Yemen is a country located in the Arabian Peninsula. It is a country rich in history and culture as well as wonderful places to visit. Although it is highly discouraged to visit the country right now because of civil unrest and terrorist attacks, it is still worth knowing the ten must-see places in Yemen.
1.) The Rock Art of Sa’da
You can see here ancient drawings and texts that were written by nomadic tribes. They date back to about 4,500 years ago. The drawings you will see in the canyon walls are animals that were predominant during that period (rams, snakes, cattle, people, etc.) as well as plants.
2.) Socotra Island
This is an island that has a very diverse flora and fauna that can only be found in the island. Only here will you see a centipede that eats flesh as well as a myriad of reptiles and birds. There are also the Dragon’s Blood trees, which is always a sight to behold.
3.) The Incense Road
In Socotra also, you can follow the ancient Incense Road. You will get to see many cities, towns and villages along the way if you are up for the 62-day journey. The Incense Road is legendary because it was calculated that more than 3,000 tons of incense was transported through this way during the ancient times.
4.) Wadi Dhahr
This is a valley where vegetables and fruits are bountiful. You can also see here the Imam Yahya’s palace, which was erected during the 1930s on top of a high rock. This high rock is called the Rock Palace or the Dar Al Hajar.
5.) Shibam
Anybody who sees this majestic group of clay and stone as well as wood buildings is sure to be struck with awe. Shibam is also fondly called as the Dessert Manhattan and is said to be the first city of skyscraper buildings in the whole world with some buildings having a height of eight stories. This is not an archeological site though, but it is a living city.
6.) The Shihara Suspended Bridge
Truly a sight to behold, this beautiful suspended bridge was built during the 17th century. But now, it is still a vital part of the two villages that it serves to connect – the Shihara Al-Qaish as well as the Shihara Al-Amir. There is also a Sunday Market here which is a popular tourist destination.
7.) Souk of Beit Al-Faqih
This is a great place for you to buy your souvenirs. This is a very lively and vibrant market that will give anyone a sensory overload. From pottery to animals to clothes to vegetables, you can find anything here.
8.) Old City of Sana’a
This has been listed also in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Islamic mosques as well as traditional houses can be seen in this ancient city. You can also see here beautiful tower houses made from rammed earth, and this adds more to the beauty and significance of the Old City of Sana’a.
9.) Aden City
This is a wonderful city in Yemen that is home to the Aden Museum. It is also a popular tourist destination where you can always enjoy a day at the water park or the lagoons, which are perfect places to go bird watching. There are also resorts here if you want to relax.
10.) Kawbakan City
This is a great place to go to if you are souvenir hunting. You can also here find many beautiful semiprecious stones set in beautiful gold or silver jewelries. But if you have to shop here though, you have to have a good haggling technique as the prices tend to be set higher for the tourists.