A 30day 9,938km Trans-Siberian Train (21 Jun>21 Jul, 2024) Vladivostok in the east to St. Petersburg
After having breakfast, we traveled in 2 vans for 5 hours from our guesthouse to Irkutsk. The roads on the island were not paved, which made the journey to the ferry take some time. However, in the distance, we could glimpse the town of Khuznir, the city, the surrounding countryside, the grassy fields, and the occasional sight of a cow or wild horse. Traffic was quite sparse.
Day 13 (July 03) Okhlon Island > Irkutsk at 22:40 to Krasnoyarsk (+1) - 22° / 9° 
We traveled in 2 vans for 5 hours from our guesthouse to Irkutsk.
We traveled in 2 vans for 5 hours from our guesthouse to Irkutsk.
We traveled in 2 vans for 5 hours from our guesthouse to Irkutsk.
The picturesque rural landscape from Olkhon Island to Irkutsk.
The picturesque rural landscape from Olkhon Island to Irkutsk.
The picturesque rural landscape from Olkhon Island to Irkutsk.
The picturesque rural landscape from Olkhon Island to Irkutsk.
The picturesque rural landscape from Olkhon Island to Irkutsk.
The picturesque rural landscape from Olkhon Island to Irkutsk.
The picturesque rural landscape from Olkhon Island to Irkutsk.
The picturesque rural landscape from Olkhon Island to Irkutsk.
The picturesque rural landscape from Olkhon Island to Irkutsk.
The picturesque rural landscape from Olkhon Island to Irkutsk.
The picturesque rural landscape from Olkhon Island to Irkutsk.
The picturesque rural landscape from Olkhon Island to Irkutsk.
The picturesque rural landscape from Olkhon Island to Irkutsk.
The picturesque rural landscape from Olkhon Island to Irkutsk.
The picturesque rural landscape from Olkhon Island to Irkutsk.
The picturesque rural landscape from Olkhon Island to Irkutsk.
The picturesque rural landscape from Olkhon Island to Irkutsk.
The picturesque rural landscape from Olkhon Island to Irkutsk.
Arriving at the ferry dock located at the southern tip of Olkhon Island.
Arriving at the ferry dock located at the southern tip of Olkhon Island.
The ferry left from the southernmost point of Olkhon Island.
The ferry left from the southernmost point of Olkhon Island.
The seagulls trailing our boat on Lake Baikal.
The seagulls trailing our boat on Lake Baikal.The seagulls trailing our boat on Lake Baikal.The seagulls trailing our boat on Lake Baikal.The seagulls trailing our boat on Lake Baikal.The seagulls trailing our boat on Lake Baikal.
In the Olkhon Island ferry, Ching Neng Bin proudly flies the flag of the Penang Adventurers' Club, which he founded in 1975 with Mr Hoon Joong High and Mr M.Pasupathy (RIP).
We met some friendly Russian and Taiwanese travelers at the ferry crossing while trying to attract the seagulls for closer photos and videos.
A van specifically designed for backpacking.
The picturesque rural landscape from Olkhon Island to Irkutsk.
After the ferry ride, the road conditions were good as our driver accelerated.
Statue of traveling man, Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal, Russia
A pee stops, and Ching Neng Bin shows the long road to Irkutsk.
A series of 5 serges on the road from Olkhon Island to Irkutsk.
The picturesque rural landscape from Olkhon Island to Irkutsk.
We took a break at a rest area for lunch and waited for another van that was having some minor troubles. However, it was fixed by the time we completed our meal.
We had lunch at a rest area from Olkhon Island to Irkutsk.
We had lunch at a rest area from Olkhon Island to Irkutsk.
Our van drivers at rest area from Olkhon Island to Irkutsk.
The verdant pastures, along with the sporadic view of cattle or wild horses, are found near Irkutsk.
The verdant pastures, along with the sporadic view of cattle or wild horses, are found near Irkutsk.
The verdant pastures, along with the sporadic view of cattle or wild horses, are found near Irkutsk.
The verdant pastures, along with the sporadic view of cattle or wild horses, are found near Irkutsk.
The verdant pastures, along with the sporadic view of cattle or wild horses, are found near Irkutsk.
The verdant pastures, along with the sporadic view of cattle or wild horses, are found near Irkutsk.
The verdant pastures, along with the sporadic view of cattle or wild horses, are found near Irkutsk.
The verdant pastures, along with the sporadic view of cattle or wild horses, are found near Irkutsk.
Statue of a man on horseback at the entrance to Ust-Ordynsky district.
The Angara River is a significant river flowing through the regions of Irkutsk Oblast and Krasnoyarsk Krai. It originates from Lake Baikal and serves as the primary headwaters tributary for the Yenisey River spanning a length of 1,849 km. After about 5 hours, we reached Irkutsk and visited several churches and other attractions.
