tauck tours southeast asia

Emergency Banner Component

Southeast Asia

From cruises along the Perfume River in Hué, through the klongs of Bangkok, and on Siem Reap's Tonle Sap Lake... to the temples of Angkor... as you marvel at the Reclining Buddha in Bangkok... our Southeast Asia tours immerse you in a destination that truly personifies exotic travel.

• ITINERARIES
• FEATURED TOURS

Welcome to Southeast Asia

Marvel at the rich tapestry of Southeast Asia... it's ancient temples, palaces, and picturesque villages... shrouded by the mists of time and the impenetrable rainforests. From the patchworks of rice paddies to ethereal mountains and colonial cities... these lands entice with understated beauty.

Discovering the incredible legacies of civilizations past in cambodia.

One of Cambodia's greatest treasures, the fabled archaeological site at Angkor covers an area twice the size of New York's Manhattan Island! This UNESCO World Heritage Site – which you'll visit on your Cambodian travels with Tauck – contains hundreds of temples and palaces built by the Khmer people between the 9th and 15th centuries, all shrouded by jungle until the 19th century. Its wonders include the vast, 12th-century Angkor Wat temple, a significant religious center through the ages, with walls covered by inspiring bas-reliefs and devatas (guardian spirits); the walled city of Angkor Thom, home to the richly decorated Bayon Temple and the Elephant Terrace; and fascinating Ta Prohm Temple, originally a Buddhist university and monastery, now enveloped by centuries-old jungle roots and vines, and virtually a part of the dense rainforest that surrounds it.

A land of contrasts with a history of conflicts and strong cultural traditions... experience today's Vietnam with Tauck

Currently experiencing a period of peace and stability after decades of colonialism and conflict, Vietnam is a nation of contrasts, with a long and often turbulent history, and strong cultural traditions that have endured for centuries. Exploring today's Vietnam with Tauck – both in the countryside and in cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), Hué, Da Nang and Hoi An – you'll discover poignant reminders of war, like the Cu Chi Tunnels and the notorious Hoa Lo Prison… witness the legacy of peace as you visit a kindergarten in Da Nang… enjoy an enchanting water puppet performance, an art form unique to Vietnam and popular since the 18th century... and experience life along the country's historic waterways on an overnight cruise among the limestone islets of Vietnam's majestic Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known in local legend as the "Bay of the Descending Dragons."

The ancient and the modern (and more) in Thailand

Thailand is an intriguing mix of the ancient and the modern, the futuristically urban and the traditionally rural, the dizzying whirl of contemporary life and the tranquility of the ages… all of which you'll experience when you visit with Tauck. Nowhere are these contrasts more evident than in the remarkable capital city, Bangkok… home to some of the most stunningly modern architecture in the world… centuries-old palaces and temples sheltering Buddhas from Emerald to Giant to Reclining… and the klongs, the bustling canals where much of the city's daily life takes place. Elsewhere, in countryside villages outside the city of Chiang Mai, the people of the region's rural hill tribes observe traditional ways of life; each has its own language, customs and crafts, and is happy to share them with visitors like you.

Journey Collection

Experience Southeast Asia

Search Again

{{ title }}

{{shortDescription}}

{{longDescription}}

{{priceFrom}}

From Price, Per Person

Price shown is the lowest price per person, double, on most journeys.

No Tours Match Your Room Configuration

Itinerary Related Content

Take a look below for other tours

Please enter a valid search term

No results found for “ ”.

Make sure your words are spelled correctly or use less or different words.

We can't find any itineraries that match your departure date. Try broadening your search by choosing a different year or month.

The keyword's results do not contain the selected date. Please reset the date filter or choose a different date.

Land Journeys & Small Ship Cruises

Explore the Possibilities

{{whitepanel.eyebrow}}

{{whitepanel.title}}

{{whitepanel.copy}}

{{whitepanel.subtitle}}

{{whitepanel.numberoftours.landjourneys}}

LAND JOURNEYS

{{whitepanel.numberoftours.rivercruises}}

RIVER CRUISES

{{whitepanel.numberoftours.familytours}}

FAMILY TOURS

{{whitepanel.numberoftours.smallshipcruises}}

SMALL SHIP CRUISES

{{whitepanel.numberoftours.taucksevents}}

TAUCKS EVENTS

Cultural Journeys Amidst Lost Civilizations

Personifying exotic travel, our journeys throughout Southeast Asia check "dream destination" off of any travelers bucket list... in Singapore with its otherworldly skyline... in the tropical paradise known as Bali... and in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos on a unique exploration of the history, culture and religion of Indochina.

Indochina: vietnam, cambodia & laos, vietnam, cambodia & thailand, traveling with tauck, never settle for ordinary.

Travel Experiences that are as memorable as the places...

