Jahra
Jahra is a town located to the north-west of Kuwait City in Kuwait which mainly consists of agricultural areas. Jahra is part of the Al Jahr?' governerate of Kuwait. Population 67,311 (1980) The historic Red Fort (Qasr Al-Ahmar) of Jahra resides within the town. It is the site of the famous "Battle of Jahra" which took place in the 1920s and is now a national monument.
Bishkek
Bishkek is the capital of the Kyrgyz Republic (Kyrgyzstan). Bishkek is a relatively new city set along the Tien Shan mountains in the Chui Valley. Bishkek has little in the way of historical sites, but is a great base for trips to the mountains, Issyk Kul and other sites to the south. Many young travellers find Bishkek's nightlife a delight and the people are friendly and very hospitable. Bishkek is a city of largely young people that hang out in the parks or small cafes.
Jalal-Abad
Jalal-Abad Province, also know as Jalalabat, is a province of Kyrgyzstan. Its capital is the city of the same name, Jalal-Abad. The area has several mountain lakes, walnut forests, and mineral waters.
Naryn
Naryn Province is a province of Kyrgyzstan. Its capital is Naryn. It is known as a location of Torugart Pass border crossing to China as well as of Son-Kul and Chatyr-Kul lakes and Tash Rabat.
Karakol
Karakol is a city in Kyrgyzstan. Karakol is a true gem in the rough, just awaiting a master jeweler to polish her up. It holds great potential as a future tourism destination, offering year-round trekking; mountaineering; skiing, and spaaing opportunities, set in a picture perfect setting of traditional Russian homes.
This town was formerly called Przewalsk during the Soviet era. It is located at the far end of the Lake Issyk Kyl, nestled in the Tien Shan mountains, and is the capital of the Issyk Kul Oblast (region).
This town was formerly called Przewalsk during the Soviet era. It is located at the far end of the Lake Issyk Kyl, nestled in the Tien Shan mountains, and is the capital of the Issyk Kul Oblast (region).
Osh
Osh Province is a province of Kyrgyzstan. Its capital is Osh. Although only about 14,5% of the population of Kyrgyzstan are Uzbek, almost all of them are located in Osh Province.
Vientiane
Vientiane is the capital of Laos. Compared to the hectic, bustling capitals in other Southeast Asia countries, Vientiane's deliciously relaxing atmosphere makes it feel like the small town it is. After you've done the round of temples, the best thing to do here is wander down to one of the riverside beer gardens, kick back with a cold Beerlao - the Lao national beer - and watch the sun set over the Mekong.
Huay Xai
Huay Xai is the capital of the Laos province of Bokgo. It lies on the banks of the Mekong river, which forms the border to Thailand. More or less a transport stop-over, there is not much to see in the small town.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang The main road, Xiang Thong, of Luang Prabang is a wonderful patchwork of traditional Lao wooden houses and hints of European architecture - reminders of when Laos was part of the French colony of Indochine. Golden-roofed wats (temples), decorated with mosaics and murals of the life of Buddha sit under the gaze of wrap-around balconies and 19th century shuttered windows.
Luang Namtha
Luang Namtha is the largest city in Luang Namtha Province, Laos. It lies on the banks of the Namtha river, and the meaning of the name is "The area (luang) around Namtha river". The city all tho has sites in within is generally used to go trekking in the hill tribe villages in the area.
Muang Xay
Muang Xay also known as Oudomxay, the capital of the multiethnic province of Oudomxay, located in the Nam Ko River Basin and surrounded by scenic mountains. The town is formed by small villages at an important intersection between China and Vietnam, and the city has a get a unique multicultural atmosphere.
Pakbeng
Pakbeng is in Bakeo Province, Laos. This small village lies half-way between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang on the banks of the Mekong river. You will likely be in Pakbeng because the two-day boat between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang has to stop for the night. It`s also the eastern end of Road 2, originating in Udom Xai. To call Pakbeng sleepy is an understatement. It's quiet to the point of being dead. Electricity goes out at 10.30pm, when the generator is shut down for the night.
Pakbeng is in the Golden Triangle, and in the midst of one of the world's drugs production areas. From the moment you set your foot in Pakbeng, you will be offered weed and opium, plus cocaine and amphetamines, the latter usually Burmese in origin. If you are stupid enough to buy anything, you are highly likely to soon be approached by a different guy with a more or less fake police badge, who apparently will give you in to the police if you don't pay, usually USD 20-50. It cannot be said often enough; when in Asia, stay away from drugs!!
Pakbeng is in the Golden Triangle, and in the midst of one of the world's drugs production areas. From the moment you set your foot in Pakbeng, you will be offered weed and opium, plus cocaine and amphetamines, the latter usually Burmese in origin. If you are stupid enough to buy anything, you are highly likely to soon be approached by a different guy with a more or less fake police badge, who apparently will give you in to the police if you don't pay, usually USD 20-50. It cannot be said often enough; when in Asia, stay away from drugs!!
Pakse
Pakse is the capital of Champasak province in Laos. Pakse (pop. 70,000) is one of the biggest towns in Laos and a major transportation hub for southern Laos. If you plan to go to the Bolaven Plateau or Si Phan Don you will probably have to spend some time here.
Savannakhet
Savannakhet is the capital of Savannakhet Province, and is located alongside the Mekong River. With a population of about 120,000 it is the second largest city of Laos, and widely considered to be its business capital.
Beirut
Beirut is the capital city of Lebanon with a population of approximately 2.1 million people in its metropolitan area. The city is located on a relatively small headland jutting into the east Mediterranean. It is by far the biggest city in Lebanon. Due to Lebanon's small size the capital has always held the status as the only true cosmopolitan city in the country, and ever since the independence, has been the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon. 20km to its North is Jounieh, a city very closely associated with Beirut.
Byblos
Byblos is an ancient phoenician city located about 35 Kilometers (23 miles) north of the capital Beirut in modern day Lebanon. The city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Byblos is a true microcosm of the civilizations that have populated Lebanon over the centuries. Believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, the modern port city of Byblos is built upon multiple layers of ruins, dating back to as early as the Stone Age and extending to the more recent Ottoman days. A visit to Byblos is a chance to walk through the annals of Lebanese history and experience firsthand the diverse cultures that have made this area a mosaic of civilizations. Byblos is not simply a picturesque seaside town, but has a history that has been closely tied to the Mediterranean for millennia
Sidon
Sidon is the third-largest city in Lebanon. It is located in the South Governorate of Lebanon, on the Mediterranean coast, about 40 km (25 mi) north of Tyre and 40 km (25 mi) south of the capital Beirut. Its name means a fishery. It is a city of 200,000 inhabitants mainly of the Muslim Sunni, Shiite, Greek Catholic and Maronite.
Tripoli
Tripoli Tripoli has a population of 1.69 million. The city is located in the northwest of the country on the edge of the desert, on a point of rocky land projecting into the Mediterranean Sea and forming a bay. Tripoli was founded in the 7th century BC by the Phoenicians, who named it Oea.
Tripoli is the largest city, the principal sea port, and the largest commercial and manufacturing centre in Libya. It is also the site of Al-Fateh University. Due to the city's long history, there are many sites of archaeological significance in Tripoli. The climate is typical Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers, cool winters and some modest rainfall.
Tripoli is the largest city, the principal sea port, and the largest commercial and manufacturing centre in Libya. It is also the site of Al-Fateh University. Due to the city's long history, there are many sites of archaeological significance in Tripoli. The climate is typical Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers, cool winters and some modest rainfall.
Zahle
Zahle is the capital of Beqaa Governorate, Lebanon. With around 100,000 inhabitants[1], which makes it the 3rd largest city in Lebanon. The population is mostly Christian. Zahle is called the bride of the Bekaa Valley. It is famous for its clean air, its resorts and its food.
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia. Literally meaning "muddy estuary" in Malay, KL has grown from a small sleepy Chinese tin-mining village to a bustling metropolis (city population 1.6 million) in just 150 years. With the world's cheapest 5-star hotels, great shopping and even better food, increasing numbers of travellers are discovering this little gem of a city.
Georgetown
Georgetown is the capital of the island and state of Penang, on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia. It was listed by UNESCO in 2008 as a World Heritage Site, together with fellow former Straits Settlement, Melaka. Founded in 1786 by British trader Francis Light, Georgetown was one of the three Straits Settlements along with Malacca and Singapore. Modern-day Georgetown is one of Malaysia's largest cities with 600,000 inhabitants.
Ipoh
Ipoh is the state capital of Perak, on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia. The name Ipoh originated from a local tree known as the pokok ipoh. This particular plant is known for its tree sap, which is poisonous and was traditionally used by the Orang Asli (aboriginal people) in their blowdarts. Ipoh is also known as san seng (??) which means "city surrounded by mountains" in Cantonese. Ipoh is located in the rich tin bearing valley of the Kinta River. It grew up as a mining town. During the British Colonial Era, Ipoh was the second city of Malaysia. Its railway station is an excellent example of the architecture of this period. It is situated in the "Old Town" of Ipoh.
Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru is the capital city of Johor in southern Malaysia. It is within walking distance from Singapore, and receives more than 60% of the country's annual 16 million foreign tourists via its bridges and road links to Singapore. With a population of approximately 876,000 in the city, it is the fourth most populated city in Malaysia. Johor Bahru also has a population of 1.73 million in the greater metropolitan area and 6.49 million in the Singapore-Johor Bahru conurbation, which is one of the highest in Southeast Asia.
Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah, a state in Malaysia, as well as the capital of the West Coast Division of Sabah. Located on the northwest coast of the island of Borneo facing the South China Sea and Tunku Abdul Rahman Park on one side, and with Mount Kinabalu in the background, Kota Kinabalu sprawls for kilometers along the coast and towards inland. With an estimated population of 543,765 in the city and 700,000 in the urban area, it is the largest urban centre in Sabah and the sixth largest in Malaysia.
Kuching
Kuching is the capital and largest city of the East Malaysian state of Sarawak and the district of Kuching.
Once the capital of the White Rajahs of Sarawak, now with a population of some 600,000, Kuching is small enough to walk around but interesting enough to keep you there for several days, and a good base for exploring Sarawak. It's safe and relatively clean. The name of the city, Kuching, is thought to derive from the Malay word kucing, meaning cat. Many of the locals refer to Kuching as the "Cat City" but it more likely comes from the Chinese word for port ("cochin") coupled with the Malay name mata kucing (cat's-eye) for the longan fruit, a popular trade item.
Once the capital of the White Rajahs of Sarawak, now with a population of some 600,000, Kuching is small enough to walk around but interesting enough to keep you there for several days, and a good base for exploring Sarawak. It's safe and relatively clean. The name of the city, Kuching, is thought to derive from the Malay word kucing, meaning cat. Many of the locals refer to Kuching as the "Cat City" but it more likely comes from the Chinese word for port ("cochin") coupled with the Malay name mata kucing (cat's-eye) for the longan fruit, a popular trade item.