Krasnoyarsk is a city located along the Yenisei River in Siberia, Russia. On the left side of the river, Central Park Gorky features a children’s train, amusement rides, and statues of authors Maxim Gorky and Alexander Pushkin. To the north, the Paraskeva Pyatnitsa Chapel, built in the 19th century, provides panoramic views of the city from atop Karaulnaya Hill. Located south of the city centre, Stolby Nature Sanctuary is known for its volcanic rock formations and extensive forests.
The Church of Our Lady of Kazan also referred to as Kazanskaya Tserkov, began its construction on July 27, 1885. The building process took seven years to complete. Featuring Byzantine-style embellishments, the church resembles a fairy tale tower. It is renowned for having Irkutsk's largest church bell. The interior is adorned with frescoes. A distinctive iconostasis has been carved from Indian granite by Chinese artisans. The weight of the structure is 70 tons, and it reaches a height of 13 meters. Renovations occurred from 1990 to 2012. Currently, the church remains in its original state.
The Kazan Church, also known as the Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, is a stunning house of worship built in the 19th century, showcasing a false Byzantine architectural style. This church serves as the Orthodox Cathedral for Irkutsk and fulfills the role of the cathedral for the Irkutsk and Angarsk archdiocese.
Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in Irkutsk.
Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in Irkutsk.
Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in Irkutsk.
Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in Irkutsk.
Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in Irkutsk.
Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in Irkutsk.
Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in Irkutsk.
Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in Irkutsk.
Cathedral of The Epiphany in Irkutsk.
A notable feature of Irkutsk is the Epiphany Cathedral. This church has a distinctive appearance. Its colorful and ornate design sets it apart from traditional Orthodox churches. Its decoration is particularly remarkable: the facade and the lobate of the church are adorned with full-length images of saints. Additionally, the church is intricately decorated with patterned tiles and vibrant colours reminiscent of Russian folk art. 
The Epiphany Cathedral in Irkutsk.
The Epiphany Cathedral in Irkutsk.
The Epiphany Cathedral in Irkutsk.
The Epiphany Cathedral in Irkutsk.
The Epiphany Cathedral in Irkutsk.
Organnyy Zal which is a Philharmonic hall in a Gothic Polish Church.
Organ Hall of The Irkutsk Regional Philharmonic Society.
The rock in front of Khram Vo Imya Spasa Nerukotvornogo Obraza, Irkutsk.
Khram Vo Imya Spasa Nerukotvornogo Obraza, Irkutsk.
Khram Vo Imya Spasa Nerukotvornogo Obraza - The Miraculous Church of the Savior is one of the Orthodox churches located in Irkutsk, Russia. It is recognized as the oldest structure in Irkutsk and the oldest building in eastern Siberia, having survived the Soviet period. The church is notable for its picturesque historical architecture, featuring numerous external details and decorations primarily in a pure white hue. In contrast, its interior is marked by a striking simplicity, showcasing several remarkable frescoes of varying sizes.
Khram Vo Imya Spasa Nerukotvornogo Obraza, Irkutsk.
Khram Vo Imya Spasa Nerukotvornogo Obraza, Irkutsk.
Memorial Eternal Flame can be found behind the General Administration Building in Irkutsk, serving as a tribute to the soldiers who perished during World War II. This flame was ignited in 1975 to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the war's conclusion, and it has remained lit ever since. The monument is situated in a large square, surrounded by a stunning array of bright roses. As a significant landmark, it attracts numerous local residents and tourists each day, owing to its importance and its location near several cathedrals within the city.
General Administration Building in Irkutsk.
The flowers in front of General Administration Building in Irkutsk.
General Beloborodov statue in Irkutsk who was a twice-decorated Hero of the Soviet Union.
Monument to the teacher on the city street in Irkutsk.
The city street in Irkutsk.
The Angara River in Irkutsk.
Another view of Cathedral of The Epiphany in Irkutsk.
Another view of Cathedral of The Epiphany in Irkutsk.
This tall bold statue represents the bold and hardy Cossacks that traveled down the Irkut River
After exploring the area filled with churches and monuments, a few of us headed to a revitalized historic section of Irkutsk, where former residences have been transformed into dining spots and stores, featuring the largest shopping mall in the city on one end and a large statue of a creature consuming a fox on the opposite end.
Irkutsk Sloboda, also known as the 130 Kvartal quarter, is a historic area in the center of Irkutsk, Russia, featuring historic buildings, log cabins, and a shopping mall.
A former residences transformed into dining spots and stores in Irkutsk Sloboda.
A former residences transformed into dining spots and stores in Irkutsk Sloboda.
A former residences transformed into dining spots and stores in Irkutsk Sloboda.
A former residences transformed into dining spots and stores in Irkutsk Sloboda.
A former residences transformed into dining spots and stores in Irkutsk Sloboda.
A biker at Irkutsk Sloboda, also known as the 130 Kvartal quarter.
Ching Neng Bin is enjoying some music at Irkutsk Sloboda.
A former residences transformed into dining spots and stores in Irkutsk Sloboda.
A former residences transformed into dining spots and stores in Irkutsk Sloboda.
A former residences transformed into dining spots and stores in Irkutsk Sloboda.
A monument of a Welsh Corgi be found in the historic Irkutsk Sloboda.
