photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/marcspicsphotos/sets/72157634107985067/
Recently travelled round south east and eastern Turkey. Done a full trip report under Turkey thread, but thought it would be a good idea to also put the Van specific report here. No intention to spam, just to help other travellers find info under the relevant thread.
The drive to Van was stunning, especially just after Batman through the mountains. At Van, I stayed at Buyuk Urartu Oteli – (60TL), modern, clean, good location. One of the receptionists tried to sell me a tour for 300 euros!!!! Apart from him, the other staff were very nice. Unfortunately, I went to Halil Ibrahim Sofrasi (recommended in Lonely Planet) but ended up spending the whole night vomiting through food poisoning. The next day I was knocked out so slept all day. The day after, I went to Akdamar Island, took the dolmus to the ferry point and paid 35TL for the bought as there weren’t enough customers so there were only 4 of us. Spent 2 hours on the island, the views being great from the top. Met another traveller who had transport, so after the island drove along lake Van to a remote village and did a little exploring, attracting lots of attention and by the end of it about 8 young local guys had befriended us halfway up a hill. They were clearly after money, and the other tourist paid up, although I don’t think I would have done. I don’t think the guys would have turned violent but we were very secluded and outnumbered. The next day I left Van on the direct bus to Dogubeyazit (15TL) which left half an hour after the advertised time of 7am.