Malacca
Malacca is the capital of the state of Malacca, on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia. Modern-day Malacca is a sleepy city that belies its wealth of history. However, its rich historical background enabled it to be honoured one of World Heritage Sites in July 2008.
Miri
Miri is a small city in northern Sarawak on the Malaysian island of Borneo. It has a population of about 300,000.
By itself, Miri city has much to offer to travellers with spectacular diving paradises, breathtaking national parks, frequent festivals and international events, multiracial and multicultural festive seasons, and plenty of delicious food. It also plays an important role as a transport hub for northern Sarawak, where interconnecting flights to the rural hinterlands of Borneo is crucial and available mainly from Miri. The city is the gateway to the Gunung Mulu National Park, which is a World Heritage Site, and the Kelabit Highlands of the interior of Sarawak. The Niah Cave, where it contains one of the oldest human remains in South East Asia, is located about 100km away. One may also use Miri as a transit point whether coming from or going to Brunei.
By itself, Miri city has much to offer to travellers with spectacular diving paradises, breathtaking national parks, frequent festivals and international events, multiracial and multicultural festive seasons, and plenty of delicious food. It also plays an important role as a transport hub for northern Sarawak, where interconnecting flights to the rural hinterlands of Borneo is crucial and available mainly from Miri. The city is the gateway to the Gunung Mulu National Park, which is a World Heritage Site, and the Kelabit Highlands of the interior of Sarawak. The Niah Cave, where it contains one of the oldest human remains in South East Asia, is located about 100km away. One may also use Miri as a transit point whether coming from or going to Brunei.
Putrajaya
Putrajaya an "Intelligent Garden City" and the federal administrative capital of Malaysia, is a showcase city under construction some 30 km south of the capital Kuala Lumpur. Adjacent sister city Cyberjaya is built along the same lines, but is aimed at attracting the IT industry. The area is formerly known as Prang Besar.
Male
Male is the capital of Maldives. The city occupies the entire islet of Mal? and is located at the southern rim of North Male Atoll. The island is 1.7 km long and 1.0 km wide, but with over 80,000 people crammed onto it, Male is by some measures the world's densest city. The new island of Hulhumal?, built (as the name says) between Male and Hulhule, is being reclaimed from the sea to provide some much-needed extra space.
Addu
Addu is the southernmost atoll in the Maldives. Hithadhoo, its capital, was the base of the short-lived United Suvadive Republic secessionist movement in 1959–1963.
Gan International Airport (IATA: GAN) can be reached from the capital, Male, in a beautiful unforgettable 60-minute-flight over the southern atolls of the Maldives. The airport has been upgraded to international status and is scheduled to start receiving direct charters from Europe in 2007.
Gan International Airport (IATA: GAN) can be reached from the capital, Male, in a beautiful unforgettable 60-minute-flight over the southern atolls of the Maldives. The airport has been upgraded to international status and is scheduled to start receiving direct charters from Europe in 2007.
Ulan Bator
Ulan Bator is the capital and, with a population of around 1,000,000, also the largest city in Mongolia. In fact, according to recent estimates, this means approximately 1/3 of the country lives here. It is located just east of the center of the country.
Olgii
Olgii is the capital of the Bayan-?lgii Aimag (province) of Mongolia, located in the extreme west of the country. It has an altitude of 1710 meters (5610 feet). City population is 28,400
Erdenet
Erdenet is the second-largest city in Mongolia and the capital of the aimag (province) of Orkhon. Located in the northern part of the country, it lies in a valley between the Selenge and Orkhon rivers about 150 miles (240 km) northwest of Ulan Bator, the capital.
The city was built in 1975 to exploit Asia's largest deposit of copper ore and has the fourth largest copper mine in the world. The "Erdenet Combine" is a joint Mongolian-Russian venture, and accounts for a majority of Mongolia's hard currency income.
The city was built in 1975 to exploit Asia's largest deposit of copper ore and has the fourth largest copper mine in the world. The "Erdenet Combine" is a joint Mongolian-Russian venture, and accounts for a majority of Mongolia's hard currency income.
Hovd
Hovd is a city in the Hovd province of Mongolia. The history of Hovd dates back about 240 years. At the center of the town there is a ruined fort, where the Manchu dynasty Viceroy lived with his troops. Mongolian revolutionaries chased them out in 1912. While the Manchus were ruling, they planted trees along the main streets that can still be seen today.
Tsetserleg
Tsetserleg is the capital of Arkhangai province. The town is located in a beautiful forested valley in the Khangay mountains; it has a population of around 20,000, and is generally considered to be the most pleasant of Mongolia's provicial capitals.
Ulaangom
Ulaangom is the capital of Uvs province. The city is located near the shores of Lake Uvs Nuur, and has a population of around 27,000. It has an extreme and harsh climate, with temperatures often dropping as low as -45?C in the Winter while rising to as high as +40?C during the Summer. While the city does not boast an abundance of tourist attractions, it serves as a good base to explore the north-west corner of Mongolia.
Uliastai
Uliastai is a city in Mongolia. It is located in the western part of the country, 1,115 kilometers from the capital Ulan Bator. Uliastai is the capital of Zavkhan Province and was the 10th most populous city in the country with a population of 24,276 (2000 census), now this city has 16,300 population and is at 17th position.
Naypyidaw
Naypyidaw is the capital of Myanmar. Naypyidaw means "Royal City", but is also translated as "abode of kings". The administrative capital of Burma was officially moved to a greenfield site 3 kilometres west of Pyinmana on 6 November 2005. Naypyidaw is approximately 320 kilometres north of Yangon. The capital's official name was announced on Armed Forces Day in March 2006.
Yangon
Yangon was the capital of Myanmar until it was superseded by Naypyidaw in November 2005. The city is an amalgamation of British, Burmese, Chinese, and Indian influences, and is known for its colonial architecture, which although decaying, remains an almost unique example of a 19th-century British colonial capital. New high-rise buildings were constructed from the 1990s as the government began to allow private investment. However, Yangon continues to be a city of the past, as seen by its lyongi-wearing pedestrians, its street vendors, and its pungent smells.
Bago
Bago is the capital city of Bago Division in Myanmar. From Yangon, leave in the morning by taxi (US$40-50), or by bus (from the corner of Strand and Sule Pagoda Road and also from the Aung Mingalar Bus Terminal), or by train (US$4 each way, all Mandalay and Mawlamyine bound trains stop there). A taxi is the best because you'll need one to see the sights in Bago (which are quite far apart) and you can stop at Taukkyan on the way.
Mandalay
Mandalay is the second largest city (after Yangon), and a former capital of Myanmar. The city is the economic and religious hub of upper Myanmar. The city is centred around the Royal Palace, and has wide lanes filled with bicycles and motorcycles. Mandalay is known for its millionaires, its monks (half of the country's monks reside in Mandalay and surrounding areas), and its cultural diversity.
Mawlamyine
Mawlamyine is the third largest city of Burma (Myanmar), situated 300 km south east of Yangon at the mouth of Thanlwin (Salween) river. The city of 300,000 is the capital and largest city of Mon State, Myanmar, and is the main trading center and seaport in south-eastern Burma.
Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the largest city and capital of Nepal and the namesake of the Kathmandu Valley. Once thought to be the fabled and inaccessible Shangri-La, Kathmandu is now a hub for independent travelers as well as a growing vacation spot catering to all budgets.
Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur is known variously as “City of Culture", "Living Heritage", "Nepal's Cultural Gem", "An open museum" and a City of Devotees”. Bhaktapur is an ancient city and is renowned for its elegant art, fabulous culture, colorful festivals, traditional dances and indigenous lifestyle of Newari community. It is just 12 kilometers east of Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, but gives the feeling of prehistoric times given the ambiance of traditional homes, lifestyles and environment.
Biratnagar
Biratnagar is a city in Morang district, eastern Nepal. With a population of nearly 170,000, Biratnagar in the second largest city in Nepal, and it is located near the Terai on the south-eastern border with India.
Birgunj
Birgunj is a city in Parsa district, Nepal. The city is located on the borders with the Indian state of Bihar, and is a major point of entry for goods coming from India and also the port of Kolkata.
Janakpur
Janakpur is a city in Nepal. Janakpur Municipality is the District HQ of Dhanusha and a busy historic religious centre with an estimated population approaching 90,000 people. It is home to the historic 500-year old Janaki Temple, a major attraction for Indian Hindu pilgrims and international tourists. Janakpur is also the birthplace of the Goddess Sita and place of her marriage to the God Ram while the “city of ponds” is also home for Nepal’s only railway and railhead (a tourist attraction for steam international locomotive enthusiasts), and many annual colourful festivals. Dhanusha (Janakpur in particular) is regarded as the world centre of Mithila Culture.
Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar (3440m) is the unofficial capital of the Khumbu region of Nepal, and is a major stop-off point for trekkers and climbers heading for Mount Everest base camp.
The village is located on crescent shaped mountain slopes that offer stunning views of the mountains across the valley. It is a grueling 3 to 4 hour climb up from the river to Namche, and at 3,500 meters, it is possible to suffer altitude sickness here. Therefore, it is advisable to spend at least two nights in the village to acclimatize.
The village is located on crescent shaped mountain slopes that offer stunning views of the mountains across the valley. It is a grueling 3 to 4 hour climb up from the river to Namche, and at 3,500 meters, it is possible to suffer altitude sickness here. Therefore, it is advisable to spend at least two nights in the village to acclimatize.
Nepalgunj
Nepalgunj is a the district headquarter of Banke District in the Bheri region of Mid Western Nepal.
Nepalgunj is a town near the Uttar Pradesh border of India. Although this is Nepal, the topography is flat like a pan, as the southern strip of Nepal is the northern extension of the great Gangetic Plane, called "Avadh" or in Nepali Terai. The town has a busy bazaar area and the highest percentage of Muslim peopulation of any town in Nepal. The Himalayan foot-hills are only seen in the distance.
Nepalgunj is a town near the Uttar Pradesh border of India. Although this is Nepal, the topography is flat like a pan, as the southern strip of Nepal is the northern extension of the great Gangetic Plane, called "Avadh" or in Nepali Terai. The town has a busy bazaar area and the highest percentage of Muslim peopulation of any town in Nepal. The Himalayan foot-hills are only seen in the distance.
Patan
Patan is a one of the largest cities in Nepal and is located just across the Bungamti river from Kathmandu. Like its larger neighbor, Patan also boasts a Durbar Square full of temples, statues, and palaces and, in addition, has the must-see attraction of Patan Museum. As a traditional center of handicrafts, Patan is a great place to purchase jewelry, Buddha statues and masks.
