Young Pioneer Tours
Blog
Welcome to the Young Pioneer Tours Blog, the place where we we keep you informed about everything YPT, from current tours, to future tours and a whole lot of eclectic stuff in between.
YPT first started blogging in 2008 and are considered the best North Korean Travel blog that there is.
But, as Young Pioneer Tours have expanded our locations, so have we expanded our blog. Now we have one of the best travel blogs in the world!
And while most of our content is about the numerous destinations we go, including travel guides and what to pack, we also delve into more serious subjects such as the safety of certain destinations, as well as how LGTBQ+ friendly the places we visit are.
While the vast majority of our content is produced in-house, we are always on the look-out for guest bloggers and writers. Want to write for us? Then simply get in touch.
You can also check out our sister publication YPT Life.
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New Syria Visa Cost – Valid from February 2025
23 February 2025 / by Caitlin Graham
The new Syria transitional government announced on February 21st 2025 a new Syria visa cost for tourists visiting Syria for 3 days transit, 15 days or up to 6 month visits. The new pricing and group system aims to help rebuild the Syrian economy which …
Is Rason Boring? 2025 Guide
22 February 2025 / by Gareth Johnson
Is Rason boring? My unwavering answer to this is that no, it is not boring. In fact, if you have any interest in the DPRK, then it is an essential place to visit. It is, though, not Pyongyang, not for everyone, and somewhere that you have to seriously …
Pearl Diving in Bahrain in 2025!
19 February 2025 / by Caitlin Graham
Pearl diving in Bahrain was, prior to the discovery of large oil and natural gas deposits, the primary income of the small gulf countries Qatar and Bahrain. Pearl diving in Bahrain especially, was an industry that dominated over those in the Middle Eas …
Snake Fruit: A Unique Tropical Delight
19 February 2025 / by Andy Khong
Snake fruit, scientifically known as Salacca Zalacca, is a tropical fruit native to South-East Asia. It earns its intriguing name from the reddish-brown, scaly skin resembling that of a snake. Known for its distinctive appearance, texture, and flavour, …
Celebrating the Birthday of Kim Jong Il – Rason 2025
18 February 2025 / by Gareth Johnson
Prior to the closure of North Korea due to Covid-19, the birthday of Kim Jong Il was one of the most important holidays for tourists to visit the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Alas, this all changed when the country closed due to the pandemic …
The Iconic Namsan Hotel in Rason – DPRK Guide 2025
18 February 2025 / by Gareth Johnson
While we did not stay here (this time), we spent a lot of time at the Namsan Hotel in Rason during our recent business trip to the country. Why did we spend so much time here, and why is it so iconic? All of that and more in our Namsan Hotel Guide. Tab …
YPT become first western tourist group to enter North Korea in 5 years
15 February 2025 / by Gareth Johnson
After an extremely early start to the day, years of hard work paid off as YPT became quite the first western tourist group to enter the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea since it closed due toCovid 19 over 5 years ago now. Until just a few days ago …
Tibet Food Guide 2025
13 February 2025 / by Ines Lei
Do you need a Tibet food guide to prepare for a trip in the Himalayan mountains? We think so! Tibet, located in the high Himalayas, is known for its stunning scenery, diverse culture, and distinct culinary traditions that embody its spiritual roots and …