Leave Your Worries At Home

Tauck takes on all of details of travel – all of the planning, all of the logistics...

One Upfront Price

Get what you pay for and then some; no hidden costs, no options sold...

Travel In Good Company

Our Tauck Directors are the best in the industry, making every moment of your journey count...

Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

• Destinations
• Antarctica & the Arctic
• Australia & New Zealand
• Israel & Jordan
• Latin America
• United States
• Tours & Cruises
• Exclusive Partnership
• Family Journeys
• Guest Favorites
• River Cruises
• Small Groups
• Small Ship Cruises
• Awards and Accolades
• Our History
• Tauck Impact
• The Tauck Difference
• The Taucker Blog
• About Tauck
• Media Center
• Tutorial Video
• Agent Connect
• Register Your Agency
• General Information
• Group Bookings
• Newsletter Sign Up
• Order an eGift Card
• Request a Brochure
• Tauck Forums
• Travel and Health
• Travel Protection
• Travel Updates

Sign Up to Subscribe to Our Emails

Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand 2022

Member Savings

Sign in  to see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)

• Tauck's 16-day Thailand
• Cambodia and Vietnam travel adventure encompasses the best of Southeast Asia as you explore the legendary cities of Hanoi
• Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok.Discover golden Buddhas
• ancient kingdoms
• inspiring temples and lush landscapes
• and experience the unique cultures and traditions of this fascinating area of the world for yourself... from a water puppet performance to ornate pagodas and soaring temple spires to gilded palaces and bamboo stilt houses. Explore Chiang Mai and cruise on the klongs of Bangkok. Discover poignant reminders of war in Vietnam like the Cu Chi Tunnels and notorious Hoa Lo Prison
• and see the legacy of peace as you visit a kindergarten in Da Nang. Experience the grandeur and archaeological significance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Angkor
• Hoi An and Hué
• and stay at the finest city hotels and word-class resorts.

What's this trip about?

Compare to similar trips.

Southeast Asia: Northern Hilltribe Trekking & Beach Vibes

Premium South East Asia in Depth

Best of Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam in 18 days - Bangkok, Angkor Wat & Ha Long Bay - Charm

Tour of Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

Travel themes, destinations, attractions, trip includes.

• TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – A buggy ride through the Old Quarter of Hanoi, acycloride through the remains of Imperial Hué On-Tour Air included (5 flights) Guided visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Angkor, Hué and Hoi An See Bangkok's golden Reclining Buddha, Hué's Imperial Citadel on the Perfume River, and the Cu Chi Tunnels of Vietnam Discover Southeast Asian life on the water on a cruise along the Perfume River in Hué, through the klongs of Bangkok, and on Siem Reap's Tonle Sap Lake

View Similar Trips

Glimpse Of Indochina In 15 Days

Cycle Indochina & Angkor

Thailand & Cambodia Heritage Explorer

Best of Asia Adventure Tour

Finding Vietnam & The Lost Temples Of Angkor

A morning flight takes you to Thailand's capital city of Bangkok for a three-night stay at Rosewood Bangkok; arrive in time for lunch at the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore as you please.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Rosewood Bangkok

PORTOFCALL : Bangkok, Thailand

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:.

• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
• Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

Dates & Availability

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Tauck .

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Tauck Reviews & Ratings

Other tauck reviews, great scenery but accommodations lacking for cost.

My husband and I booked the Yellowstone tour with Tauck expecting so much more with the accommodations, food, and tour director based on the price point. We were sa...

Nine Tours and Done

Sad to see a once good tour company stumble and fall into mediocrity. That’s Tauck post-Covid. My May 2023 tour of Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley was done o...

Skip this cruise - not worth it

My husband and I went on the Treasures of the Mediterranean Isles Trip jn October 2022. This was our third Tauck cruise with Ponnant but our first post covid and the...

See all Other Tauck reviews

Travelers also viewed

Delve Deep: Vietnam & Cambodia 2022-23

10 Day/9 Night Thailand Classic Luxury Tour

Vietnam: See & Experience Almost it ALL in 11 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

Thailand – The Baby Elephant Experience

3 Days adventure to Ban Gioc Water Fall - Ba Be Lake

Tour operator.

It's easy to see the world's sights. To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. We believe that travel should be easy. It should be fun. It should be worth your time and the price you paid. It should re-energize and transform. And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. Because how you see the world matters.

In 1882, Herman Tauck arrived in New York City from Germany in search of the American dream. His determination and values were passed on to his son, Arthur Tauck, who would realize that dream. With ingenuity and an innovative spirit, Arthur started Tauck Motor Tours, a travel company that would give birth to a new industry. The first tour, through the back roads of New England, was created by this 27-year-old in 1925. It embodied the same successful formula used by Tauck today: do the right thing. Craft a life-enriching travel experience; provide it at a single all-inclusive price; ensure there is great value for money; and rely on recommendations of satisfied customers to build a following and grow the business.

