Travel Guide to Uzbekistan: Things Not to Do in the Land of Art

Introduction to Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is a unique country that holds a wealth of cultural heritage from the Silk Road, featuring stunning blue mosaic architecture and a variety of souvenir shopping opportunities. As an intriguing destination, Uzbekistan attracts many travelers, especially during the spring and summer months.

Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

Before you set off, keep in mind the visa requirements. Vietnamese travelers need to apply for a visa before arriving in Uzbekistan, which can typically be done through an embassy or consulate. The processing time is around 5-10 days, so be sure to plan ahead. Flight tickets from Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi) to Uzbekistan range from 10 million to 20 million VND, depending on when you book and the airline. The estimated flight duration is about 12-15 hours. The currency in Uzbekistan is the som (UZS), with an exchange rate of approximately 1,000 UZS = 2,300 VND. Be sure to carry cash, as not all places accept credit cards.

Things Not to Do When Traveling to Uzbekistan

1. Don’t Assume Uzbekistan is a Difficult Destination

Many people think that Uzbekistan is hard to access, but the reality is quite different. Uzbekistan is a safe destination with good infrastructure, affordable prices, and low crime rates. I spent around 50 USD per night on accommodation and only 2-3 USD for a taxi ride through the Yandex app. Don’t hesitate to explore!

2. Don’t Hesitate to Book Train Tickets

Traveling by train is an ideal way to explore Uzbekistan. However, you should book your tickets early, as train tickets, especially for the high-speed Afrosiyab trains, sell out quickly. Aim to book your tickets about 60 days in advance to ensure you have a seat. Otherwise, you might end up waiting for bus tickets, which take longer.

3. Don’t Wear Revealing Clothing

When visiting a Muslim country, it’s important to be mindful of your attire. While you don’t need to cover your head outside of mosques, you should still wear modest clothing, such as long skirts or trousers. Take cues from how local women dress to blend in more easily.

4. Don’t Forget to Download the Yandex Go App

Yandex Go is one of the popular transportation apps in Uzbekistan, making it easy and quick to book taxis. Don’t overlook this app, as it will save you time when traveling between attractions.

5. Don’t Expect Everyone to Speak English

Despite its development, English is not widely spoken in Uzbekistan. Be prepared to communicate in other languages, or at least learn some basic Russian or Uzbek vocabulary.

6. Don’t Skip Tashkent

Many travelers tend to overlook Tashkent in favor of Samarkand and Bukhara. However, Tashkent has many interesting attractions of its own, such as unique metro stations and historical architectural sites worth exploring.

7. Don’t Put All Your Hopes on Samarkand

While Samarkand is famous, don’t forget that Bukhara and Khiva also have their own charm. Plan to explore a variety of cities and avoid spending all your time in one location.

8. Don’t Buy Souvenirs Before Visiting Bukhara

Bukhara is known for its rich variety of crafts and souvenirs. Don’t rush to shop elsewhere before visiting Bukhara, where you’ll find many unique items at reasonable prices.

9. Don’t Just Eat Plov

Plov is a signature dish of Uzbekistan, but the local cuisine is rich and diverse with many other dishes worth trying. Explore different local foods throughout your journey.

Conclusion

Traveling to Uzbekistan will surely provide you with unforgettable experiences. Plan carefully, avoid the pitfalls, and you’ll have an enjoyable and smooth trip. The best times to visit Uzbekistan are from April to June or September to October, when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is at its most vibrant. Wishing you a journey filled with memories!

Article adapted from: Adventurous Kate