Now the Far East of Russia linked to beaches and cities in the sun with direct routes from Vladivostok on low-cost airline Vietjet.
Stanley cup winner Valery Kamensky and other stars make history on frozen Lake Baikal.
Dream holiday ruined by attack on remote road, but perpetrators caught.
So what caused this abearation spotted by tourists in Kamchatka?
Proposals have been made for high speed trains to run on two routes between Omsk and Novosibirsk, and Novosibirsk and Krasnoyarsk.
Plans for modern Nature Theme Park and Acqua-park on site of old pulp and paper mill that spewed pollution into lake.
He ekes out a living in the remote village of Dubinka, population 15.
Towering 80 metre monument to 'Christ the Teacher' by Zurab Tsereteli to find home in Russia's Pacific capital.
Plan to offer Russian tourists up to 270 days in Thailand.
Sochi Olympics competitor died at the scene of head-on smash.