Two elements that did change over the next 90+ years – and three generations of Taucks – were the scope of destinations served and the variety of modes of travel used. Today Tauck delivers life-enriching travel experiences to every corner of the globe, incorporating small cruise ships, premium riverboats, trains, helicopters and more. What started as a New England motor coach tour company has truly evolved into an extraordinary global travel company. The fourth generation of Taucks is now involved in the company. While remarkable in any business, this seamless continuity across generations speaks to shared vision and values.

Throughout its history, the concept of “family” at Tauck has gone far beyond those sharing the surname to include hundreds of valued employees, and hundreds of thousands of loyal guests. The story of Tauck is the story of a unique American family company celebrating a passion for travel – a story that will continue to inspire generations to come.

youtube_video_1

Associations

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip, travel confidently, become a member.

• Save up to $700 per person
• Access members-only specials
• Personalize trip recommendations

Tour Companies

Things to do, itineraries.

Save up to 40% with Asia Vacations!

A treasure trove of historic sites, ancient wonders and modern marvels awaits in Asia. You can visit iconic attractions in China, Japan, India and other countries.

The price of each highly inclusive vacation covers upscale accommodations, guided sightseeing, ground transportation and most meals. Plus, a professionally trained tour director will accompany you along the way, handling all the logistics and ensuring a carefree, enriching vacation.

Call us: 1.800.528.9300 Low Price Guarantee

Get Exclusive Deals by Email!

Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand

Tour description:.

Tauck's 16-day Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam travel adventure encompasses the best of Southeast Asia as you explore the legendary cities of Hanoi, Hué, Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok. Discover golden Buddhas, ancient kingdoms, inspiring temples and lush landscapes, and experience the unique cultures and traditions of this fascinating area of the world for yourself... from a water puppet performance to ornate pagodas and soaring temple spires to gilded palaces and bamboo stilt houses. Explore Chiang Mai and cruise on the klongs of Bangkok. Discover poignant reminders of war in Vietnam like the Cu Chi Tunnels and notorious Hoa Lo Prison, and see the legacy of peace as you visit a kindergarten in Da Nang. Experience the grandeur and archaeological significance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Angkor, Hoi An and Hué, and stay at the finest city hotels and word-class resorts.

Dates & Pricing

Request a Quote

Never pay retail for any . For our UNADVERTISED Price, fill out this form for real cash savings.

Destination & Sightseeing

To request Pavlus Travel to remove your personal information, please complete the following form and indicate which services you would like your information removed from. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.

Submit Request

Request a Galapagos Quote for 11/1/2020 – Galapagos Inner Loop – 7 Nights Roundtrip Baltra | From $8,512

Request a Galapagos Quote for 9/1/2019 – Galapagos Outer Loop – 7 Nights Roundtrip Baltra | From $8,743

Request a Galapagos Quote for 8/11/2019 – Galapagos Inner Loop – 7 Nights Roundtrip Baltra | From $9,380

All fares are in US dollars, per person, based on double occupancy, and reflect promotional savings, are for new bookings only, are subject to availability, and must be booked by September 1, 2019. Promotional savings in categories F-B on the December 21st sailing and categories C-D on the December 27th sailing only. *Included roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles or San Francisco is based on availability in class of service. Offer may be combined with applicable 3rd guest in stateroom offer but may not be combinable with other offers. Port, security, and handling charges of $149 per person are additional. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Call for details. Ship’s registry: Bahamas.

• Visit Our Blog about Russia to know more about Russian sights, history
• Check out our Russian cities and regions guides
• Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to better understand Russia
• Info about getting Russian visa , the main airports , how to rent an apartment
• Our Expert answers your questions about Russia, some tips about sending flowers

Russian regions

• Adygeya republic
• Astrakhan oblast
• Kalmykia republic
• Krasnodar krai
• Rostov oblast
• Volgograd oblast
• Map of Russia
• All cities and regions
• Blog about Russia
• News from Russia
• How to get a visa
• Flights to Russia
• Russian hotels
• Renting apartments
• Russian currency
• FIFA World Cup 2018
• Submit an article
• Flowers to Russia
• Ask our Expert

Rostov-on-Don city, Russia

The capital city of Rostov oblast .

Rostov-on-Don - Overview

Rostov-on-Don or Rostov-na-Donu (often simply Rostov in daily use) is a large city located in southwestern Russia, the administrative center of the Southern Federal District and Rostov Oblast. It is a large administrative, economic, cultural, scientific, educational, industrial center and the most important transport hub in the South of Russia.

The population of Rostov-on-Don is about 1,135,000 (2022), the area - 348 sq. km.

The phone code - +7 863, the postal codes - 344000-344999.

