Saigon
Gold Member
Given a few threads have touched on travel in the Islamic world, I thought I'd throw in a few of my favourite places in the region.
All of the countries are fine and safe for travel, with alcohol available and people generally friendly and welcoming.
1. Turkey
Turkey is #1 because of the sheer range of things to do. From reliving the First World War horror at Gallipolli to sailing off Fethiye, from hot air ballooing above the weird rock formations in Capadoccia, to touring the ruins at Troy, Bergamon and Seljuk; Turkey has it all. My favourite place is Mt Nemrut, a ghostly mountain top covered in ancient carved heads. Great food, great beaches, and very courteous people.
2. Egypt
Far from the over-touristed pyramids, the real stars are the western desert and the wonders within. From sprawling, golden dunes to the marvelous snorkeling on the Red Sea, Egypt is one of the great travel destinations. It can be intense and wild, but it can also be serene and majestic.
3 Indonesia.
Probably my favourite country in the entire world. Indonesia offers spectacular scenery, gorgeous food, ancient ruins, smoking volcanoes and the best diving in the world. I love the komodo dragons, but best of for me as the deserted islands, ringed with coral. Sigh...
4. Malaysia
Friendly, open and developed, Malaysia offers similar treats to Indonesia, but is more westernised and developed. A lovely place to experience jungle and tea plantations, also great diving and shopping.
5. Jordan
From the Dead Sea to the glorious desert at WadiRum (home of Lawrence of Arabia), where you can sleep out in the sand and ride around on camels! The ruins at Petra is a chance to feel like Indiana Jones, and also enjoy the snorkeling on the Red Sea.
6. Morocco
Morocco feels so different from anywhere else. A little mystical and entirely unique, it's also a great place to experience real desert. The markets at Marrakesh is one of the best in the world, but also the cities of Fez and Rabat are intriguing. It's not the easiest country to travel in, but it is well worth the effort.
7. Lebanon
The downtown area of Beirut (known as Solidere) is the most beautiful inner city in the world. Fantastic food, lovely people, and an eye-opening experience with the open scar of the Green Line right behind you. Baalbeck is one of the greatest Roman creations in the world, and well worth a trip into the once infamous Bekaa Valley.
8. Azerbaijan
Almost entirely off the backpacker circuit, Azerbaijan is as fascinating as it is unfashionable. Sure, the oil industry has destroyed the coastline, but Baku is a pretty, thriving city with great architecture and a very open, liberal feel. Out of the city there are ancient cave drawings in the middle of a desert, and a Zoroastrian temple.For weird chic, visit the sea of oil dericks featured at the beginning of James Bond's 'World isNot Enough'.
All of the countries are fine and safe for travel, with alcohol available and people generally friendly and welcoming.
1. Turkey
Turkey is #1 because of the sheer range of things to do. From reliving the First World War horror at Gallipolli to sailing off Fethiye, from hot air ballooing above the weird rock formations in Capadoccia, to touring the ruins at Troy, Bergamon and Seljuk; Turkey has it all. My favourite place is Mt Nemrut, a ghostly mountain top covered in ancient carved heads. Great food, great beaches, and very courteous people.
2. Egypt
Far from the over-touristed pyramids, the real stars are the western desert and the wonders within. From sprawling, golden dunes to the marvelous snorkeling on the Red Sea, Egypt is one of the great travel destinations. It can be intense and wild, but it can also be serene and majestic.
3 Indonesia.
Probably my favourite country in the entire world. Indonesia offers spectacular scenery, gorgeous food, ancient ruins, smoking volcanoes and the best diving in the world. I love the komodo dragons, but best of for me as the deserted islands, ringed with coral. Sigh...
4. Malaysia
Friendly, open and developed, Malaysia offers similar treats to Indonesia, but is more westernised and developed. A lovely place to experience jungle and tea plantations, also great diving and shopping.
5. Jordan
From the Dead Sea to the glorious desert at WadiRum (home of Lawrence of Arabia), where you can sleep out in the sand and ride around on camels! The ruins at Petra is a chance to feel like Indiana Jones, and also enjoy the snorkeling on the Red Sea.
6. Morocco
Morocco feels so different from anywhere else. A little mystical and entirely unique, it's also a great place to experience real desert. The markets at Marrakesh is one of the best in the world, but also the cities of Fez and Rabat are intriguing. It's not the easiest country to travel in, but it is well worth the effort.
7. Lebanon
The downtown area of Beirut (known as Solidere) is the most beautiful inner city in the world. Fantastic food, lovely people, and an eye-opening experience with the open scar of the Green Line right behind you. Baalbeck is one of the greatest Roman creations in the world, and well worth a trip into the once infamous Bekaa Valley.
8. Azerbaijan
Almost entirely off the backpacker circuit, Azerbaijan is as fascinating as it is unfashionable. Sure, the oil industry has destroyed the coastline, but Baku is a pretty, thriving city with great architecture and a very open, liberal feel. Out of the city there are ancient cave drawings in the middle of a desert, and a Zoroastrian temple.For weird chic, visit the sea of oil dericks featured at the beginning of James Bond's 'World isNot Enough'.
Some time in the next year. Morocco is pretty much definite for next winter.
