Exploring Turkmenistan’s Ghost Town Resort Zones: Eerie Soviet-Era and Modern Developments

Published on November 27, 2025

Turkmenistan’s Ghost Town Resort Zones: Eerie Soviet-Era Developments and Modern Abandonments

In Turkmenistan, some of the most fascinating and eerie travel destinations are the ghost town resort zones. These once-promising tourism developments, created during the Soviet era or after, have largely been abandoned or remain barely inhabited. Among these eerie locations is the Awaza resort zone, a government-built coastal area that feels both empty and strangely adventurous.

These ghost towns offer an unusual glimpse into the ambitions and failures of large-scale resort developments from past eras. From Soviet-era projects intended to bring the Soviet elite to the Caspian Sea to more recent attempts at attracting tourists, these resorts are now mostly deserted, creating an atmosphere of abandonment that is both intriguing and mysterious. For travelers who seek the unusual and are interested in offbeat experiences, these ghost towns offer a unique opportunity to explore the legacy of Soviet architecture and the strange quietude of modern resort zones.

The Legacy of Soviet-Era Resorts: Awaza and Beyond

Soviet-era resort zones in Turkmenistan were created to cater to the privileged few, offering an escape to the coast for high-ranking Soviet officials and their families. These projects, often sprawling and ambitious, were supposed to be centers of relaxation, recreation, and culture, but with the collapse of the Soviet Union, many of these developments were abandoned or left incomplete. Today, remnants of these once-bustling resorts exist in various stages of decay, providing a strange and fascinating tourist experience.

1. Awaza Resort Zone: One of the most well-known examples of a ghost town resort is Awaza, located along the Caspian Sea. Originally developed as a luxury resort area, it was meant to serve as a key vacation destination for both Soviet officials and wealthy Turkmen citizens. However, despite the grand plans and substantial investment, the resort has remained largely underpopulated and unfinished. Visitors today will find abandoned buildings, deserted beaches, and empty hotel complexes that feel like remnants of a forgotten era.
2. Other Soviet-Era Developments: Other resorts in Turkmenistan that were conceived under Soviet influence now lie abandoned or underused. These sites often feature distinctive Soviet architecture, with angular, functional designs that contrast with the modern aesthetics of contemporary resort development. The now-empty beachfront properties, swimming pools, and luxury accommodations stand as eerie reminders of the Soviet ambition to create a leisure haven on the Caspian Sea.
3. Post-Soviet Abandonments: Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, many of these resort zones were left in a state of disrepair. Although some, like Awaza, have attempted to make a comeback in recent years with government investment, the vacancy and the slow pace of development still leave these sites feeling more like ghost towns than thriving vacation destinations. The contrast between modern investment and forgotten infrastructure gives these places a haunting and surreal atmosphere.

Awaza: A Case Study in Post-Soviet Resort Development

The Awaza resort zone is perhaps the most striking example of post-Soviet resort development in Turkmenistan. While it was originally conceived as an elite destination with luxurious hotels, expansive resorts, and cultural amenities, its journey has been marked by slow development and low occupancy rates. Today, it feels like a ghostly echo of what was once envisioned as a booming tourist hub.

1. Lack of Visitors: Despite its modern, government-driven renovations, Awaza remains strangely quiet. While the grand hotels and luxurious villas are built, they often sit empty, serving as eerie reminders of an area that has failed to attract tourists in significant numbers. The once-vibrant resort areas now feel abandoned, with overgrown greenery and uninhabited buildings creating an unsettling atmosphere. The beaches, intended to host thousands of tourists, are sparsely populated, adding to the ghostly ambiance of the region.
2. Cultural Legacy and Modern Influence: Although Awaza is still largely uninhabited, the area has become a place for those interested in Soviet nostalgia and modern post-Soviet architecture. The architectural style in the area, blending Soviet brutalism with more contemporary elements, provides an interesting contrast against the natural beauty of the Caspian coastline. Those visiting the area can see firsthand how Soviet-era design and modern structures have collided in this desolate, yet intriguing location.

The Allure of Abandoned Resort Zones: Why Visit?

For travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Turkmenistan’s ghost town resort zones offer a rare opportunity to explore what remains of ambitious Soviet projects and post-Soviet dreams. These abandoned or barely inhabited resorts have become places of fascination for photographers, history enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by the juxtaposition of industrial decay and natural beauty.

1. Eerie Atmosphere: One of the biggest draws of these ghost towns is their atmosphere. The sense of abandonment and silence creates a haunting, yet oddly captivating environment. Visitors can wander through empty hotel lobbies, sit by abandoned swimming pools, and walk along desolate beach stretches, all while imagining what these resorts might have looked like in their prime. The eerie quietness is often contrasted with the beauty of the Caspian Sea, which remains unchanged by time.
2. Photography Opportunities: For photographers, the Soviet architecture and natural surroundings provide dramatic and unusual subjects. The faded grandeur of the resorts and the stark landscapes create striking images, and the empty spaces tell their own stories of decline and forgotten dreams.
3. Historical Exploration: Visiting Turkmenistan’s ghost town resorts offers a fascinating historical insight into the ambitions of the Soviet Union and the difficulties that followed the collapse of such grand projects. Understanding the history behind these resorts adds another layer of depth to the experience, as visitors contemplate the socio-political context that shaped these developments.
4. Escape from the Crowds: For those who seek a truly off-the-beaten-path experience, these abandoned resorts provide the opportunity to enjoy solitude and a peaceful atmosphere, far removed from the more crowded tourist destinations in Turkmenistan. The quiet, empty beaches and vacant hotel lobbies offer a rare escape for those looking for something unique.

Practical Tips for Visiting Turkmenistan’s Ghost Resort Zones

1. Travel Logistics: Getting to the ghost town resort zones like Awaza requires planning, as these areas are somewhat remote. Private transportation is often necessary, and it’s advisable to arrange for a local guide to help navigate the less-traveled routes. 4×4 vehicles may be needed for rougher terrain.
2. Best Time to Visit: The most pleasant time to visit Turkmenistan’s coastal resort zones is during the spring or autumn months when the weather is milder. Summer can be extremely hot, especially in the desert areas, making the visit less comfortable.
3. Respecting Local Rules: While the ghost town resorts are generally open to exploration, visitors should still be mindful of any local regulations or restricted areas, especially if the resorts are still under government management or development.
4. Safety: Since these areas are often isolated and underdeveloped, it’s important to take necessary safety precautions. Ensure you have access to water, snacks, and a mobile phone with good coverage before venturing into more remote zones.

Final Thoughts: The Allure of Abandoned Dreamscapes

Turkmenistan’s ghost town resort zones, such as Awaza, offer a rare and fascinating glimpse into the ambitions and failures of large-scale resort developments. These eerie, abandoned places provide travelers with a chance to step into a time capsule where Soviet-era dreams meet the reality of modern-day underdevelopment. Whether you’re drawn to the eerie abandoned hotels, the unique Soviet architecture, or the haunting quiet of these coastal zones, these ghost towns offer an unforgettable and thought-provoking travel experience in Turkmenistan.