Rostov-On-Don city flag

Rostov-on-don city coat of arms.

Rostov-On-Don city map, Russia

Rostov-on-don city latest news and posts from our blog:.

4 December, 2017 / Stadiums and Matches of the World Cup 2018 in Russia .

2 July, 2017 / Rostov-on-Don - the view from above .

13 March, 2016 / Official Look of Host Cities of World Cup 2018 in Russia .

1 February, 2014 / Snow apocalypse in Rostov region .

12 January, 2011 / The most beautiful staircase of Rostov-on-Don city .

News, notes and thoughts:

19 March, 2016   / March 19, 2016, at about 3:43 am local time, a passenger plane "Boeing-737-800" belonging to the airline "flydubai" crashed during a second landing approach at the airport of Rostov-on-Don. All 62 people aboard the plane were killed. Our condolences to the bereaved families and relatives.

History of Rostov-on-Don

Foundation of rostov-on-don.

Long before the foundation of Rostov-on-Don, the first Russian emperor Peter I wanted to build a fortress on the site of the present city to protect the southern borders of the Russian Empire from the raids of the Ottomans and Crimean Tatars. But because of the Treaty of the Pruth, which ended the Russo-Turkish War of 1710-1711, it became impossible as the treaty was a political victory for the Ottoman Empire.

By the decree of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna dated December 15, 1749, the Temernitskaya customs house was founded here, at the mouth of the Temernik River, on the right bank of the Don River in its lower reaches, about 46 kilometers from the mouth of the river, where it flows into the Sea of Azov. In the spring of 1750, a pier, a warehouse, a quarantine, and a garrison barracks were built at the customs.

In 1756, the international “Russian and Constantinople Trading Company” was opened here. Temernitsky port became the only Russian port in the south of the Russian Empire through which trade with the countries of the Black, Aegean and Mediterranean Seas was carried out.

In 1760-1761, the construction of the fortress began to protect the lower reaches of the Don. The garrison of the fortress numbered more than four thousand people. The fortress was originally named after Metropolitan Demetrius of Rostov and Yaroslavl (1652-1709) canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church.

More Historical Facts…

Over time, houses for merchants and clergymen, shops, taverns, a prison, and other buildings were built here. The port of Rostov quickly became known in Russia and abroad, attracting more and more Russian and foreign merchants. Foreign goods went from here to the depths of Russia: to Moscow, Smolensk, Kazan, Orenburg, Vyatka, and to numerous fairs.

The fortress had a large garrison, was armed with 238 guns and for half a century was used as a rear base for the Russian troops. The fortress of St. Demetrius of Rostov played a significant role during the Russian-Turkish wars of the second half of the 18th century. During the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774, it served as a base for the offensive against Azov.

Rostov-on-Don in the late 18th - 19th centuries

By the end of the 18th century, because of the annexation of the territory of the Crimean Khanate to Russia, the fortress lost its strategic importance, the fortifications were dismantled. In 1779, Catherine II allowed the Crimean Armenians to settle here. They founded the settlement of Nor-Nakhichevan to the east of the fortress. Today, it is the Proletarsky District of Rostov-on-Don.

The name of the fortress and the settlement subsequently changed: the fortress of St. Demetrius, the fortress of Demetrius of Rostov, the Rostov fortress, just Rostov, and finally, to distinguish it from the old Russian town of Rostov the Great located near Yaroslavl, Rostov-on-Don.

In 1811, Rostov received its coat of arms, which depicted a fortress tower, symbolizing the town’s past. After eliminating the danger from the Ottoman Empire and the development of the southern trade routes, Rostov-on-Don found itself in the center of the country’s foreign trade. In 1836, a new Rostov customs house was built, and in 10 years the trade turnover of the Rostov port increased by about 30 times.

By the middle of the 19th century, it became one of the largest export points for grain and iron in the Russian Empire. The rapid growth in freight traffic caused a strong impetus to the development of river shipping and shipbuilding. Rostov was famous for two fairs, some of the biggest in the country. Rostov also had the largest fish market in Russia.

In 1875, with the construction of the Rostov-Vladikavkaz railway, the opening of the first drawbridge over the Don and the first large railway station, Rostov-on-Don turned into one of Russia’s largest railway junctions. In 1887, it was included in the Don Cossack Host Oblast (an administrative-territorial unit populated mostly by Don Cossacks and governed under special conditions), which was the impetus for the further development of industry.

According to the 1897 census, 119,476 people lived in Rostov-on-Don. The following native languages were mentioned: Russian - 94,673, Jewish - 11,183, Ukrainian - 5,612, Polish - 1,444, Armenian - 1,182, German - 1,182, Tatar - 1,172.