Pokhara
Pokhara is the third largest city in Nepal. It is the starting point for most of the treks in the Annapurna area. It is considered by many to be the most beautiful place in the whole wide world.
Pyongyang
Pyongyang is the capital and largest city of North Korea, located on the Taedong River The official population of the city is not disclosed; given as 2,741,260 in 1993, it was reported as 2.5 and 3.8 million in 2002 and 2003 by Chongryon, a pro-North Korean organization in Japan.
Kaesong
Kaesong is a city in North Korea, near the DMZ and the South Korean border. Kaesong is a small city and former capital of Koryo Dynasty (918 A.D. - 1392 A.D.). It is the only major city that changed hands between North and South Korea as a result of the Korean War. It is becoming increasingly well-known for the Kaesong Industrial Complex, a "special economic zone", developed by Hyundai Asan with the North Koreas. This zone now has over 10,000 North Korean workers in over a dozen brand-new factories owned by South Korean companies.
Nampho
Nampho is a city and seaport in South P'yongan Province, North Korea. It was a provincial-level Directly Governed City (Chikhalsi) from 1980 to 2004, when it was designated a "Special City" (T'?kg?psi) and made a part of South P'yongan.
Muscat
Muscat is the capital and largest city of the Sultanate of Oman. It is also the seat of government and largest city in the Governorate of Muscat. As of 2008, the population of the Muscat metropolitan area was 1,090,797. The metropolitan area spans approximately 1500 km? and includes six wilayats. Known since the early 1st century CE as an important trading port between the west and the east, Muscat was ruled by various indigenous tribes as well as foreign powers such as the Persians and the Portuguese Empire at various points in its history.
Ibra
Ibra is the Second largest city in the Ash Sharqiyah Region in Oman. Ibra is located about 140 km (1.5 hours) from Muscat. The population is estimated at 35,000 people.
Ibra is one of the oldest cities in Oman and it was once a center of trade, religion, education and art. Ibra acquired its importance because it has been an important meeting point at the base of the AsSharqiya.
Ibra is one of the oldest cities in Oman and it was once a center of trade, religion, education and art. Ibra acquired its importance because it has been an important meeting point at the base of the AsSharqiya.
Nizwa
Nizwa is the largest city in the Ad Dakhiliyah region of Oman. It was once the capital of Oman Proper which is an historic area within the present-day Oman. The population is estimated at around 70,000 including its areas of Burkat Al Mooz and Al Jabel Al Akhdar.
Salalah
Salalah is the capital of Oman's southernmost Dhofar region. It is often considered to be the "second city" of the Sultanate, although some of this designation is probably due to its distinction as Sultan Qaboos' birthplace.
The Dhofar region is famous for its khareef (monsoon), and the Khareef Festival is an annual event here. Many locals will in fact be quite surprised to see non-Arab visitors at other times of year.
The Dhofar region is famous for its khareef (monsoon), and the Khareef Festival is an annual event here. Many locals will in fact be quite surprised to see non-Arab visitors at other times of year.
Sohar
Sohar is a city 100 km north of Muscat. It is the home city of Sindbad the sailor and is located near the Sawadi Island diving paradise.
The coastal city of Sohar was once an important Islamic port and the largest town in the country. Nowadays, Sohar has a new port under construction, being built at a cost of RO120million. The city is renowned for its copper deposits, and archaeological evidence points to copper extraction being carried out 5000 years ago. There are still three copper mines in operation in Sohar with over 18 million tons of copper deposits.
The coastal city of Sohar was once an important Islamic port and the largest town in the country. Nowadays, Sohar has a new port under construction, being built at a cost of RO120million. The city is renowned for its copper deposits, and archaeological evidence points to copper extraction being carried out 5000 years ago. There are still three copper mines in operation in Sohar with over 18 million tons of copper deposits.
Islamabad
Islamabad has been the capital of Pakistan since 1963. A relatively quiet city, it consists of mainly Federal Government offices, Parliment House, the official residences of the President and Prime Minister along with the Diplomatic Enclave, an area next to the Parliament House dedicated to foreign embassies and missions appointed in Pakistan.
Karachi
Karachi capital of the province of Sindh, is the Financial capital and the largest city of Pakistan,with a metropolitan population usually ranked among the top 5 cities in the world. Karachi is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, north-west of the Indus River Delta and has a mild climate. The city is the financial and commercial centre as well as the largest port of the country.
Lahore
Lahore is Pakistan's second largest city, and the capital of the north-eastern Punjab province. It is widely considered the country's cultural capital. The heart of Lahore is the Walled or Inner City, a very densely populated area of about one square kilometre. Founded in legendary times, and a cultural centre for over a thousand years, Lahore has many attractions to keep the tourist busy. The Mughal and Sikh legacy survives in the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque and Gurdwara, the Mall is lined with colonial-gothic buildings from the British Raj, and the suburbs of Gulberg and Defence feature palatial mansions and trendy shopping districts.
Multan
Multan is a city in the Punjab (Pakistan) in Pakistan. Famous for its numerous Sufi dargahs (tombs) and mosques, it's long been one of the country's religious and pilgrimage centers and is an interesting stop for travelers.
Faisalabad
Faisalabad is a city located in the province of Punjab, Pakistan. It was formerly known as Lyallpur. Faisalabad is the third largest city in Pakistan with an estimated 2006 population of 2.6 million (city proper). The entire district had a population of about 5.4 million in 1998[3]. It is an important industrial centre located in the Punjab province, west of Lahore. The city-district of Faisalabad is bound on the north by the districts of Gujranwala and Sheikhupura, on the east by Sahiwal, on the south by Toba Tek Singh and on the west by Jhang.
Sialkot
Sialkot is a city in the northeast of the Pakistani province of Punjab. Sialkot is very ancient city, about 5000 years old. It was established by Raja Sul. It was invaded by by Alexander the Great in 327 AD . Its old name was as Sagala. It was reestablished by Raja S?lb?n in 200 AD. He also build a fort. It is basically an industrial city and fetch more then a billion US$ as foreign exchange every year. It is mostly visited by tourists on business assignments. During last few years, Sialkot is on road to progress with establishment of a dry port, an international airport, an international university and a under construction Sialkot Lahore Motorway.
Asia Travel Guides
Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent. It covers 8.6% of the Earth's total surface area and, with over 4 billion people, it contains more than 60% of the world's current human population. Chiefly in the eastern and northern hemispheres, Asia is traditionally defined as part of the landmass of Eurasia with the western portion of the latter occupied by Europe lying east of the Suez Canal, east of the Ural Mountains, and south of the Caucasus Mountains and the Caspian and Black Seas. It is bounded on the east by the Pacific Ocean, on the south by the Indian Ocean, and on the north by the Arctic Ocean. Given its size and diversity, Asia a toponym dating back to classical antiquity is more a cultural concept incorporating a number of regions and peoples than a homogeneous physical entit.
Asia Travel Directory
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Travel in Central Asia
We offer over 40 programs across Kyrgyz Republic,China and neighboring countries including - Silk Roadtours: travels, trekking, adventures, ascents, heliski,organization of expeditions. If you want to spend your timetaking an active rest, our company is waiting for you!
http://www.dostuck.com.kg
Volunteering Overseas
Volunteer Overseas Info, Fundraising, Safety and other usefuloverseas volunteering information.
http://www.volunteeringplanet.com
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Travel in Central Asia
We offer over 40 programs across Kyrgyz Republic,China and neighboring countries including - Silk Roadtours: travels, trekking, adventures, ascents, heliski,organization of expeditions. If you want to spend your timetaking an active rest, our company is waiting for you!
http://www.dostuck.com.kg
Volunteering Overseas
Volunteer Overseas Info, Fundraising, Safety and other usefuloverseas volunteering information.
http://www.volunteeringplanet.com
John Gray's Sea Canoe Natural History by Sea Kayaking in Thailand, Vietnam, Timor, Fiji, Philippines and Hawaii since 1983.
http://www.johngray-seacanoe.com/
Travel with us to Asia
travelwithustoasia.com inlcudes myanmar, laos, cambodia, vietnam, thailand, bhutan, china, taiwan, north korea
http://travelwithustoasia.com/
Travel Tour Information
At Bigtour4you.com you can get information on tour and travel. You can find all information regarding tours like tour guide, tour operator, travel services and many more.
http://www.bigtour4you.com
http://www.johngray-seacanoe.com/
Travel with us to Asia
travelwithustoasia.com inlcudes myanmar, laos, cambodia, vietnam, thailand, bhutan, china, taiwan, north korea
http://travelwithustoasia.com/
Travel Tour Information
At Bigtour4you.com you can get information on tour and travel. You can find all information regarding tours like tour guide, tour operator, travel services and many more.
http://www.bigtour4you.com
Muzaffarabad
Muzaffarabad is the capital of Azad Kashmir in Pakistan. Muzafarrabad was the epicenter of the October 2005 earthquake that killed over 75,000 people. The city is devastated and currently filled with tent camps and NGO's. Rebuilding is beginning slowly.
Peshawar
Peshawar is the capital of the North-West Frontier Province[1] and the administrative centre for the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan. "Peshawar" literally means The High Fort in Persian and is known as Pekhawar in Pashto. The area of the city has been ruled by numerous empires including the Afghan, Persian, Shahi, Greek, Maurya, Scythian, Arab, Turk, Mongol, Mughal, Sikh and the British.
Quetta
Quetta is the capital of Balochistan province in Pakistan. If you are taking the overland route from Istanbul to New Delhi without going through Afghanistan you will have to pass through Quetta. Quetta is an excellent base for exploration of Balochistan. Kan Mehtarzai (224 meters), the highest railway station in Asia, is a two-hour drive away. Loralai, the almond bowl of the country, is 265 km away. Besides, there are numerous other valleys that are fascinating places for explorers.
Manila
The City of Manila is the cosmopolitan capital of the Philippines located in the west coast of the island of Luzon. Up until World War II, Manila was considered one of the most beautiful cities in Asia but the war put the city into complete ruins. It was the second most destroyed city after Warsaw, Poland. But this modern capital-city is the premier Christian city of Asia and considered as one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world with a population of over 1.5 million people.
Angeles
Angeles City is in Pampanga province in the Central Luzon region of the Philippines. The city is rich in history and heritage, with old and historical significant buildings dotting its landscape, but these days it is perhaps best known for its notorious nightlife.
Bacolod
Bacolod is the capital city of the province of Negros Occidental. Visit for the warm atmosphere, climate-wise and people-wise (the city's catch phrase is "city of smiles"), and also for beaches, great food and history.
