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Lam Duong, a software engineer in Finland, shared that every trip is an opportunity for her to discover new cultures and landscapes around the world. Türkiye – a country located at the crossroads of Asia and Europe – is a destination she has always dreamed of visiting, not only for its natural beauty but also for its unique cultural blend.
Hot air balloons soar amidst the bizarre rocky landscape, revealing the magical skies of Türkiye.
Sharing with Travellive reporters, Lam Duong said: "Besides my work in technology, I am very passionate about exploring the world, experiencing different cultures and landscapes. Every few months, I dedicate time to traveling, learning about famous landmarks as well as lesser-known hidden gems. The desire to experience unique historical sites, majestic natural beauty, and especially to understand the blend of Eastern and Western cultures motivated me to choose Turkey for this trip."
Discover Goreme - A Different World
Upon arriving in Türkiye, Lam Duong was amazed by the richness of the country's landscapes. Among her destinations, Goreme National Park in Cappadocia left a strong impression on her. Nestled amidst rocky mountain ranges and mysterious natural formations, Goreme is not only a nature reserve but also an open book on the history and creativity of nature. Lam Duong shared: "The rocky landscape here is picturesque; the caves and hills make me feel like I've stepped into a completely different world, where I can experience the wild and mysterious beauty of nature."
The land of uniquely shaped rock formations in Cappadocia is like stepping into a fairytale world.
Lam Duong also didn't miss the opportunity to experience hot air ballooning in Cappadocia - one of the most famous activities in this region. While flying overhead, looking down at the valleys, villages, and mountains, visitors will feel a sense of freedom and peace amidst the Turkish sky.
Antalya, a seaside city on the Mediterranean coast, was also a memorable stop for Lam Duong. Besides the turquoise beaches like Konyaalti and Lara, she challenged herself by whitewater rafting in the Köprülü gorge. The moment of overcoming the powerful waves in the rushing water gave her an indescribable feeling of excitement and allowed her to immerse herself in the pristine nature of Türkiye.
"In my opinion, exploring Goreme and experiencing hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia, along with whitewater rafting in Köprülü, are must-do activities when visiting Türkiye," Duong said.
Rafting here is one of Türkiye's most majestic and exhilarating experiences.
The sweetness of baklava and the warmth of hospitality.
In her journey of cultural exploration, local cuisine was an indispensable part. Lam Duong had the opportunity to enjoy many traditional Turkish dishes such as kebab, gözleme, and especially baklava. She described it as: "The crispy crust, combined with the sweetness of honey and the aroma of nuts, was unforgettable." The richness of Turkish cuisine, from street food to exquisite dishes, created a complete and flavorful experience.
Beyond the cuisine, Lam Duong was also impressed by the hospitality of the Turkish people. She recounted that, whether in bustling cities or peaceful countryside, the locals were very friendly and enthusiastic in helping tourists. “They were always ready to assist tourists and welcomed them with genuine sincerity. This made me feel warm and at home,” Lam Duong said.
The golden, crispy, and sweet baklavas are an unforgettable taste for tourists.
Must-see places
Cappadocia, with its small villages, valleys, and unique rock formations, amazes visitors. Lam Duong visited the Valley of Love, the village of Uchisar with its castle, and the Zelve open-air museum. Each place, according to her, felt like a fairytale land, where the beauty of nature blends with ancient history. In Antalya, besides the Köprülü gorge, she also enjoyed relaxing time at famous beaches with fine white sand and clear blue water. This scenery seems to bring to life the landscapes of the Mediterranean, offering a sense of tranquility to visitors.
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the azure sea.
While exploring Antalya, Lam Duong was surprised to find that the area attracted a large number of tourists from all over the world. Although initially surprised by the hustle and bustle, this lively experience helped her understand more about Türkiye's appeal to tourists.
For those planning a trip to Türkiye, Lam Duong suggests spending plenty of time experiencing each landmark and not forgetting to try the local cuisine. "Especially, plan early for popular destinations because the tourist season in Türkiye is quite busy," she advises.
Türkiye offers tourists a rich and diverse range of experiences.
Through this emotional and memorable trip, Lam Duong gained a deeper understanding of Türkiye, from its natural beauty to its culture and people. For her, Türkiye is not just a tourist destination but also a place that offers her rich and diverse experiences, making her constantly want to explore more of this land.