Rostov-on-Don in the 20th century and beyond

During the Russian Civil War of 1918-1920, Rostov-on-Don played a prominent role as one of the centers of the anti-Bolshevik White movement. The Soviet period in the history of Rostov-on-Don began on February 11, 1920. In the late 1920s, active construction began in Rostov-on-Don. In 1926, the plant “Rostselmash”, a giant of the Soviet agricultural machine building, was founded.

On November 29, 1935, the country’s largest drama theater with an auditorium for 2,200 seats was opened in the city. The theater building was designed in the shape of a giant tractor. On September 13, 1937, Azov-Black Sea Krai was divided into Krasnodar Krai with the center in Krasnodar and Rostov Oblast with the center in Rostov-on-Don. In 1939, Rostov-on-Don was the 4th most populated city in Soviet Russia - 510 thousand people.

During World War II, German troops occupied Rostov-on-Don twice: in the fall of 1941 and in the summer of 1942. On November 20, 1941, the Germans entered the city for the first time. A week later, on November 28, Soviet troops recaptured the city during the Rostov offensive operation. The liberation of Rostov was the first significant victory of the Red Army in the initial period of the war.

Rostov-on-Don remained Soviet until July 1942, when, after the failure of the Red Army offensive near Kharkov, the German command launched an offensive in the Kuban and the Caucasus. On July 24, 1942, the 17th Army of the Wehrmacht entered Rostov-on-Don. On February 14, 1943, after the victory at Stalingrad, during the general retreat of the Wehrmacht in the southern sector of the Eastern Front, Rostov-on-Don was finally liberated from German troops.

The war caused great damage to Rostov-on-Don, about 12 thousand houses were destroyed. On August 9, 1945, a general plan for the restoration of the city was approved. It was included in the list of the 15 largest and oldest Russian cities to be rebuilt in the first place. By the early 1950s, it was almost completely done.

In the 1970s, the reconstruction of Rostselmash and other large enterprises of the city was carried out. As a result of mass housing construction, large residential areas Western and Northern were built. The area of the city’s housing stock more than doubled in three decades. In 1987, Rostov-on-Don became one of the cities of the USSR with a population of over one million.

After the collapse of the USSR, Rostov-on-Don became one of the largest business centers and the 10th most populous city in Russia. In 1999, its 250th anniversary was celebrated, a lot of architectural monuments were restored.

In 2000, Rostov-on-Don became the center of the Southern Federal District (about 11% of the total population of Russia). In 2008, it was awarded the honorary title “City of Military Glory”. In 2018, Rostov-on-Don hosted five matches of the FIFA World Cup.

Streets of Rostov-on-Don

Architecture of Rostov-on-Don

Author: Pavel Chelombiev

In the center of Rostov-on-Don

Author: Vadim Anokhin

Rostov-on-Don architecture

Author: Ilya Gusev

Rostov-on-Don - Features

Rostov-on-Don is located in the southeastern part of the East European Plain. The city is mostly located on the right bank of the Don River, on the left bank there are some industrial enterprises, shopping and entertainment centers. The distance to the Azov Sea is about 46 km, to the Black Sea - 380 km, to Moscow - 1,130 km. Unofficially, Rostov-on-Don is called the “Gateway to the Caucasus” and the “southern capital of Russia”.

The climate in the city is temperate continental. Winters are mild and with little snow; the average January temperature is minus 3.0 degrees Celsius. Summers are hot, long and dry, with a predominance of sunny weather; the average July temperature is plus 23.4 degrees Celsius.

The historical coat of arms of Rostov-on-Don, adopted in 1811, depicts a tower symbolizing a barrier from the raids of neighboring peoples (the Crimean Tatars and Turks) and weapons of these peoples as war trophies. The City Day of Rostov-on-Don is celebrated on the third Sunday of September.

Rostov-on-Don is one of the largest economically developed cities in the south of Russia. The products of “Rostselmash” (agricultural machinery) cover more than 50% of the Russian market, “Don Tobacco” - 12%. “Rostvertol” is the only enterprise on the territory of the Russian Federation that produces helicopters for various purposes, “Yug Rusi” is known as the largest producer and exporter of sunflower oil.

This city is the largest transport hub in the Southern Federal District of Russia. Platov International Airport, commissioned in December 2017 for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, is located about 40 km from Rostov-on-Don and offers regular flights to Moscow, St. Petersburg, Astrakhan, Yekaterinburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Samara, Sochi, Dubai, Istanbul, and a number of other cities. Several federal and regional highways pass through Rostov-on-Don, including the M-4 “Don” highway, which runs along the outskirts of the eastern side of the city.

Too low traffic capacity of streets and lack of good transport interchanges plus a large traffic flow, especially during peak hours, are the main reasons for frequent traffic jams. Also, the problem of parking for personal vehicles is very acute, especially in the old part of the city, in the center. Cars parked near office buildings occupy a large area of the roadway, which also leads to the creation of traffic jams.