Baguio
Baguio is a city on the Cordillera mountain range in the middle of the island of Luzon, in the Philippines. Due to its cool mountain weather, Baguio is considered the summer capital of the Philippines. Because of its many pine trees it is also called the City of Pines.
Cagayan de Oro
Cagayan de Oro is known as "The City of Golden Friendship". It is located along the northern coast of Mindanao, south of the Philippines. It is the provincial capital of Misamis Oriental. The city has an population of about 460,000 people as of 2000 Census.
Cebu
Cebu is a city on Cebu Island in the Philippines. It is the Queen City of the South. It is the most popular destination in all of the Philippines for foreign tourists. Over 50% of all people visiting the Philippines as tourists list Cebu as their main destination. It is the largest sea port in the nation, the second largest Air hub and the second largest city in the country. It is the fastest growing large city in the nation with an annual growth of over 5% per year.
Davao
Davao is a city in the Philippines and is considered by many to be the most crime-free area in the country. Tourists are guarded not only by the police, but also by the people around.
Vigan
Vigan is in Northern Luzon. Its Spanish colonial influence in local architecture and old-world charm make it a unique city in the Philippines.
Zamboanga City
Zamboanga City is in the Mindanao region of the Philippines. Known as the City of Flowers, it is now one of the most important and busiest port cities in the Philippines. The Chavacano (popularly known as Zamboangueno, which is based on 70% Spanish words, and 30% Tagalog, Cebuano and other Philippine languages) made Zamboanga as "Asia's Latin City." This is also because of the same traditions with Spain, particularly the patroness Our Lady of the Pillar (which is also the Patroness of Spain).
Doha
Doha is the capital of Qatar. It is a modern and rapidly developing city and, considering the money being poured into construction, Doha looks set to become one of the premier cities in the Gulf within a few years.
Al Khor
Al-Khor is a city in Qatar. The city is far older than Doha, but much smaller (the population is roughly 31,000). It used to be the center of the now non-existent pearl trading industry, so now the city is undergoing renovation.
Riyadh
Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia. Known by local wags as the Dead Center of the Kingdom, Riyadh is the most straight-laced of the Kingdom's big cities. With most forms of entertainment banned, few sights of interest and a brutal climate, Riyadh is a business-only destination if there ever was one, but it's also the best place in the Kingdom to watch the continuing collision of tribal Wahhabi conservatism grappling with modern technology and Western influences.
Abha
Abha is the capital of Asir province in Saudi Arabia. It is situated at 2,200 metres (7,200 ft) above sea level in the fertile mountains of south-western Saudi Arabia near the National Park of Asir. Its mild climate makes it a popular tourist destination for Saudis.
Dhahran
Dhahran is located in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, and is a major administrative center for the Saudi oil industry. Large oil reserves were first identified in the Dhahran area in 1931, and in 1935 Standard Oil of California (now Chevron Corporation) drilled the first commercially viable oil well. Standard Oil later established a subsidiary in Saudi Arabia called the Arabian American Oil Company, now fully owned by the Saudi government as Saudi Aramco.
Jeddah
Jeddah is the main city of the Red Sea side of Saudi Arabia and the major commercial center of the country. Jeddah has been a port and trading city for centuries, which is reflected in its cosmopolitan mix of inhabitants. Today, it is the major commercial center of Saudi Arabia. It also has many government offices. Jeddah is known in the kingdom for its shopping districts, restaurants and cafes. It also hosts the largest Corniche or waterfront in the Kingdom with a great bunch of hotels, beaches and resorts clustered around it.
Ha'il
Ha'il is an oasis city in Nejd in northwestern Saudi Arabia. It is the capital of the Ha'il Province. The city has a population of 267,005 according to a 2004 census. Ha'il is largely agricultural, with significant grain, date, and fruit production. A large percentage of the kingdom's wheat production comes from Ha'il Province, where the area to the northeast, 60 km to 100 km away, consists of irrigated gardens. Traditionally Ha'il derived its wealth from being on the camel caravan route of the Hajj. Ha'il is well known by the generosity of its people in Saudi Arabia and the Arab world as it is the place where Hatim al-Tai lived.
Mecca
Mecca located in western Saudi Arabia, is the holiest city in Islam. As such it is forbidden for Non-Muslims to enter the city. Hajj,a pilgrimage to Mecca, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam (Profession of Faith, Prayer, Fasting, Charity, Pilgrimage) and thus obligatory for all Muslims with the physical and financial ability to make it. Over ten million Muslims visit the city during the month of Dhu'l-Hijjah yearly. Visits outside this month are known as minor pilgrimages or Umrah, and while not compulsory are strongly encouraged. Pilgrimages to Mecca have been undertaken for over 2000 years. Before the Islamic tradition began, Mecca was visited by Christians and Jews alike as they visited the Kaaba.
Mecca Travel Directory
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Make Hajj
Experienced tour guides, flexible payments, pre-hajj workshops and reliable services.
http://www.makehajj.com
Mecca Travel Directory
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Make Hajj
Experienced tour guides, flexible payments, pre-hajj workshops and reliable services.
http://www.makehajj.com
Medina
Medina is a city in Saudi Arabia, to the north of Mecca. Medina is the second holy city of Islam. The Prophet Mohammed migrated to Medina from Mecca, and taught there for some years before his triumphant return to Mecca.
Najran
Najran is a city in southwestern Saudi Arabia near the frontier with Yemen. It is the capital of Najran Province. Designated a New town by the Saudi Government in 1965, Najran is one of the fastest-growing cities in the kingdom, its population having risen from 47,500 in (1974) and 90,983 in 1992 to 246,880 in 2004 (census figures}. Saudi Arabia annexed 'Asir, Najran, and Jizan from Yemen in 1934. The population belongs mostly to the ancient tribe of Yam and Yam Al- Arega
Taif
Taif Taif is a city in Saudi Arabia. It is in the mountains near Mecca and is used as the summer capital, letting the royal family get out of the much hotter Riyadh.
Seoul
Seoul is the capital of South Korea. With a population of over 10.5 million, Seoul is by far South Korea's largest city and one of East Asia's financial and cultural epicenters. Founded in the 14th century, Seoul was the capital of Korea before its occupation by the Japanese and subsequent division following World War II. Since 1948, Seoul has been the capital of South Korea. Occupied twice during the Korean War by Communist forces, the city was extensively rebuilt and today is one of Asia's modern metropolises.
Busan
Busan is a city surrounded by South Gyeongsang, South Korea. With nearly four million people, Busan is South Korea's second largest city and the country's largest seaport (a few years back, the government made the official English-language spelling "Busan" rather than the outdated "Pusan" as the former sounds more like the native pronunciation). Although the city does have some historical cultural sites to see--such as Geumjeong Fortress--these sites pale in comparison to other attractions Busan is known for, including beaches, hot springs, and nature reserves in addition to the city's international film festival held each fall.
Daegu
Daegu is the fourth largest city in South Korea after Seoul, Busan, and Incheon.[2] It is the capital of Gyeongsangbuk-do province, although it is not legally part of that province. As with South Korea's other metropolitan cities, Daegu's government reports directly to the national government.
Daejeon
Daejeon is a capital city of Chungcheongnamdo Province and metropolitan city in the center of South Korea. It is the fifth largest city of South Korea, with a population of 1,442,856 at the end of 2005.[1] It is at the crossroads of Gyeongbu railway, Honam railway, Gyeongbu highway, and Honam highway. Within the city limits lies Daedeok Science Town, an area with more than 200 research institutions.
Jeju
Jeju is an island off the southern coast of South Korea. Jeju Special Self-Governing Province is the premier tourist destination in Korea. Scenic beaches, waterfalls, cliffs and caves lie in harmony, and the mild weather makes Jeju island an even more ideal tourist destination. Mt. Hallasan in Jeju island has flora and fauna of both temperate and tropical varieties, coexisting on the mountain. The Jungmun Tourist Complex is a comprehensive tourist resort and provides top-quality accommodations and tourist facilities.
Jeonju
Jeonju is a city in South Korea, and the capital of Jeollabuk-do, or North Jeolla Province. It is an important tourist center famous for Korean food, historic buildings, sports activities and innovative festivals.
Gwangju
Gwangju also known as Kwangju, is in South Jeolla, South Korea. Gwangju is best known for the Gwangju Massacre of May 1980, in which at least 207 (the number is disputed) students were killed by army forces suppressing a pro-democracy demonstration.
Gyeongju
Gyeongju is in North Gyeongsang province, South Korea. Gyeongju is the former capital of the kingdom of Silla, which ruled most of Korea in the 7th to the 9th century. Due to a history of more than 1,000 years as the residence of Korean rulers it holds a rich heritage of sights and remains of that period. The city undertakes a lot of effort to preserve that heritage.
Chuncheon
Chuncheon City is the capital Gangwon, the northeasternmost province of South Korea. For travelers weary of Seoul's crowds and big city atmosphere, Chuncheon can be an ideal place to spend several days. The area, surrounded by rivers and hills, offers a variety of relaxing outdoor activities and small town pace.
Colombo
Colombo is the capital and the business centre of Sri Lanka. Weather wise, the best time to visit is during the North East monsoon season, which is November to April Sri Lanka is a safe country with tight security. The humanitarian movement continues to provide a very safe atmosphere.
Jaffna
Jaffna is the cultural town of the Tamil people of Sri Lanka. Jaffna District, the northernmost region of the Island of Sri Lanka, is one of the oldest habitation sites in Lower South Asia, populated by Tamil speaking people. Jaffna is situated within ten degrees of latitude to the north of the equator. It is in close proximity to the sub-continent of India and separated from it by the Palk Strait and the Bay of Bengal.
Galle
Galle is a town situated on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka, 119 km from Colombo. Galle was known as Gimhathiththa (although Ibn Batuta in the 14th century refers to it as Qali) before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century, when it was the main port on the island. Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, before the arrival of the British, who developed the harbor at Colombo. The major river is Gin River which starts from Gongala Kanda and passing villages such as Neluwa, Nagoda, Baddegama, Thelikada, Wakwella and kisses the sea at Ginthota. In Wakwella over the river there is Wakwella Bridge which is the longest bridge in Sri Lanka.
Kandy
Kandy is located at the center of Sri Lanka and is generally recognized as the island nation's cultural capital. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
This is the last kingdom of the country. Since it was conquered by the British only around 1815 you can still see the living traditions. Kandyans are usually proud of their heritage.
This is the last kingdom of the country. Since it was conquered by the British only around 1815 you can still see the living traditions. Kandyans are usually proud of their heritage.
Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya is a city in the Hill Country of Sri Lanka. Its temperate climate gives the city a very different feel from other parts of the country and, along with the colonial architecture, has earned it the name 'Little England'.
