When we think of South-East Asia the obvious things that come to mind are the beaches of Thailand, full moon parties, Aussies getting drunk in Bali, or sunset drinks on sunset islands in the Philippines. Simply put: SEA is very…
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Mausoleums and trains: exploring Vietnam
There’s a few things that we really quite like at YPT. Some are more obvious than others, such as travel and Communism. We also quite like trains and dead Communist leaders. But how to combine all of these things we…
Read MoreImpressions of the DPRK
On the first day of my individual tour, when I was being chaperoned – almost physically – by Mr. Chae through the Kwang Bok Departmental Store, the only thought I had was that when I would reach Dandong, I would…
Read MoreHow to get a visa for Sudan?
Sudan, or the Republic of Sudan (not to be confused with the world’s youngest nation, South Sudan) has a tricky visa procedure. But worry not; with this guide you’ll be ready to visit the true land of pyramids in no…
Read MoreIsland Hopping in Palawan
We know, we get it, Island Hopping in the Philippines isn’t very “YPT”, it’s easy to do, why would you need a tour group and blah blah blah. But here are the salient facts: Palawan has been voted the best…
Read MoreWhy should you visit the Naadam Festival
Each year in July, the masses of Mongolia gather in the capital, Ulan Bator, to take part in the Naadam celebrations. The Naadam Celebrations have been going on since the 13th century at least. The celebration has taken many forms…
Read More5 reasons to visit Bougainville
Bougainville, previously known as the Northern Solomons, was discovered by the French more than 200 years ago but it had already a long history amongst the local tribes. This history has been well preserved through the many rituals which still…
Read MoreFive tips to enjoy a Trans-Siberian train ride
Taking the Trans-Siberian train features on most travel enthusiasts and train aficionados’ bucket list. The train ride, spanning over 6 or 7 days depending on which train one chooses, takes passengers across the whole of Russia, from cosmopolitan Moscow to…
Read MoreHow to: fly from Pyongyang to Vladivostok
When it comes to visiting North Korea, most people choose to either fly from Beijing or take the train and cross into the DPRK via the border in Dandong. Once in a while, you’ll hear eccentrics saying they caught a…
Read MoreExploring China’s far west — Xinjiang Province
Despite having lived in China for 12 or so years (a fact I sometimes bring up), I had up until recently done comparatively little travelling in the country. Xinjiang in particular had never really appealed to me; this could have…
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20 images of the mind blowing new Mass Games show in North Korea
The Mass Games make a triumphant return with “Glorious Fatherland”! It’s no news that North Korea’s iconic and world famous Mass Games is back in Pyongyang after a five-year hiatus. Formally titled “Arirang,” the new show goes by the name…
Read MorePioneer Dan ‘Tito’ Davis publishes his fascinating story in audiobook format
We tend to get some interesting characters on our tours, but perhaps none more so than Dan ‘Tito’ Davis, a former drug dealer and 14-year fugitive from the US authorities. We’ve already spoken about meeting Tito previously, and our sister…
Read MoreFive Reasons to Experience Transnistria Independence Day
A highlight of YPT’s Soviet Europe calendar is September 2nd, the day when Transnistria declared their independence from Moldova after a brutal civil war. Arguably the most important day in the breakaway country’s short history, no expense is spared on…
Read MoreThe North Korean Supermarket – Manzi Life
Dandong is genuinely one of my favourite cities in China for a number of reasons; the great weather in the summer, the beautiful views of North Korea, the excellent food, and frankly the utter sureness of the place at times….
Read MoreChewing Betelnut in Papua New Guinea
If you ever travel to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands or Myanmar, you might very well notice that a lot of people there have, let’s say, less than perfect dentition. This is caused by the betel nut, also known as…
Read MoreA Look at Sino-Korean Architecture
North Korean architecture is known for both its pomp and its uniformity. If you look closely, however, you will also spot monuments to the country’s relationship with its Northern neighbor and closest ally: China. Sinuiju: Bridging Two Nations If…
Read MoreGlorious Fatherland – National Day in the DPRK
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea regularly hosts lavish events to mark major anniversaries, be it for the end of the Korean War, World War II, leaders’ birthdays, or in this case, the settling of modern North Korea. The 70th…
Read MoreMass Games are back – and better than ever
Five years since the last performance of the Arirang Mass Games, the world-famous artistic performance that is ubiquitous with North Korea is back, under the new title “Glorious Fatherland”. We were present along with Marshal Kim Jong Un, and around…
Read MoreIs it safe to travel to Papua New Guinea?
Few people have heard of Papua New Guinea as it is one of the least visited countries in the world. Eager documentary enthusiasts might have seen the beautiful costumes and traditions of the country, but people digging in information about…
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