Many in Russia know the criminal nickname of this city: “Rostov - papa” meaning “Rostov - dad” (similar to the nickname of the city of Odessa in Ukraine - “Odessa - mama” meaning “Odessa - mom”). Rostov-on-Don and Odessa became the southern capitals of the criminal world during the late Russian Empire.

At the end of the 19th century - the beginning of the 20th century, a lot of criminals led a nomadic, vagrant lifestyle. Therefore, when they were detained without passports and asked about their parents, one could hear the answer: “Rostov is my dad, Odessa is my mom.” This is one of the versions of the origin of these nicknames. Today, Rostov-on-Don is not included in the list of cities with the highest crime rate in Russia.

The city has more than 800 objects of cultural heritage, including 470 architectural monuments, 55 archeological monuments, 106 monuments of monumental art and military glory. The historic center of Rostov is especially rich in monuments of architecture.

Rostov-on-Don is also one of the largest jazz centers in Russia. In the early 1980s, the country’s first “professor of jazz” Kim Nazaretov opened the department of pop-jazz music at the Rostov Conservatory.

Main Attractions of Rostov-on-Don

Bolshaya Sadovaya Street - one of the oldest and most beautiful streets in Rostov-on-Don, where a lot of city sights are located. Its length is about 4 km. Most of the buildings are old mansions where the families of local merchants and industrialists once lived. Numerous sculptures and monuments are installed on this street.

The Rostov City Hall (1899), an architectural monument of federal significance and one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, is located on this street (Bolshaya Sadovaya Street, 47). The two-story Margarita Chernova House, gifted to this famous actress of the 19th century by her rich admirer (Bolshaya Sadovaya Street, 27/47), can be considered a real gem of the street.

The main entrance to the Central City Park named after Maxim Gorky, the oldest park in the city, can also be found on this street. At the entrance there is a bronze statue of Vladimir Lenin on a granite pedestal.

Rostov Regional Museum of Local Lore - one of the largest museums in the south of Russia representing the nature, culture and history of the Rostov region. The most interesting exposition can be found in the hall “Treasures of the Don Burial Mounds” - about 2,000 gold and silver items of the 4th century BC - 8th century AD. Bolshaya Sadovaya Street, 79.

Embankment of the Don River . Named after the Russian admiral Fyodor Ushakov, it is the main resting place for locals and visitors of Rostov-on-Don. At any time of the day, you can ride a boat or motor ship here. For walking, there is a pedestrian zone about 2 km long with a lot of original sculptures and monuments. Another attraction of the embankment is the light and music fountain. All city holidays and festivals are held on the embankment.

Pushkinskaya Street - a very picturesque, wide, shady street that is perfect for walking at any time of the year. The street began to actively build up in the first decade of the 20th century. This part of the city was chosen by merchants and wealthy artisans. Most mansions are still in good condition. There are also cozy cafes and restaurants here.

Theater Square - the main square of Rostov-on-Don. The 65-meter-high “One Sky” Ferris wheel installed nearby is the largest one in the south of Russia. An excellent panorama of the city opens from its highest point. Other attractions include a huge building of the Maxim Gorky Drama Theater constructed in the shape of a tractor, a stele to the Soviet soldiers-liberators, a large fountain, the Administration Building of the North Caucasian Railway (a monument of public architecture of the early 20th century).

Underground passages decorated with mosaics - a unique monument of Soviet art created by master mosaicist Yuri Palshintsev in several underground passages at the intersections of the main city streets in 1979-1984. The best time to look at the mosaics and take photos is late in the evening, when passers-by are not in the way.

Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (1854-1860) - the main Orthodox church in Rostov-on-Don, one of the main architectural and historical monuments of its center. This five-domed church built in the Russian-Byzantine style resembles the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow. The height of the bell tower (1875-1887) is 75 meters. The cathedral is located next to the busiest part of the city center - the Central Market. Stanislavskogo Street, 58.

Surb Khach Church (1786-1792) - an Armenian church in Rostov-on-Don. Built by Armenian migrants from Crimea in memory of the monastery of the same name, it is the oldest preserved building of Rostov-on-Don. Bagramyana Street, 1.

Pictures of Rostov-on-Don

Eiffel Tower in Rostov-on-Don

Author: Stanislav Pierwszy

Flower beds and the monument to Soviet soldiers in Rostov-on-Don

Monument to a merchant-peddler and his cat in Rostov-on-Don

Author: Eugeny Gromenko

Rostov Regional Museum of Fine Arts . The collection of the museum includes about 6,000 works of painting, graphics, sculpture, decorative and applied arts. The permanent exhibition presents old Russian art, Russian art of the 18th - early 20th centuries, foreign art of Western European masters and countries of the East, the collection of 20th century art. Pushkinskaya street, 115.