Trincomalee
Trincomalee is a district, a bay and a port city on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka, about 110 miles northeast of Kandy. The town is built on a peninsula, which divides the inner and outer harbours. It is one of the main centers of Tamil speaking culture on the island. Historically referred to as Gokanna[1], it has been a sea port that has played a major role in maritime and international trading history of Sri Lanka.
Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Lankan civilization. The city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies 205 km north of the current capital Colombo in Sri Lanka's North Central Province, on the banks of the historic Malvathu Oya.
Founded in the 4th century BC, it was the capital of the Anuradhapura Kingdom until the beginning of the 11th century AD. During this period it remained one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia. The ancient city, considered sacred to the Buddhist world, is today surrounded by monasteries covering an area of over sixteen square miles. Anuradhapura is also significant in Hindu legend as the fabled capital of the Asura King Ravana in the Ramayana.
Founded in the 4th century BC, it was the capital of the Anuradhapura Kingdom until the beginning of the 11th century AD. During this period it remained one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia. The ancient city, considered sacred to the Buddhist world, is today surrounded by monasteries covering an area of over sixteen square miles. Anuradhapura is also significant in Hindu legend as the fabled capital of the Asura King Ravana in the Ramayana.
Polannaruwa
Polonnaruwa is a city in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I in the 11th century AD and maintained its status until the 13th century. In 1982 the ancient city of Polonnaruwa was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Kurunegala
Kurunegala is the capital of the Wayamba Province, Sri Lanka and the Kurunegala District. A transport hub, it has a railway station, and several main roads linking important parts of the country. It is situated about 94km from Colombo, and 42km from Kandy. Kurunegala has a population of 28,571. Ethagala a rock reaching 316 meters, towers over the town, which is located at an altitude of 116 meters above sea level.
Ratnapura
Ratnapura is the name of the provincial capital of Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka and the Ratnapura District in which the town is situated. Some say the modern name is derived from the Portuguese name Rapadura for jaggery, the palm candy produced traditionally in this region, but the more common explanation in Sri Lanka is that it comes from the Sinhala "ratna" meaning gems and "pura" meaning city.
Badulla
Badulla is the capital of Uva Province, Sri Lanka. It is located on the southeast of Kandy, almost encircled by the Badulu Oya River, about 680 metres above sea level and is surrounded by tea plantations. The town is overshadowed by the Namunukula range of mountains. It was the base of Sinhalese princes who ruled the area under the king in Kandy before it became part of the British Empire. Later, it became the administrative hub of the British rulers. The city was the end point of upcountry railway line built by the British in order to take plantation products to Colombo.
Gampaha
Gampaha is an urban city in Sri Lanka and is the capital of the Gampaha District in Western Province, north of Colombo. Gampaha District is separated from Colombo mainly by the Kelani River.
Damascus
Damascus is the capital of Syria and its largest city, with about 4.5 million people. Established between 10,000 to 8,000BC, Damascus is credited with being the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. The old walled city, in particular, feels very ancient and is comprised of a maze of narrow alleys, punctuated by enigmatic doors that lead into pleasing, verdant courtyards and blank-faced houses.
Aleppo
Aleppo is the second largest city in Syria - population 1.7 million. As it is in any Islamic country, the call to prayer is called out from mosques five times a day starting in the early morning. It can be a beautiful sound. The people of Aleppo were possibly the most friendly people that I have met in my travels. Regular folk on the street will offer you a chair if you seem tired and then offer you some water or tea.
Deir-az-Zur
Deir-az-Zur is a city in Syria. Its name may also be spelled Deir-ez-Zor, Deir Ezzor or any number of other variations.
Deir-az-Zur is a relatively young city so does not contain any spectacular ruins - though there are many extra-ordinary archaeological sites in the region. The city is flanked on one side by the Euphrates river and on the other by the stretch of desert which leads to Palmyra. It is not a tourist-oriented city, which can add to some of its appeal if you have come from Palmyra. There is a museum to visit and a famous suspension bridge over the Euphrates as well as a small souk. It sits about 300km south-east of Aleppo and about 200km to the east of Palmyra.
Deir-az-Zur is a relatively young city so does not contain any spectacular ruins - though there are many extra-ordinary archaeological sites in the region. The city is flanked on one side by the Euphrates river and on the other by the stretch of desert which leads to Palmyra. It is not a tourist-oriented city, which can add to some of its appeal if you have come from Palmyra. There is a museum to visit and a famous suspension bridge over the Euphrates as well as a small souk. It sits about 300km south-east of Aleppo and about 200km to the east of Palmyra.
Hama
Hama is a city on the banks of the Orontes river in central Syria north of Damascus. It is the provincial capital of the Hama Governorate. It is the location of the historical city Hamath.
Asia Travel Guides
Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent. It covers 8.6% of the Earth's total surface area and, with over 4 billion people, it contains more than 60% of the world's current human population. Chiefly in the eastern and northern hemispheres, Asia is traditionally defined as part of the landmass of Eurasia with the western portion of the latter occupied by Europe lying east of the Suez Canal, east of the Ural Mountains, and south of the Caucasus Mountains and the Caspian and Black Seas. It is bounded on the east by the Pacific Ocean, on the south by the Indian Ocean, and on the north by the Arctic Ocean. Given its size and diversity, Asia a toponym dating back to classical antiquity is more a cultural concept incorporating a number of regions and peoples than a homogeneous physical entit.
Asia is almost too massive and diverse to conceptualize as a digestable travel "destination". Even defining the borders of this continent is difficult - from the mountains around the Black Sea in the west, to the snow fields of Siberia in the east, there are more people and cities in Asia than outside of it. Asia's highest point is Nepal's and China's Mount Everest, which rises to 8,848 m above sea level. Its lowest point is Israel's and Jordan's Dead Sea, whose surface is 400 m below sea level. Asia's longest river is the Yangtze, which runs 6,300 km through China. Its largest lake is the 386,400 sq km Caspian Sea, which is surrounded by several central Asian nations. Asia is bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the east, by Australia to the southeast, and by the Indian Ocean to the south. It is bounded by the Red Sea to the southwest, by Europe to the west, and by the Arctic Ocean to the north.
Travel options range widely, from the desert ruins and modern malls of the Middle East to the magnificient monuments in South Asia, and from the beach bungalows and jungle treks of South-East Asia to the megacities and technology capitals of East Asia. Find out more about regions, destinations, and itineraries below.
In any case, Asia offers the most diverse travel options available to the most avid travellers. On one end, there are the ultramodern countries like Japan and the East Asian Tigers of Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea which are very prosperous and in which people enjoy high standards of living. On the other, there are very poor countries like Afghanistan, Laos and Timor Leste where people struggle even to get a few grains of rice each day. Of course, there are also many countries lying somewhere in the middle, as well as the emerging powerhouses of China and India. To add to a list of possible travel destinations, Asia is also home to North Korea, which is under one of, if not the most, opressive regimes in the world. With great food, a tropical climate, fascinating culture and great beaches, Thailand is a magnet for travellers.
Asia is almost too massive and diverse to conceptualize as a digestable travel "destination". Even defining the borders of this continent is difficult - from the mountains around the Black Sea in the west, to the snow fields of Siberia in the east, there are more people and cities in Asia than outside of it. Asia's highest point is Nepal's and China's Mount Everest, which rises to 8,848 m above sea level. Its lowest point is Israel's and Jordan's Dead Sea, whose surface is 400 m below sea level. Asia's longest river is the Yangtze, which runs 6,300 km through China. Its largest lake is the 386,400 sq km Caspian Sea, which is surrounded by several central Asian nations. Asia is bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the east, by Australia to the southeast, and by the Indian Ocean to the south. It is bounded by the Red Sea to the southwest, by Europe to the west, and by the Arctic Ocean to the north.
Travel options range widely, from the desert ruins and modern malls of the Middle East to the magnificient monuments in South Asia, and from the beach bungalows and jungle treks of South-East Asia to the megacities and technology capitals of East Asia. Find out more about regions, destinations, and itineraries below.
In any case, Asia offers the most diverse travel options available to the most avid travellers. On one end, there are the ultramodern countries like Japan and the East Asian Tigers of Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea which are very prosperous and in which people enjoy high standards of living. On the other, there are very poor countries like Afghanistan, Laos and Timor Leste where people struggle even to get a few grains of rice each day. Of course, there are also many countries lying somewhere in the middle, as well as the emerging powerhouses of China and India. To add to a list of possible travel destinations, Asia is also home to North Korea, which is under one of, if not the most, opressive regimes in the world. With great food, a tropical climate, fascinating culture and great beaches, Thailand is a magnet for travellers.
Homs
Homs is the third largest city in Syria. The third large city in Syria after Damascus,the capital, and Aleppo with 700,000 population .It has a good position in central of Syria .It has Al-Baath University and many institutes.There are many restaurants and Hotels .The old name of City of Homs is "Emissa" or "Emizza" but in the native arabic it is called "Hims",and "Homs" is informal name .
Latakia
Latakia is a major port in Syria - population 550,000. Lattakia is a city extending back to Ancient Greek times, and continues to be an important commercial port for Syria today. The city itself consists largely of white stucco highrises and streets lined with palm trees, and the most popular beaches are along the coast to the north of the city. Lattakia is home to one of Syria's largest universities, Tishreen University, and the city tends to be relatively socially progressive and liberal with a mixed population of Christian, Alawi, and Sunni inhabitants.
Tartus
Tartus is a city in Syria, the capital of Tartus Governorate. The city was known as Antaradus in Latin or Antartus and Tortosa by the Crusaders. Tartus is 220 km northwest of Damascus and less than one hour drive south of Latakia.
Taipei
Taipei is the national capital of the Republic of China, otherwise known as Taiwan. It is located in the northern part of the island in a basin between the Yangming Mountains and the Central Mountains. The largest city of Taiwan, it serves as its financial and governmental center.
Hsinchu
Hsinchu is a city in northern Taiwan. Hsinchu is popularly nicknamed "The Windy City" for its windy climate. Hsinchu City is administered as a provincial city of Taiwan Province in the Republic of China. The city is bordered by Hsinchu County to the north and east, Miaoli County to the south, and the Taiwan Strait to the west. Hsinchu City is composed of three districts: North District, East District, and Siangshan District.
Hualien
Hualien is a city in Taiwan situated near the spectacular Taroko Gorge. Located on a strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Central Mountain Range, Hualien is considered one of the most pleasant cities in Taiwan. Many tourists visit the city to enjoy the scenery and fresh air and also to tour the famous Taroko Gorge, which is located a few miles north of the city.
Jiufen
Jiufen historically spelled Chiufen and alternately spelled Jioufen, is a small town in north Taiwan. Until the 50s, Jiufen was a prosperous gold mining town, but when the mining was discontinued, the town went into sharp decline. However, the quaint streets, tea houses and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean saved it from becoming yet another anonymous mining ghost town, and it is now a popular tourist destination, especially with Taipeites eager to relive scenes of the past.
Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung is the second largest city in Taiwan and is located in the south of the island. Kaohsiung is known for its harbor, although more for commercial than tourism reasons. Hence it is also known as the Harbor Capital of Taiwan. Its year-round fine weather and the low cost of living makes Kaohsiung a must for visitors to Taiwan.
Keelung
Keelung is a major port city situated in the northeastern part of Taiwan. It borders Taipei County and forms the Taipei-Keelung metropolitan area, along with the City and County of Taipei. Nicknamed the Rainy Port for its frequent rain and maritime role, the city is Taiwan's second largest seaport. Keelung is currently administered as a provincial city of Taiwan Province, Republic of China.
Puli
Puli is a town at the geographic center of Taiwan. Puli was severely damaged in the 1999 earthquake, and although the town has since been rebuilt, there is little in the way of actual tourist attractions. However, the town is located in a very lush and beautiful valley with many hiking trails, and its central position makes it a logical base for visiting the mountains and lakes in the area.
Taichung
Taichung is a city located in west-central Taiwan with a population of just over one million people, making it the third largest city on the island, after Taipei and Kaohsiung. It is officially administrated as a provincial city of Taiwan Province in the Republic of China. The city's name means "Central Taiwan."
Tainan
Tainan is the fourth largest city in Taiwan after Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taichung. It is officially administrated as a provincial city of Taiwan Province in the Republic of China. Tainan was established as the capital of Taiwan in 1661 and remained the capital until 1887 during the Qing Dynasty. In fact, "Tayoan"/"Tayouan" is the old name of Tainan and became the name of the island later. The city is famous for its abundant historical buildings and relics.
Dushanbe
Dushanbe is the capital and largest city of Tajikistan. Dushanbe means "Monday" in Tajik, and the name reflects the fact that the city grew on the site of a village that originally was a popular Monday marketplace.
Khorugh
Khorugh is the capital of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province in Tajikistan. It has a population of 28,000. Khorugh is situated 2,200 m above sea level in the Pamir Mountains at the confluence of the Gunt and Panj rivers. The city is bounded to the south and to the north by the deltas of the Shohdara and Ghund, respectively. The two rivers merge in the eastern part of the city flow through the city, dividing it almost evenly until its delta in the river Panj, also being known as Amu Darya, or in antiquity the Oxus) on the border with Afghanistan. Khorugh is known for its beautiful poplar trees that dominate the flora of the city.
Qurghonteppa
Qurghonteppa is a city in southwestern Tajikistan. It is the capital of the Viloyati Khatlon region and it is located 100 km from Dushanbe. It is estimated that the population of the city is close to 85,000 people, making it the third-largest city in the country. The population fluctuates depending on season. The political opposition in Tajikistan primarily comes from Qurghonteppa.
Khujand
Khujand or Khodzhent until 1939 and Leninabad until 1992, is the second-largest city of Tajikistan. It is situated on the Syr Darya River at the mouth of the Fergana Valley. The population of the city is 149,000, down from 160,000 in 1989. It is also the capital of the northernmost province of Tajikistan, now called Sughd.
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital, largest urban area and primate city of Thailand. It was a small trading post at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River during the Ayutthaya Kingdom and came to the forefront of Thailand when it was given the status as the capital city in 1768 after the burning of Ayuthaya. However, the current Rattanakosin Kingdom didn't begin until 1782 when the capital was moved across the river after being sacked by the Burmese. The Rattanakosin capital is now more formally called "Phra Nakorn", pertaining to the ancient boundaries in the metropolis' core and the name Bangkok now incorporates the urban build-up since the 18th century which has its own public administration and governor.
Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya city is the capital of Ayutthaya province in Thailand. The city was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong, who came here to escape a smallpox outbreak in Lop Buri, and proclaimed it the capital of his kingdom, often referred to as the Ayutthaya kingdom or Siam. Ayutthaya was named after the city of Ayodhya in India, the birthplace of Rama in the Ramayana. In 1767 the city was destroyed by the Burmese army, and the ruins of the old city now form the Ayutthaya historical park, which is recognized internationally as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was refounded a few kilometers to the east.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand, and is the capital of Chiang Mai Province. It is located some 700 km north of Bangkok, among some of the highest mountains in the country. The city stands on the Ping river, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya river.
Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is a city in Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai Province in northern Thailand.
The city was founded by King Mangrai in 1262 and became the capital of the Mangrai dynasty. However, it lost this status soon after to a new city built by Mangrai at Chiang Mai.
Subsequently, Chiang Rai was conquered by Burma and remained under Burmese rule for several hundred years. It was not until 1786 that Chiang Rai became Chiang Mai vassal. After Siam or Thailand annexed Chiang Mai in 1899 Chiang Rai was proclaimed a province of Thailand in 1933.
Hat Yai
Hat Yai is a city in southern Thailand near the boundary to Malaysia. With a population of 157,359 in the core city and about 800,000 in the Greater Hat Yai, Hat Yai is the biggest city of the Songkhla Province and the largest metropolitan area in Southern Thailand, and is thus often mistaken as being the capital of the province. However Songkhla is the capital, unlike the other provinces where the capital is the biggest city of the province. The city covers the whole tambon Hat Yai of Hat Yai district. Both cities are a part of Greater Hatyai-Songkhla Metropolitan Area.
Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi in the west of Thailand and the capital of Kanchanaburi province. In 2006 it had a population of 31,327. The town covers the complete tambon Ban Nuea and Ban Tai and parts of Pak Phraek and Tha Makham, all of Mueang Kanchanaburi district, and parts of the tambon Tha Lo of Tha Muang district.
Nakhon Ratchasima
Nakhon Ratchasima is a city in the north-east of Thailand and gateway to Isan. It is the capital of the Nakhon Ratchasima Province and Nakhon Ratchasima district. As of February, 2008, in the municipal area has a population of 167,048, which makes it the third-largest city in Thailand.
Pattaya
Pattaya is a city in Thailand, located on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand about 165 km southeast of Bangkok located within but not part of Amphoe Bang Lamung in the province of Chon Buri.
Meaning the 'south-west monsoon wind" and correctly pronounced "Putt-tuh-YAH" not "Patt-EYE-uh", it ranks as one of the most successful beach resorts in the world, with some 5.4 million visitors arriving in 2005. Increasing numbers of tourists come from the former Soviet Union and East Asia.
Meaning the 'south-west monsoon wind" and correctly pronounced "Putt-tuh-YAH" not "Patt-EYE-uh", it ranks as one of the most successful beach resorts in the world, with some 5.4 million visitors arriving in 2005. Increasing numbers of tourists come from the former Soviet Union and East Asia.
Sukhothai
Sukhothai is a small city which serves as the capital of Sukhothai Province, in lower Northern Thailand. The name translates as "the dawn of happiness". The city is a popular tourist destination because it is located near the ruins of the ancient city of Sukhothai, which was the Thai capital during the 13th Century A.D. that Siam took from Khmer Empire .
Surat Thani
Surat Thani is a city in Amphoe Mueang Surat Thani, Surat Thani Province, southern Thailand. It is the capital of the province Surat Thani. The city has a population of 126,018 (2007), and an area of 68.97 square kilometers. The city's population density is 1,827.13 inhabitants per km². It is near the mouth of the river Tapi on the Gulf of Thailand. The city has no tourist attractions, and is thus only known to tourists as a transfer to the nearby Ko Samui island.
Ashgabat
Ashgabat is the capital and largest city of Turkmenistan, a country in Central Asia. It has a population of 695,300 (2001 census estimate) and is situated between the Kara Kum desert and the Kopet Dag mountain range. Ashgabat has a primarily Turkmen population, with minorities of ethnic Russians, Armenians, and Azeris. It is 250 km from the second largest city in Iran, Mashhad.
Balkanabat
Balkanabat is a city in western Turkmenistan, and the capital of Balkan Province. The former name, Nebit Dag, means "Oil Mountain" in the Turkmen language, and is named for the large mountain of the Balkan Daglary range. It was founded in 1933, as a stop on the Trans-Caspian Railway.
Dasoguz
Dasoguz is a city in northern Turkmenistan and the capital of Dasoguz Province. It is about 76.7 km (49.4 miles) from Nukus, Uzbekistan, and 460 km (289.6 mi) from Ashgabat.
Merv
Merv was a major oasis-city in Central Asia, on the historical Silk Road, located near today's Mary in Turkmenistan. Several cities have existed on this site, which is significant for the interchange of culture and politics at a site of major strategic value. It is claimed that Merv was briefly the largest city in the world in the twelfth century. The site of ancient Merv has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Turkmenabat
Turkmenabat is a town in Turkmenistan, capital of the Lebap Province. As of 1999, it had a population of approximately 203,000 people. Turkmenabat is located at latitude 39.1014 North; longitude 60.5750 East, at an altitude of 187 meters on the banks of the Amu-Darya River, near the border with Uzbekistan.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the capital and second most populous city in the United Arab Emirates after Dubai. It is also the seat of government of the emirate of Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi lies on a T-shaped island jutting into the Persian Gulf from the central western coast. Approximately 860,000 people live in Abu Dhabi as of 2007. One of the world's largest producers of oil, Abu Dhabi has actively attempted to diversify its economy in recent years through investments in financial services and tourism.
Ajman
Ajman is one of the seven emirates comprising the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With an area of just 260 square kilometres, Ajman is the smallest emirate by area. Its seat of government is Ajm?n, which is surrounded to its north, south, and east by Sharjah.
Al Ain
Al Ain is the fourth largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With a population of 614,180 (2008 estimate), Al Ain is dubbed the Garden City of the UAE. It is located in Abu Dhabi, directly adjacent to the border with Oman. The freeways connecting Al Ain, Abu Dhabi and Dubai form a geographic triangle in the center of the country, each city roughly 150 kilometers from the other two.
Dubai
Dubai is one of the seven emirates and most populous city of the United Arab Emirates. It is located along the southern coast of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula. The city of Dubai is sometimes called "Dubai city" to distinguish it from the emirate.
Sharjah
Sharjah is the third most populous city in the United Arab Emirates and is the seat of government of the emirate of Sharjah. The city covers an approximate area of 235 km² and has a population of over 800,000 (2008).
Hanoi
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam. From 1010 until 1802, it was the political centre of an independent Vietnam with a few brief interruptions. It was eclipsed by Hu? during the Nguyen Dynasty as the capital of Vietnam, but served as the capital of French Indochina from 1887 to 1954. From 1954 to 1976, it was the capital of North Vietnam.
Haiphong
Haiphong is the third most populous city in Vietnam. Hai Phong is located in the center of the Red River. It is approximately 100 kilometres from Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital, and serves as the primary seaport for the northern region of the country.
