Far Eastern Russia Travel Guide

Sinsk is certainly out of the way. I was there in 2003, so I don't know what's changed. No hotels, no guest houses. Just go and surprise the hell out the locals, who are very friendly, and find out what life in (reasonably) remote Siberia is like.

Get there by river (fast or slow boat) and go to the local Posvet building, or general store. It's a good bet they'll be able to find a place for you to stay for a reasonable price.

There is a National Park adjacent and ancient rock art to see, but really it's all about the locals.

Not for those without a basic level of Russian. NOTE: the boat lands on an island offshore, so be prepared for a night on the island before someone finds you, and be ready to get the boat back the next morning if they don't. I was kitted up for a five day hike so could wait a few days, but was found the next morning.

.....Say G'day to Uri and his son Peter for me.

Vladivostok is not exactly what I expected of Russia for one thing the locals are very friendly. I also assumed that their natural choice of alcohol would be vodka this is not the case beer is the popular choice. You won't find many restaurants but a large number of carnival like stalls that sell either beef or crab legs on the board walk area by the ocean. If you do go to a bar the vodka is better than anywhere else I've had it though I couldn't spell or pronounce the type even if I remembered what it was. Watch out if you're approached by children who are begging they are expert pick pockets (my friend had his wallet removed by one), also if you're seen giving money you may be accosted by a group of teenagers who although covet your money won't be the type to beg for it

Khabarovsk is on the Amur River, which is the border between China and Russia. Not far from Khabarovsk is Birobaijan, the Jewish Autonomous Region. Khabarovsk has a major airport, which has flights to places like Alaska and North Korea. Khabarovsk is a medium-sized city, with a growing commerce sector. The region surrounding Khabarovsk has tigers, wild grapes and even citrus! There are at least 20 indigenous groups which populated the area 100 years ago. I recommend that you travel with a local guide, because things are pretty rough in that region. But you will have a lot of adventures if you travel around Khabarovsk!