Museum of the North Caucasian Railroad . The collection of this open-air museum includes more than 50 steam, diesel, electric locomotives and wagons, as well as a variety of railway machinery and equipment. The length of the four museum tracks is 1,900 meters. Tsiolkovskogo Street, 73.

Botanical Garden of the Southern Federal University - a beautiful green oasis located in the northwestern part of Rostov-on-Don. Numerous trees, shrubs, rare flowers, and herbs are growing on an area of more than 160 hectares. In one place, examples of flora from Africa, Australia, Southeast Asia, North and South America are collected. The exhibition hall features a collection of exotic insects. Botanicheskiy Spusk Lane, 7.

Rostov Zoo - one of the largest zoos in Russia covering an area of 57 hectares. It is home to about 5 thousand animals of 400 species. A distinctive feature of this zoo is its extensive park area, which makes it a particularly popular recreation place among city residents. Zoologicheskaya Street, 3.

Abandoned Paramonov’s Warehouses - a huge warehouse complex built almost in the very center of the city in the middle of the 19th century. Despite its dilapidated state, this monument of industrial architecture is one of the favorite places of locals and tourists. Red-brick walls and water flowing from windows surrounded by greenery make this place mysterious and attractive. Nizhnebulvarnaya Street, 27.

Monument “Tachanka-Rostovchanka” - a monument in honor of the First Cavalry Army standing at the southern entrance to Rostov-on-Don. The tachanka is a spring cart with a machine gun attached to it. It is one of the main symbols of the Russian Civil War. The height of this very picturesque monumental sculptural composition is 15 meters.

Levberdon - an informal name for urban areas stretching along the left bank of the Don for almost 10 km. Almost all of this territory is occupied by free and paid beaches, walking areas, recreation centers, restaurants, summer cafes, clubs, and other entertainment establishments. This area also attracts fishing enthusiasts.

Don Military History Museum - an interesting museum located in the village of Nedvigovka, about 35 km west of Rostov-on-Don. The model of the old fortress is of great interest. In the open air and in hangars, one can see rare exhibits of military equipment, including tanks, armored vehicles, Red Cross vehicles, minefield clearing machines, various types of transport, artillery pieces of the Soviet Union, Germany, and the United States.

Rostov-On-Don city of Russia photos

Sights of rostov-on-don.

Monument to Sholokhov in Rostov-on-Don

House of the Mayor Zvorykin on Pushkinskaya Street in Rostov-on-Don

Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Rostov-on-Don

Author: Poluyan Sergey

Rostov-on-Don views

Rostov-on-Don city architecture

Author: Sarychev Sergei

The railway station of Rostov-on-Don

Author: Svetlana Baklitskaya

The questions of our visitors

Rostov-on-Don is among top 10 most criminal cities in Russia. So from this point of view it is not a very safe city. However, if you are concerned about safety during the World Cup 2018, then during this time, special efforts will be made to ensure security, so a visit to the city will be relatively safe.

I would recommend that you still follow such simple precautions as always keep your documents, tickets, cards, cash with you because thefts are still very possible. You should also avoid walking alone in the evening/night time especially not in the central part of the city.

All 6 questions

The comments of our visitors

• Currently 3.14/5

Rating: 3.1 /5 (253 votes cast)

• Rostov-on-Don

Rostov-on-Don, Russia

Tours, Attractions and Things To Do in Rostov-on-Don

Rostov-on-don travel guide.

• 2. Attractions
• 3. Souvenirs

Rostov-on-Don, Russia is a colorful southern merchant city on a port of five seas whose mild climate, rich history and welcoming attitude continue to attract travelers. The city’s impressive collection of monuments associated with the North Caucasus and Don Cossacks, amassed over the past two and a half centuries, continue to testify to the city’s unique role in Russian history.

Rostov-on-Don has many unofficial names, the most common of which is “Rostov-Papa”. Other nicknames include "Gateway of the Caucasus", "Liverpool of Azov", "Rost Angeles" and "City of Merchants". This latter title is particularly significant for Rostov, which is filled with luxurious 19th-century merchant mansions that are practically unrivaled in all of Russia .

Rostov-on-Don served over the centuries as a customs office, a fortress and a port. It was officially founded on December 15, 1749 when a customs office was opened on the Don River by decree of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna. Again by order of the empress, in 1761 the office was replaced with a fortress to protect the country’s southern borders. The fort was named in honor of St. Dmitry, Metropolitan of Rostov and Yaroslavl, and in later years its name was shortened to simply “Rostov”. In order not to confuse the city with the already existing Rostov the Great, it was renamed Rostov-on-Don in 1806.