Can Tho
Can Tho the name comes from "c?m thi giang" - river of poems, is a city in Vietnam. The city, regarded as "Western capital", with an estimated population of 1,121,000 as of 2004, is the biggest city in the Mekong Delta. The city is located on the south bank of the H?u River, the bigger branch of the Mekong River.
Dalat
Dalat The town is located 1500 m (4,920 ft) above sea level on the Langbiang Plateau in the southern parts of the Central Highlands According to a myth from the French colonial era, the name derives from the acronym of the Latin phrase 'Dat Aliis Laetitiam Aliis Temperiem' ("Giving Pleasure to Some, Freshness to Others"), which the French colonial government used in their official emblem of da Lat.
Da Nang
Da Nang is a major port city in the South Central Coast of Vietnam, on the coast of the South China Sea. It is one of the five independent municipalities in Vietnam. Da Nang is the fourth biggest city of Vietnam, after Ho Chi Minh city, Ha Noi and Haiphong. It has an area of 1,255.53 km² with a population of 752,493 people (2003). Hoang Sa is an archipelago with 18 islands.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam. Under the name Saigon it served as the capital of the independent state of South Vietnam from 1954 to 1975.
Hoi An
Hoi An is a small city on the coast of the South China Sea in the South Central Coast of Vietnam. It is located in the Quang Nam province and is home to approximately 88,000 inhabitants.
The city possessed the largest harbour in Southeast Asia in the 1st Century and was known as Lam Ap Pho.
The city possessed the largest harbour in Southeast Asia in the 1st Century and was known as Lam Ap Pho.
Hue
Hue is in the central region of Vietnam and is the former imperial capital. Hue is intimately connected to the imperial Nguy?n Dynasty, based in Hue, who ruled from 1802 to 1945, when the Emperor Bao Dai abdicated in favor of Ho Chi Minh's revolutionary government. The city went through tough times during the Vietnam War, when it was conquered by the Viet Cong and held for 24 days, during which the VC slaughtered around 1,000 people suspected of sympathizing with the South, and then subject to an American bombing campaign to retake the city.
Nha Trang
Nha Trang is a coastal city and capital of Khanh Hoa province, on the South Central Coast of Vietnam. It is well known for its pristine beaches and excellent scuba diving and is fast becoming a popular destination for international tourists, attracting large numbers of backpackers as well as more affluent travelers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It is already very popular with Vietnamese tourists. Nha Trang Bay is amongst the world's most beautiful bays. Tourists can participate in Sea Festival and August- Nha Trang Rendezvous Festival every 2 years. Nha Trang was the site of the Miss Universe 2008 Pageant that was held on July 14, 2008.
Sana'a
Sana'a is the capital of Yemen and the center of San‘a’ Governorate. It is Yemen's largest city.
San‘a’ lies in the heart of Yemeni highlands on a plateau at an altitude of 2,200 m (7,220 ft) surrounded by several mountains, notably Jabal Nuqum and Aiban. It has a cool and dry climate and in the winter time light frost is possible. The city enjoys a fair weather during the months of April to October. Afternoon thunderstorms are common which brings much of San'a's annual rainfall. The city is around 370 km (230 mi) north of Aden, the economical and financial center of Yemen.
San‘a’ lies in the heart of Yemeni highlands on a plateau at an altitude of 2,200 m (7,220 ft) surrounded by several mountains, notably Jabal Nuqum and Aiban. It has a cool and dry climate and in the winter time light frost is possible. The city enjoys a fair weather during the months of April to October. Afternoon thunderstorms are common which brings much of San'a's annual rainfall. The city is around 370 km (230 mi) north of Aden, the economical and financial center of Yemen.
Kawkaban
Kawkaban is a town 50 Km west of Sana'a, Yemen in the way between Sanaa and. It is one of the historical areas for the Zaidiyyah in Yemen. Kawkaban known as a relax and safe city for the Yemenis kings. That because of the properties of this town, it is located on the mountain area. In fact, it looks like island. The topography of this area is the most interesting issue "2750m above the sea level". Kawkaban has only one gate controlled by the police 24 hr/day. It is very difficult to inter the town from other part.
Aden
Aden is a city in Yemen, 170 kilometers east of Bab-el-Mandeb. Aden's ancient, natural harbour lies in the crater of an extinct volcano which now forms a peninsula, joined to the mainland by a low isthmus. This harbour, Front Bay, was first used by the ancient Kingdom of Awsan between the 5th and 7th centuries BC. The modern harbour is on the other side of the peninsula.
Shibam
Shibam is a town in Hadramawt, Yemen with about 7,000 inhabitants. Shibam is thought to have already come into existence by the 2nd century AD. It has been the capital of the Hadramawt Kingdom for several periods of time. (There is also a town by the same name outside Yemen's capital of Sana'a. To avoid confusion, the town of this article is therefore often referred to as Shibam Hadhramaut.)
Ta'izz
Ta'izz is a city in the Yemeni Highlands, near the famous Mocha port on the Red Sea, lying at an elevation of about 1,400 metres above sea level, with 460,000 inhabitants (2003 estimate). It is the capital of Ta'izz Governorate. It also contains ancient Jewish Sharab.
Kuwait City
Kuwait City is the capital of the country with the same name. Kuwait City is a bustling metropolis of high-rise office buildings, luxury hotels, wide boulevards and well-tended parks and gardens. Its seaport is used by oil tankers, cargo ships and many pleasure craft. Its most dominant landmarks are the Kuwait Towers.
Ust-Kamenogorsk travel
Ust-Kamenogorsk (Oskemen) is a city in northeastern Kazakhstan. It is the capital of Eastern Kazakhstan oblast and has a population of about 350,000 people.
Ust-Kamenogorsk is home to Kazakhstan's most famous icehockey team: Kazzinc-Torpedo. This is where NHL-players Nik Antropov and Evgeny Nabokov started their careers. The team plays in the Russian 2nd league.
Ust-Kamenogorsk is home to Kazakhstan's most famous icehockey team: Kazzinc-Torpedo. This is where NHL-players Nik Antropov and Evgeny Nabokov started their careers. The team plays in the Russian 2nd league.
Oral travel
Oral is a city in northwestern Kazakhstan, at the confluence of the Ural and Chogan Rivers close to the Russian border. As it is located on the western side of the Ural river, it is considered geographically in Europe. It has a population of 210,600. It is the capital of the West Kazakhstan Province. Ethnic composition is dominated by Russians (54%) and Kazakhs (34%).
Temirtau travel
Temirtau The city located nearby to Quaraghandy, on coast Samarkand water basin in Kazakhstan. Railway station. 213,1 thousand inhabitants (1991). The Quaraghandy metallurgical combine (nowadays Mittal Steel Temirtau). Chemical manufacture "Carbide"; factories: synthetic rubber, steel-mechanical; the enterprises of the food-processing industry, building materials. Theatre. In this city there began the career the president of Kazakhstan N.Nazarbaev, former vice-premier of Russia O.Soskovets, the former general public prosecutor of Russia A.Kazannik and many other politicians.
Shymkent travel
Shymkent is the capital city of South Kazakhstan Province, the most populated region in Kazakhstan. It is the third most populous city in Kazakhstan behind Almaty and Astana with a population of 561,200, (as of 1 July 2008) [1], with one of the largest greater-metropolitan-area populations in Kazakhstan. It is a major railroad junction on the Turkestan-Siberia Railway and a notable cultural center and has also an international airport. It is situated 690 km west of Almaty and 120 km to the north of Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Pavlodar travel
Pavlodar is a city in northeastern Kazakhstan and capital of Pavlodar Province. It is located 350km northeast of the national capital Astana, and 400km southeast of the Russian city of Omsk along the Irtysh River. The city has population of 300,200[1]. Most of the people are Kazakhs and Russians. There are smaller minorities of Ukrainians and Germans. The town is served by Pavlodar Airport.
Kostanay travel
Kostanay is a city located in the northern part of Kazakhstan at the Tobol River. The population living in Kostanay is 223,600 people. Kostanay is the capital of Kostanay Province.
Kokshetau travel
Kokshetau is the administrative center of Akmola Province, northern Kazakhstan. It has a population of 125,225 (2007 census). The name of the city established in 1824 means "sky-coloured mountain".
Karaganda travel
Karaganda is the capital of Karagandy Province in Kazakhstan. It is the fourth most populous city in Kazakhstan, behind Almaty, Astana and Shymkent, with a population of 446,200 (as of 1 January 2006).[1] In the 1940s up to 70% of the city's inhabitants were ethnic Germans. Most of the ethnic Germans are descendants of Soviet Volga Germans who were collectively deported to Siberia and Kazakhstan on Stalin's order when Hitler invaded Poland. Until the 1950s many were interned in labor camps often only due to their heritage. The population of Karaganda fell by 14% from 1989-1999. One hundred thousand people have since emigrated to Germany.
Aktobe travel
Aktobe is a city in western Kazakhstan. Aktobe is an industrial city and one could be excused from not being particularly excited about it, but it is situated to the south of the southern end of the Ural Mountains and thus in the most eastern part of Europe. Not all geographers could agree to date just exactly where Europe's eastern limits run but popular argument is that they cut through Kazakhstan from Aktobe to the Emba River and then thus westwards into the Caspian Sea before passing though Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia en route to the Black Sea.
Almaty travel
Almaty is the former capital of Kazakhstan. Almaty is the former capital of Kazakhstan, and is still its largest city. Most countries with diplomatic representation in Kazakhstan have moved their embassies to Astana, the new capital, in the past year or two. Some maintain consulates in Almaty.
Astana travel
Astana is the second largest city in Kazakhstan. It took over the role of capital city from Almaty (the largest city) in December 1998. Now, it is undergoing a transformation costing billions of dollars, where top international architects assist in trying to make Astana a worthy capital - not only of Kazakhstan but of all Central Asia.
Irbid travel
Irbid is a city in northern Jordan, some 88 km north of the capital Amman. The main industrial and administrative centre in the north of the kingdom, Irbid is home to the Yarmouk University, the Jordan University of Science and Technology and a good range of services, making it a staging point for exploration further afield to Gadara (Umm Qais), Pella and other nearby sites within the region.
Amman travel
Amman is the capital and largest city of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (population c. 2.1 million). Amman forms a great base for exploring the country and does, in fact, hold a few items of interest to the traveler. The city is generally well-appointed for the traveler and the people are very friendly.
Sendai travel
Sendai is the largest city (about 1,000,000 people) in the Tohoku region of Japan's Honshu island. Sendai is divided into five districts: Aoba-ku, Izumi-ku, Miyagino-ku, Taihaku-ku and Wakabayashi-ku.
