How to Find Luxury Hotels in Sanaa, Yemen

The history of the city of Sanaa, capital of Yemen, can be traced to the 6th century when King Yousef Athar controlled the city. Sanaa was the capital of the Himyarite kingdom. Yemen is located in the Middle East and is south of Saudi Arabia and northwest of the Gulf of Aden. Sanaa is located in the northwestern midsection of Yemen. Because of the city's ancient architecture, the United Nations named Sanaa a World Heritage City in 1984.

Things You'll Need

• Internet and telephone access for making reservations
• Passport

Instructions

Get to Know Sanaa, Yemen

1. Carry your passport and visa when you enter the country.

2. Learn Arabic, the official language. This will help you communicate in the airport and at local markets.

Arrive in Sanaa, Yemen

1. Fly into Sanaa International Airport. This airport is very small and not FAA approved.

Find Luxury Accommodations in Sanaa, Yemen

1. Stay in luxury 5-star accommodations in Sanaa. Luxury accommodations are easy to find and surprisingly inexpensive. To book accommodations, contact the Yemen Tourism Promotion Board at 011 ([phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources, below).

2. Listen to the live music and dine on Mediterranean fare at the 5-star hotel Taj Sheba's Golden Oasis.

Visit Historical Sites in Sanaa, Yemen

1. Visit the Suq al-Milh (Salt Market), where you can buy salt, bread, spices, raisins, cotton, copper, pottery, silverware, antiques and a variety of other goods.

2. See the breathtaking seventh century al-Jami al-Kabir (The Great Mosque). The mosque is one of the oldest in the Muslim world.

Tips & Warnings

• Yemeni riyals are not sold overseas. You will have to bring in cash or traveler's checks.

• Use the bathroom before your plane lands or before you leave your luxury hotel. The airport's bathroom facilities are inadequate and do not include toilet paper or soap.

• All phone numbers include the international prefix "011." When calling internationally but not from the United States or Canada, substitute that "011" with "00." All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.

• Because Yemen is a predominantly Muslim country, women must cover their limbs and torso with loose clothing at all times. Consider wearing a headscarf and balto (long black over-dress), both of which can be purchased in Sanaa for under $10.

• Shorts for men or women are prohibited, unless on a private tourist beach.

• You are advised to keep a low profile and avoid foreign tourist destinations.

• Stay away from local demonstrations and government protests.

• An overall travel advisory is in effect for Yemen. You are advised not to travel to this country because of known Al-Qaeda activity and American hostility.

• Armed carjacking in Sanaa is a common occurrence. Vehicles that are four-wheel drive seem to be the most popular preference among thieves.

• Kidnapping of foreigners does occur.