Its favorable location at the intersection of land and river routes allowed for active port trade with many foreign merchants, a factor which led to its rapid growth and development. In the early 20th century, Rostov-on-Don became a major center of international trade in southern Russia and the third most important city in the country in terms of foreign trade turnover. By this time, nearly a hundred enterprises were functioning in Rostov, including factories belonging to Vladikavkaz Railway, a shipbuilding and iron foundry and two tobacco factories.

Today Rostov-on-Don has a population of over one million and is one of southern Russia’s largest metropolises, a comfortable city whose colorful layout makes it attractive to tourists .

Rostov-on-Don Attractions

Rostov-on-Don is replete with outstanding architectural, historical and cultural sights scattered throughout every district of the city. Yet Kirovsky District, the historic city center with the highest concentration of landmarks, remains a favorite among tourists during excursions to Rostov-on-Don.

It was in Kirovsky District that the city was birthed, and even today the neighborhood is reminiscent of the original Fortress of Saint Dmitry of Rostov. Also in Kirovsky District is Monument to Peter the Great and Don State Public Library, as well as many theaters, museums and restaurants. The nearby Rostov Embankment remains a favorite scenic hangout for residents and guests alike.

The prosperous merchants who once competed with one another in the construction of elegant estates left an indelible mark on the cityscape, and a walk along Bolshaya Sadovaya Avenue and Pushkinskaya Street, likened to an open-air merchants’ museum, will take you back to simpler times. Outstanding examples of Tsarist-era architecture on this route include Margarita Chernova’s House, Martyn Brothers House and City Hall, all of which are now protected under the Russian Cultural Heritage Register.

In Leninsky District is Gorky Park, the oldest park in the city, and Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The railway district stretches along the Don, on the bank of which is Botanical Garden of the Southern Federal University, the largest of its kind in Russia. The picturesque Kumzhenskaya Grove, a favorite place for Rostovites to relax, is also situated nearby.

In Oktyabrsky District is one of the largest zoos in Russia and Europe, which is home to around five thousand animals. Pervomaisky District attracts with Rostov Sea (Rostovskoye More), an artificial reservoir which provides respite during the warm summer weather in Rostov-on-Don. To the west is Sovetsky District (known locally as Western District), an area famous for its year-round Ice Arena and Church of St. George the Victorious.

Theatergoers will appreciate the playful buildings and varied repertoires of the city’s numerous playhouses. Both Chaliapin and Rachmaninov performed at the opera house, which opened its doors in 1892. The unusual design of Rostov State Musical Theater resembles a white grand piano with an open lid. Gorky Rostov Academic Drama Theater, whose constructivist-style building is reminiscent of the lines of a caterpillar tractor, is rightfully counted among the finest theaters in Russia.

Rostov State Circus, which is more than half a century old, deserves special attention. Unforgettable performances of the legendary magician Igor Kio, famous animal trainer Anatoly Durov and the clowns Nikulin and Karandash have all been staged here over the years. Animal lovers will appreciate Rostov Dolphinarium, where visitors can admire sea animals while becoming familiar with their aquatic environ.

Museum options also abound in Rostov-on-Don. For history buffs, we recommend the Regional Museum of Local Lore, whose halls are filled with exhibits ranging from the Stone Age to modern times. Tour the Rostov Regional Museum of Fine Arts, located in an old, gated mansion, or fulfill your childhood dream in the Museum of Cosmonautics by sitting in a real capsule from the Soyuz spacecraft. To discover unique exhibitions on the origins and development of the brewing business, look no further than the appropriately named Museum of the History of Brewing.

On the outskirts of the city is Liventsovsky Fortress (also called Donskaya Troy), built by North Caucasian tribes almost 19 thousand years ago. One of the most popular sites near Rostov-on-Don is Paramonovsky Warehouses, located on the banks of the Don. The buildings themselves may be in ruins, but the strangely beautiful pools and waterfalls make for great photos. Fans of author Mikhail Sholokhov can visit his hometown, the village of Veshenskaya, which is located four hours from the city by car.

A visit to Central Market, commonly called Old Bazaar, is a must during your tour to Rostov-on-Don. Vendors will invite you to taste their array of pickles, while on the pleasantly surprising fish row you can purchase salted, fried or stewed varieties of the city’s famous Don fish.

While in this port city, be sure to sample two local dishes: authentic Cossack fish soup, which when cooked over the fire retains a delightfully smoky taste, and crayfish cooked with sour cream and red wine, whose flavors are fit for royalty!

Rostov-on-Don Souvenirs

The most popular souvenirs from Rostov-on-Don are items with Don and Cossack themes, which can be easily found in local markets. The city also offers a range of beautiful ceramics and tableware, a great selection of bedding sets made at the city’s famous sewing factories, various drinks from Rostov distilleries and the ever-popular vodka gift sets.