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Yemen is located at the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering Saudi Arabia to the north, the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden to the south, Oman to the east, and Ethiopia, Somalia, and Djibouti on the African continent across the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to the west. Its coastline stretches 1,906 kilometers. With over 3,000 years of recorded history, Yemen is considered one of the cradles of ancient Arab civilization.
World Heritage sites in Yemen include the Old City of Sana'a (Senna), the ancient city of Shibam, and the historic town of Zabid. The Sana'a Mosque and the Yanin Mosque are also famous tourist attractions in Yemen.
Southern Yemen has a tropical arid climate with two seasons a year: hot and cool. The hot season is from April to October with an average temperature of 37 degrees Celsius, and the cool season is from November to March with an average temperature of 27 degrees Celsius.
Recommended play time: 2-3 days
Yemen has a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations like the Sabaeans and Himyarites. It was a key hub for incense trade and Islamic culture, with historic cities like Sana’a and Shibam reflecting centuries of architectural and cultural heritage.
Yemen is located on the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the Red Sea. Major cities can be reached by air via Sana’a International Airport. Local travel is mostly by taxi or private car; walking is feasible in city centers.
Entrance fees vary by site, typically $1–$5 USD for museums and historical sites, purchased onsite. Major excursions or guided trips may have higher fees.
For local museums and historic sites, advance booking is not necessary. For organized tours to Socotra or remote areas, booking weeks in advance is recommended.
At least 10–14 days are recommended to explore Sana’a, historic sites, Socotra, and mountainous regions.
Guided tours are available in Arabic and English. Audio guides are limited and often not available in remote areas.
Some city markets and cultural sites are lively in the evenings, but organized night tours or light shows are generally not available.
Tourism is low due to current safety concerns; the least crowded periods are weekdays. Travel advisories should be checked before visiting.
Urban areas and some museums are accessible, but many historical sites, mountains, and remote areas are challenging for elderly or disabled visitors.
Cash (Yemeni rial) is widely needed; cards and mobile payments are rarely accepted outside major hotels or banks.
Halal food is standard; vegetarian options are limited but available, often in traditional Yemeni cuisine.
Souvenirs include traditional jewelry, handmade crafts, local spices, and textiles.
Domestic flights and taxis are the main options; due to safety and infrastructure limitations, overland travel may be difficult.