pickpockets, although not as common as in the U.S. or Europe , do operate in the major cities and tourist areas.
Standarts
Weights and measurements: Metric System Local Time: GMT+2hours (Summer).
Important Service Telephone Numbers Traffic:154 Police:155 Gendarmerie:156 Fire:110 Emergency: 112 InternationalOperator:118 Municipal Police: 153
Name: Republic of Turkey Extension: Approximately 780 thousand sq. kms Approximately 1,600 kms East to West; 650 kms North to South Population: 67.84 million (October 2000 National Census) Capital: Ankara Language: Turkish Religion: 99% Muslim, 1% Orthodox Christians, Catholics, Protestans and other. Turkey is a secular state where religious and state affairs are separated. National Anthem: Istiklal Marsi (“The Independence Hymn”) National Flag: White crescent moon and a star on a red background. Historical Outline: 1299: Establishment of the Ottoman Empire 1922: Fall of the Ottoman Empire 1923: Proclamation of the Republic of Turkey on October 29 ( First President: Mustafa Kemal ATATURK)
Politics
Form of Government: Republic (Established on October 29, 1923, by Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK , founder of modern Turkey) Turkey has been holding freely contested multi-party elections since 1946. Head of State: President Ahmet Necdet SEZER (seven-year term, elected on 16 May 2000) Legislature: Unicameral system (550 seats / five-year term) Last general elections held on November 3, 2002 Government: Justice and Development
Party (AKP), absolute majority government Prime Minister: Recep Tayyip ERDOGAN (March 11, 2003) Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs: Abdullah GÜL (March 11, 2003)
Economy
Gross National Product: $489,7 billion (2002 forecast) (Purchasing Power Parity) Currency: New Turkish Lira (YTL) Per Capita Annual Income: Approximately $ 7,300 (Purchasing Power Parity)
Some Other Facts About Turkey
In terms of population, Turkey is the second largest country in Europe (after Germany ), with 70 million people. In 2020, it is projected to be the most populous European country, with a population of 83 million.
Four million Turks live abroad. Of that number, almost 2.5 million live in Germany .
Geographically, Turkey straddles two continents, Europe in the west and Asia in the east.
The two continents are divided by the Istanbul and Dardanelles straits, which are located in Turkey .
Turkey is unique in being on the one hand Balkan and European, and on the other, Middle Eastern, Caucasian and Asian. It is also as much a Black Sea country as it is an Aegean and Mediterranean one.
Another unique aspect of Turkey is the fact that it is the only democratic, secular country among the Muslim nations of the Middle East .
In addition to being a pioneering country in the Islamic world, Turkey has also become fully integrated into Europe since 1923, when the Republic was established. She is a member of almost all European/European-related institutions, such as the Council of Europe, OSCE, NATO, OECD. Turkey has been an associate member of the European Union since 1963 and a candidate for full membership in the Union since 1999.
Turkey has the second biggest Army in NATO after the United States .
Turkey also entertains relations of strategic cooperation with the United States .
Turkey lies in close proximity to 70 percent of the world's proven energy resources and is a prospective regional centre for storage and distribution of oil and natural gas.
Turkey is among the world's 20 largest economies and she is a member of the Group of 20 countries.
The Turkish economy has been identified as being one of the 10 significant emerging markets by U.S. sources.
Turkey is a prominent producer and exporter of many commodities. Here are some examples:
Turkey is the leading cement producer in Europe and the seventh-ranked producer in the world.
Turkey is the second-ranked producer of glass-made items in Europe and fourth-ranked producer in the world.
Turkey has 40% of the world marble reserves.
Turkey is the second-ranked exporter of jewelry in the world.
Turkey is the world's leading supplier of processed leather.
Turkey is the second-ranked supplier of textiles and garments to the EU.
Turkey is the fifth-ranked carpet exporter in Europe.
Turkey is the sixth-ranked cotton producer in the world.
Turkey is the world's principal supplier of hazelnuts, chickpeas, fresh and dried figs, and apricots.
Turkey is the second-ranked supplier of cherry and watermelon in the world.
