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The Sultanate of Oman, also known as Oman, is located in the southeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula in southwestern Asia. It controls the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf, the world's most important oil export channel. The coastline is 1,700 kilometers long, and most of the country is plateaus with an altitude of 200 to 500 meters. The northeastern part is the Hajar Mountains, with its main peak, Jebel Shams, at 3,352 meters above sea level, the highest peak in the country.
Oman is the only Gulf nation on the Arabian Peninsula to boast beaches, mountains, and deserts. It boasts beautiful natural scenery, cultural and historical sites, and a wealth of tourism resources. Among its historical sites, Oman boasts over 500 forts, many of which were built by the Portuguese in the 14th century and are largely well-preserved.
In recent years, Oman has developed new tourism opportunities, including desert camping, birdwatching, turtle-laying viewing, and mountaineering. The capital, Muscat, is a must-see for every visitor to Oman, and its surroundings offer numerous attractions, including the satellite city of Wat Yah and the well-preserved historical city of Qurum.
Except for the northeastern mountains, the climate is tropical desert. The year is divided into two seasons: May to October is the hot season, with temperatures reaching over 40°C; November to April is the cool season, with temperatures around 24°C.
Recommended play time: 3-4 days
Oman has a rich maritime and cultural history, historically a trade hub on the Arabian Peninsula. It is known for its forts, ancient trading routes, and strong heritage of Islamic architecture and seafaring traditions.
Oman is in the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, with coastlines along the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman. Entry is usually via Muscat International Airport. Domestic travel is mainly by car, taxi, or organized tours; public transport is limited.
Most attractions are open during the day, generally 8:00–17:00. The best time to visit Oman is from October to April when temperatures are mild.
Entrance fees vary by site. For example, forts may charge a small fee payable on-site. Tickets are usually purchased offline at the attraction.
Advance booking is generally not required for most sites. For guided tours, desert excursions, or luxury experiences, booking a few days to a week in advance is recommended.
A comprehensive trip to Oman requires at least 7–10 days to cover Muscat, desert, mountains, and coastal regions.
Guided tours are widely available in English and Arabic. Audio guides are limited but may exist at major forts and museums.
Some forts and attractions allow night visits during special events. Desert camps offer evening experiences with traditional Omani music and dinner.
Tourist areas can be busy during weekends and holidays. The least crowded times are weekdays, early mornings, and outside the peak season (October–April is peak).
Major tourist attractions have toilets, rest areas, food stalls or cafes, and souvenir shops. Remote areas may have minimal facilities.
Many urban attractions and forts are accessible, though some mountainous or desert areas require moderate physical activity. Accessibility for disabled visitors is limited in remote regions.
Cash is widely used, but credit/debit cards and mobile payments are accepted in urban areas, hotels, and larger shops.
Major cities have a variety of restaurants offering Omani, Middle Eastern, and international cuisine. Cafes and tea houses are common in souks and tourist areas.
Halal food is widely available. Vegetarian options exist, though vegan options are limited.
Hotels range from luxury resorts in Muscat and coastal areas to desert camps, guesthouses, and boutique hotels in Nizwa and mountains.
