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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The Founder of the Mongol Empire was Genghis Khan? A Brief History
2 February 2025 / by Gareth Johnson
The Mongol Empire was the largest contiguous land empire in history, and at the heart of it all was one man: Genghis Khan. Born as Temujin in the harsh Mongolian steppes, his rise from an outcast to the ruler of the known world is the stuff of legend. …
Mao Zedong Mausoleum: A Glimpse into China’s Revolutionary Past
2 February 2025 / by Gareth Johnson
Located in the heart of Beijing, the Mao Zedong Mausoleum is one of the most iconic and somber landmarks in China, drawing tourists and history enthusiasts alike who want to pay their respects to the man who changed the course of the nation’s history. …
Ultimate Jilin Guide: Exploring China’s Borderlands
31 January 2025 / by Gareth Johnson
Jilin Province, located in northeast China, is an intriguing region that offers a mix of stunning natural beauty, rich history, and geopolitical importance. Bordering both North Korea and Russia, it provides access to some of the most exciting and uniq …
The Longest Train Journey in the World: Portugal to Singapore by Rail
31 January 2025 / by Gareth Johnson
Train buffs and adventurous souls alike love the idea of a long, multi-country train journey, often romanticizing the experiences and nostalgia of classic rail travel. The notion of a journey spanning continents, crossing borders, and weaving through c …
The Dani Tribe AKA the Penis Tribe of Papua – 2025
29 January 2025 / by Gareth Johnson
Deep in the highlands of Papua, straddling both the Indonesian province of West Papua and the independent nation of Papua New Guinea, lives one of the most fascinating indigenous groups in the world—the Dani Tribe. But let’s be honest: most people don’ …
What is the Baliem Festival? A Deep Dive into West Papua’s Vibrant Celebration
29 January 2025 / by Gareth Johnson
The Baliem Festival is one of the most unique and culturally rich events in West Papua, Indonesia. Held annually in the stunning Baliem Valley, this festival offers a rare glimpse into the traditions of the indigenous Dani, Lani, and Yali tribes. With …
The Dark History of the Maluku Islands
29 January 2025 / by Gareth Johnson
The Maluku Islands, a remote and often overlooked archipelago in Indonesia, have a dark and complex history that has been shaped by centuries of conflict, colonialism, and resistance. Situated between Sulawesi and Papua, the islands have long been a cr …
Tongil Tours – The Rise and Fall of Reunification Tourism
29 January 2025 / by Gareth Johnson
For decades, the dream of Korean reunification wasn’t just a political talking point—it was a fundamental pillar of identity on both sides of the 38th parallel. Known as “Tongil” (통일) in Korean, reunification was once the ultimate goal, with both the N …
Chinese New Year 2025: Year of the Snake
28 January 2025 / by Andy Khong
by Andy Khong Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most significant celebrations in Chinese culture, marked by vibrant traditions, family reunions, and a sense of renewal. In 2025, this cherished festival falls on Wednesda …