Turkey is the second-ranked producer of pine tree honey in the world.
Turkey is the second-ranked supplier of red lentils in the world.
Turkey is the third-ranked producer of tomatoes and second-ranked producer of tomato paste in the world.
Turkey is the third-ranked producer of olives and fourth-ranked producer and exporter of olive oil in the world.
Practical Informaiton About Turkey
Work Hours Banks are open weekdays from 8:30 am until noon or 12:30 am, depending on the bank, and from 1:30 am until 5.00 am. However, there are some banks which continue to serve during lunch breaks.
Museums are generally open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 am until 5.00 am or 5:30 pm and closed on Monday. Palaces are open the same hours but are closed on Thursdays. For specific information on museums, please visit our museums section.
Shops and bazaars are normally open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 1.00 pm and from 2.00 pm to 7.00 pm, and closed all day on Sunday. But most stores in shopping malls and crowded streets are open seven days a week, including lunch breaks.
You can find restaurants or cafes open virtually at any time of the day or night.
Mail-Telephone Calls
Post offices are painted bright yellow and have PTT (Post, Telegraph, and Telephone) signs on the front. The central Post office is open Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 9 am, Sunday from 9 am to 7am. Smaller ones are open Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 5.00 pm.
How do I make calls? To make calls from your mobile phone in Turkey , please dial by following these guidelines.
To call another Turkcell subscriber: Dial 0, the network code, and then the seven-digit number; 0 53x xxx xxxx
To call a fixed line within Turkey : Dial 0, the tree-digit area code, and then the seven digit number; 0 xxx xxx xxxx.
To call another GSM operator in Turkey : Dial 0, the operator's three-digit network code and then the seven-digit number ; 0 xxx xxxx
To call an international GSM number: Dial the international prefix + the country code the GSM Network code and then the mobile number.
To call an international fixed line: Dial the international prefix + the country code the area code and then the phone number.
To send an SMS to a domestic GSM subscriber: After writing your message dial 0 xxx xxx xxxx
To send an SMS to an international GSM number: After writing your message dial the international prefix + the country code the GSM network code and then the mobile number. Currency
As of 1 January 2005, the monetary unit in Turkey was changed to New Turkish Lira (YTL), which comes in bank notes of 1.00 YTL; 5.00 YTL; 10.00 YTL ; 20.00 YTL; 50.00 YTL and 100.00 YTL. Smaller denominations will come in coins of 1.00 YTL; 50 Ykr; 25Ykr; 10Ykr; 5Ykr and 1Ykr. "Ykr" stands for New Kurus which represent the cents of YTL.
In Turkey travellers' checks are rarely accepted. We recommend that you cash your travellers' checks at the banks. ATMs can be found in even the smallest Turkish towns. Most accept international credit cards or bank cards (a strip of logos is usually displayed above the ATM). Almost all ATMs have a language key to enable you to read the instructions in English. Credits cards are widely used in restaurants, cafés, shopping centers, super markets, boutiques, etc. VISA, MASTERCARD and EUROCARD are more widely accepted as compared to AMERICAN EXPRESS and DINERS Card.
Vat
The value-added tax, here called KDV, is 18%. Hotels typically combine it with a service charge of 10% to 15%, and restaurants usually add a 15% service charge. Value-added tax is nearly always included in quoted prices. Certain shops are authorized to refund the tax (ask).
Electricity
The electrical current in Turkey is 220 volts, 50 cycles alternating current (AC); wall outlets take Continental-type plugs, with two round prongs.
Safety & Security
The streets of Istanbul are considerably safer than their counterparts in the United States or Western Europe . Travelers should nevertheless take care of their valuables, as pickpockets, although not as common as in the U.S. or Europe , do operate in the major cities and tourist areas.
Standarts
Weights and measurements: Metric System Local Time: GMT+2hours (Summer).
Important Service Telephone Numbers Traffic:154 Police:155 Gendarmerie:156 Fire:110 Emergency: 112 InternationalOperator:118 Municipal Police: 153
Kaydol:
Kayıtlar (Atom)