A former residences transformed into dining spots and stores in Irkutsk Sloboda.
Wong Lai Chee and Ching Neng Bin walked to explore the lake at Yunosti Island, Irkutsk.
Wong Lai Chee and Ching Neng Bin walked to explore the lake at Yunosti Island, Irkutsk.
Wong Lai Chee and Ching Neng Bin walked to explore the lake at Yunosti Island, Irkutsk.
Wong Lai Chee and Ching Neng Bin walked to explore the lake at Yunosti Island, Irkutsk.
Wong Lai Chee and Ching Neng Bin walked to explore the lake at Yunosti Island, Irkutsk.
Wong Lai Chee and Ching Neng Bin walked to explore the lake at Yunosti Island, Irkutsk.
Wong Lai Chee and Ching Neng Bin walked to explore the lake at Yunosti Island, Irkutsk.
Ching Neng Bin met new friends at Yunosti Island, Irkutsk.
A big house by the lake at Yunosti Island, Irkutsk.
Ching Neng Bin standing beside a large statue of a creature consuming a fox in Irkutsk Sloboda.
HOLY CROSS CATHEDRAL | KRESTOVOZDVIZHENSKAYA TSERKOV Situated in the fashionable 130 Kvartal district, this distinctive Orthodox cathedral was constructed in the Siberian Baroque style during the 1800s. The church is renowned for its uniquely adorned exterior, as well as its interior.
Holy Cross Cathedral situated in Irkutsk Sloboda.
Holy Cross Cathedral situated in Irkutsk Sloboda.
Subsequently, we hopped on a public tram to pick up our stored bags before making our way to the train station for our overnight trip to Krasnoyarsk, a journey that would last 14 hours and span 857 kilometers. 
After dinner, we will board the overnight train to Krasnoyarsk.
At the Irkutsk train station for our overnight train journey to Krasnoyarsk.
The cabin attendant verified our passports prior to allowing us entry at Irkutsk railway station.
The cabin attendant verified our passports prior to allowing us entry at Irkutsk railway station.
The cabin attendant verified our passports prior to allowing us entry at Irkutsk railway station.
We left Irkutsk at approximately 10:45 PM and reached Krasnoyarsk the following afternoon around 4 PM. The temperature was dropping, and the landscape was filled with poplar trees and quaint villages. Throughout the night and into the next day, our train made several stops.
Accommodation: The 6th Overnight train.
Trans-Siberian Railway holds the title of the longest train journey in
the world. Over the course of our 11-day train trip (9,938 km), we have
witnessed the vast pine forests, impressive rivers, and undulating
plains of the Russian landscape.
Traveling from Vladivostok to
Moscow, we pass through enchanting cities such as Khabarovsk, Chita,
Ulan Ude, Irkutsk, Krasnoyarsk, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Kazan,
Moscow, and Saint Petersburg; each destination offers a blend of
breathtaking scenery, vibrant cultures, and deep-rooted history. We are
always prepared for the remarkable adventure across Russia's vast and
varied landscape, aiming to forge memories that will last a lifetime!
click below to view
Day01 Bangkok to Irkutsk, Russia
Day02 Irkutsk to Vladivostok, Russia
Day03 Vladivostok to Khabarovsk
Day04 Khabarovsk
Day05 Khabarovsk to Chita overnight train 1
Day06 Khabarovsk to Chita overnight train 2
Day07 Chita
Day08 Chita to Ulan Ude
Day09 Ulan Ude
Day10 Ulan-Ude to Irkutsk
Day11 Irkutsk to Olkhon Island
Day12 Olkhon Island
Day13 Olkhon Island to Irkutsk to Krasnoyarsk
Day14 Krasnoyarsk
Day15 Krasnoyarsk to Novosibirsk
Day16 Novosibirsk
Day17 Novosibirsk to Yekaterinburg
Day18 Yekaterinburg
Day19 Yekaterinburg to Kazan
Day20 Kazan
Day21 Kazan to Moscow
Day22 Moscow
Day23 Moscow
Day24 Moscow to St Petersburg
Day25 St Petersburg
Day26 St Petersburg
Day27 St Petersburg
Day28 St Petersburg
Day29 St Petersburg
Day30 St Petersburg to KLIA
1 Ann Kuah Beang Yen, 2 Chai Kin Sang, 3 Chew Leng Soon, 4 Chew Siang Peng, 5 Chew Yoon Lian, 6 Chin Tai Tat, 7 Ching Neng Bin, 8 Chong Ee Ee, 9 Choo Yon Kit, 10 Chow Leng Toong, 11 Datin Chelsy Tay, 12 Dato Sharon Tan, 13 Dato Steven Oon Hoon Nam, 14 David Wee Kim Peng, 15 Gan Choi Geok, 16 Goh Ching Chee, 17 Joyce Ho Chai Yoong, 18 Ng Sock Ee, 19 Tan Sin Su, 20 Wong Lai Chee, 21 Dr. Ko Wen Wu (Tour guide), 22 Adam Teo (Tour guide assistant).
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