Sapporo travel
Sapporo is the capital and largest city of the northern island of Hokkaido, Japan. One of Japan's newest and nicest cities, Sapporo's population has grown from 7 in 1857 to nearly two million today. Being a new city, especially by Japanese standards, means it has little in the way of traditional architecture and the like of cities such as Kyoto. But what it lacks in "Japanese-ness" it makes up for with its lovely open, tree-filled boulevards to enjoy in summer and excellent snow (and facilities to cope with said snow) in the long winter.
Osaka travel
Osaka second largest city in Japan, the central metropolis of the Kansai region and the largest of the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto trio.
Nara travel
Nara is an ancient capital city in Nara Prefecture, Kansai region of Japan. Overshadowed by its more famous neighbor Kyoto, Nara is omitted from many a time-pressed tourist's itinerary. However, Nara is home to many important scenic and historical sites, and today preserves its main sights much more attractively than Kyoto within Nara Park and neighborhoods like Naramachi.
Nagasaki travel
Nagasaki is the capital of Nagasaki prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Japan. Under the national isolation policy of the Tokugawa shogunate, Nagasaki harbor was the only harbor to which entry of foreign ships was permitted. Even today, Nagasaki shows the influence of many cultures such as Dutch, Portuguese, and Chinese.
On 9 August 1945, three days after the bombing of Hiroshima, a nuclear bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, killing a total of over 100,000 people. Japan surrendered unconditionally six days later.
On 9 August 1945, three days after the bombing of Hiroshima, a nuclear bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, killing a total of over 100,000 people. Japan surrendered unconditionally six days later.
Kyoto travel
Kyoto has a reputation worldwide as Japan's most beautiful city. However, visitors may be surprised by how much work they will have to do to see its beautiful side. Most visitors' first impressions will be of the urban sprawl of central Kyoto, around the ultra-modern glass-and-steel train station, which is itself an example of a city steeped in tradition colliding with the modern world.
Nonetheless, the persistent tourist will soon discover Kyoto's hidden beauty in the temples and parks which ring the city center, and find that the city has much more than immediately meets the eye.
Nonetheless, the persistent tourist will soon discover Kyoto's hidden beauty in the temples and parks which ring the city center, and find that the city has much more than immediately meets the eye.
Kanazawa travel
Kanazawa is a historic city in Ishikawa prefecture, Japan. Kanazawa is one of the overlooked jewels of Japanese tourism - although not by the Japanese, who visit in droves. Its relatively remote location, off the beaten (shinkansen) track, has perhaps unfairly contributed to its low standing among Western tourists.
However for those travellers who want to see perhaps the best-preserved major Edo-period city in the country (along with Takayama), it is hard to beat. Kyoto's offerings of temples and shrines are all very well, but Japanese history and culture is not just about them. The samurai, the merchants, the geisha, and the lords have all left their mark on Kanazawa in a compact, easily navigable central area.
However for those travellers who want to see perhaps the best-preserved major Edo-period city in the country (along with Takayama), it is hard to beat. Kyoto's offerings of temples and shrines are all very well, but Japanese history and culture is not just about them. The samurai, the merchants, the geisha, and the lords have all left their mark on Kanazawa in a compact, easily navigable central area.
Hiroshima travel
Hiroshima is an industrial city of wide boulevards, criss-crossing rivers and a dense city center. It is located along the coast of the Seto Inland Sea in the western Chugoku region of Japan. Although many only know it for the horrific split second on August 6, 1945, when it became the site of the world's first atomic bomb attack, it is now a modern, cosmopolitan city with a lot of great food and nightlife.
Tokyo travel
Tokyo is the capital of Japan. At over 12 million people in the official metropolitan area alone, Tokyo is the core of the most populated urban area in the world, Greater Tokyo (which has a population of 35 million people). This huge, wealthy and fascinating metropolis brings high-tech visions of the future side by side with glimpses of old Japan, and has something for everyone.
Tiberias travel
Tiberias is a large town located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee/Lake Kinneret in the north of Israel. The view of the lake from the hills is simply fascinating - so much water, and so blue. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Tiberias received an influx of rabbis who established the city as a center for Jewish learning. During this time Tiberias became one of the Jewish Four Holy Cities, along with Jerusalem, Hebron, and Safed.
Tel Aviv travel
Tel Aviv is the second largest city in Israel after Jerusalem. It is located on the Mediterranean coast, about 60 km north-west of Jerusalem and some 100 km south of Haifa. The official name is Tel Aviv-Yafo, and reflects the fact that the city has grown beside (and absorbed) the ancient port city of Yafo (English: Jaffa, to the south of the new city center, in addition to many other neighboring cities.
Nazareth travel
Nazareth is a city in northern Israel. With a population of 60,000, it is the largest Arab city in Israel proper with a mixed but quite harmonious Christian and Muslim population. Nazareth is best known as the home of Joseph and Mary and hence also Jesus, although he was born in Bethlehem.
Jerusalem travel
Jerusalem is the three times holy city (to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), whilst being the modern capital of the State of Israel and the country`s largest city. The City of Gold, as it has come to be known in both languages, is a fascinatingly unique place where the first century rubs shoulders with the twenty-first century, each jostling for legitimacy and space, and where picturesque "old" neighborhoods nestle against glistening office towers and high-rise apartments. It is one of those places which has to be seen to be believed.
Haifa travel
Haifa is the third largest city in Israel and the major city in the north of the country with a population close to 300,000. It is a seaport located on Israel's Mediterranean shoreline, below scenic Mount Carmel.
Eilat travel
Eilat is an oddity in Israel, because it has so many tourists and relatively few Israelis. Located at the southern-most tip of the country, within its small "window on the Red Sea", Eilat is first and foremost a resort town these days, devoted to sun, fun, diving, partying and desert-based activities. 320 km (200 miles) away from the tension often felt in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, Eilat is a convenient escape for Israelis on vacation, but during the mild winter months also attracts thousands of European sun-seekers.
Beersheba travel
Beersheba is a desert city of approximately 200,000 inhabitants in southern Israel. It is the sixth largest city in the country and is very much the gateway to the Negev region of Israel. The city is spread out, as there is no shortage of land in the desert and there isn't much of a downtown, except for a few streets in the old Turkish quarter. While Beer Sheva is mostly middle class, it does have three wealthy satellite suburbs with manicured landscapes, private villas and a Palm Springs feel to them: Omer, Metar and Lehavim.
Akko travel
Akko also known historically as Acre, lies on the northern edge of the Bay of Acre in northern Israel. On its present site, Akko possesses a long history of various cultures: Israelites, Greeks, Romans, Crusaders and Arabs. Akko is a holy city in the Bah?'? Faith and has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a site of extraordinary significance to the world’s cultural heritage.
Mosul travel
Mosul is a city in northern Iraq and the capital of the Ninawa Governorate, some 400 km (250 miles) northwest of Baghdad. The original city stands on the west bank of the Tigris River, opposite the ancient city of Nineveh on the east bank, but the metropolitan area has now grown to encompass substantial areas on both banks, with five bridges linking the two sides. Despite having an amount of Kurdish population, it does not form part of the area controlled by the Kurdistan Regional Government.
Tikrit travel
Tikrit is a town in Iraq, located 140 km northwest of Baghdad on the Tigris river The town, with an estimated population in 2002 of about 260,000 is the administrative center of the province of Salah ad Din
Sulaymaniyah travel
Sulaymaniyah is a city in the east of Iraqi Kurdistan. It is situated in the northeast of Iraq, and is the capital of As Sulaymaniyah Governorate. It served as the historic capital of the Kurdish principality of Baban from 1784 to 1850.
Sulaymaniyah travel
Sulaymaniyah is a city in the east of Iraqi Kurdistan. It is situated in the northeast of Iraq, and is the capital of As Sulaymaniyah Governorate. It served as the historic capital of the Kurdish principality of Baban from 1784 to 1850.
Ar Rutba travel
Ar Rutba is a city in the Al Anbar Province in Iraq. It is the westernmost town of any real size. As of this writing, Ar Rutba is a hotbed of insurgent activity and one of the towns harbouring insurgents. Ar Rutba is a Sunni majority city and was most notably the site of a large part of the old Iraqi air defense warning system housing a number of military personnel there. The warning station was destroyed in the 1990-91 Gulf War.
Kirkuk travel
Kirkuk is a city in Iraq and capital of Kirkuk Governorate. in the Iraqi governorate of Kirkuk, 250 kilometres (156 miles) north of the capital, Baghdad. The Kirkuk region lies among the Pir Magrun (Gudrun) to the north-east, the Zab River and the Tigris River to the west, the Hamrin Mountains to the south, and the Sirwan (Diyala) River to the south-east.
Karbala travel
Karbala is a city in Iraq, located about 100 km (60 mi) In the time of Husayn ibn Al?'s life, the place was also known as al-Ghadiriyah, Naynawa, and Shathi'ul-Furaat. The estimated population in 2003 was 572,300 people. It is the capital of Karbala Province. Shi'a Muslims consider Karbala to be one of their holiest cities after Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem and Najaf. The city is best known as the location of the Battle of Karbala.
Fallujah travel
Fallujah is a city in the Iraqi province of Al Anbar, located roughly 69 kilometers (43 miles) west of Baghdad on the Euphrates. Fallujah dates from Babylonian times and was host to important Jewish academies for many centuries. The city grew from a small town in 1947 to a pre-war population of about 435,774 inhabitants in 2003, according to UN data; however, according to the former regime, there are about 600,000 inhabitants.
Dahuk travel
Dahuk (also spelled Duhok or Dohuk) is a city in Iraq. Coming from Zakho near the Turkish border, buses and taxis run regularly and cost no more than 10 US dollars. Remember that soldiers are stationed every few km on most roads and every village, town and city has checkpoints going in and out. As a foreigner, you almost certainly will be questioned, but given the trouble in the rest of Iraq, this is a routine yet very necessary precaution.
Basra travel
Basra is a port city in southern Iraq, very close to the border with Kuwait. It is Iraq's third largest city with a population of 1,700,000 (2003). Basra is very close to Kuwait, so to get there from abroad it is probably a lot easier and safer to fly to Kuwait and cross into Iraq from there.
Baghdad travel
Baghdad is the capital of Iraq. Travel to Baghdad is emphatically not recommended at the present time (2008), owing to wartime instability and security concerns. Westerners are particular targets of kidnapping and assassination by militant and extremist groups.
Baghdad travel
Baghdad is the capital of Iraq. Travel to Baghdad is emphatically not recommended at the present time (2008), owing to wartime instability and security concerns. Westerners are particular targets of kidnapping and assassination by militant and extremist groups.
Arbil travel
Arbil is a city in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq. Before, Kurdistan had 2 capital cities; but after an agreement on August 1, 2006, Kurdistan now is a whole part, with Arbil as capital.
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