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The Caucasus region is one of the most linguistically and culturally diverse regions on Earth. Countries in this region include post-Soviet nations such as Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Currently, Armenia and Azerbaijan are experiencing considerable tension, so I chose Georgia as my destination for my trip starting this summer.
Stunning scenery along the way to the Kazbegi region.
The "trio" of Caucasus countries that I know through Lonely Planet
Tbilisi - The city where the sun sets at 9 pm.
I landed in Tbilisi at 5 pm, expecting to miss the sunset, but the weather app predicted it would set between 8:30 and 9 pm. A strange feeling washed over me, as the sun at 5 pm was still shining brightly, almost at 3 pm in Vietnam. This meant I still had time to leave my luggage at the hotel, stroll through the flea market in Freedom Square, and climb the hill to watch the sunset before 9 pm.
Tbilisi Freedom Square at 6 am - the golden hour of sunshine.
If I could use one word to describe my initial impression of Tbilisi, it would be the discordant rhythm of life here. This discord is first and foremost in the chaotic traffic system with its haphazard left-right steering wheels, cars always with their windows wide open and electronic music blasting at maximum volume, yet the people are quiet and reserved. The walls are covered in writing and drawings, the sidewalks are teeming with dogs and cats, and every street corner has someone selling fresh flowers – a romantic touch in the bustling flow of a city that still lacks consistency.
The street flower arrangements look very similar to those in Vietnam.
The fresh fruit stall opens at 11 am.
Behind Freedom Square is a steep, cobblestone path leading to a small Holy Trinity Church. Behind the church, a path and rough steps lead up to Mother of Georgia – the hill in the city center. I followed the steps to the top of the hill and looked down at Tbilisi bathed in a beautiful golden light.
I bought a bottle of wine from a random shop down the street and took it out to drink at sunset, the spires of the Christian cathedrals blending with the local architecture to create a truly enchanting scene before the sun disappeared behind the mountains.
Peaceful spaces amidst the bustling streets of Tbilisi.
Flea market near Freedom Square
As the sun sets, the streets are bathed in the glow of thousands of wine shops and filled with passionate kisses. The night resonates with the melody of a red accordion, Bella Ciao echoing through the oleander trees of Freedom Square. A cool breeze sweeps in, making one long to rest against the warm shoulder of their loved one. Small bars on the street bustle with laughter and conversation; people watch a game, a movie, or a story together, the whole city becoming as romantic as a fairy tale.
It seems that the later the night falls, the more interesting things there are to discover in the rhythm of life at the end of the day, because stories only stop when the clock strikes 5 am, then everyone goes to sleep and wakes up at noon to start a new day after 11 am.
The streets of Tbilisi and the slope leading up Mother of Georgia Hill.
The city of Tbilisi as seen from Mother of Georgia Hill.
Kazbegi in the high mountains of the Caucasus region
I went to Kazbegi on a day tour, departing from Tbilisi and taking 3 hours. Along the way, we stopped at several natural spots that made you forget about time. Upon arrival, I was overwhelmed by the truly breathtaking natural scenery of northeastern Georgia. I visited Kazbegi in June, a "paradise" still covered in snow on the mountaintops and enjoying the cool, crisp weather of late winter.
Before heading to the Kazbegi town of Stepantsminda to visit the famous Gergeti Trinity Church, we stopped at the Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument. The famous mosaic depicts the historical story of the relationship between Russia and Georgia, but behind the wall, the natural scenery is even more magnificent, with lush green mountains and melting snow clinging to the trees. A few wildflowers covered the ground as I gazed at the view, feeling as if I could touch the sky.
Scene at the Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument
The breathtaking scenery was real, and it was also real that it amazed a Southeast Asian like me, but it became more normal when the bus took me to the hilltop of The Gergeti Trinity Church.
At an altitude of 2,170 meters, the mysterious 14th-century church, surrounded by majestic mountains, left all visitors in awe as they disembarked. Two of the twelve people on my day tour even decided to stay in Stepantsminda to trek the surrounding mountains the following day. Today, the church still hosts activities of the Georgian Orthodox Church and religion, with solemn services conducted in traditional, mystical attire. However, visitors are restricted from filming or photographing the interior; all I could do was observe and experience it.
The Gergeti Trinity (Church of the Holy Trinity), a church dating back to the 14th century.
The church boasts a magnificent exterior architectural beauty and a mysterious, solemn atmosphere for its interior ceremonies.
The trip to Kazbegi ended with afternoon tea at Rooms Hotel Kazbegi, a popular hotel in the area, especially during the winter when people come here to ski. From the hotel's cafe balcony, you can enjoy panoramic views of the famous town center while sipping on a delicious local red wine. At that moment, you'll feel a little regretful, wondering why you didn't discover this place sooner, why you didn't stay longer... and that's when I realized I had fallen in love with Georgia.
Town view from Rooms Hotel Kazbegi
Tourists from all over the world flock to Kazbegi because they can enjoy scenery that rivals Switzerland, but at a fraction of the price.
For various reasons, I only had a limited time of 3 days and 2 nights to visit Georgia, and I didn't know much about the country beyond the places I'd quickly seen on Lonely Planet during my 3-hour flight from Dubai. However, considering its safety, weather, European-style scenery, local prices, visa process, and cultural similarities, Georgia is a country that Vietnamese people can comfortably travel to during spring or summer. It's easy to become familiar with Georgian lifestyle and cuisine while still enjoying the Western charm of the country.
