Traditionally an Islamic nation, Yemen boasts of a history that dates back to ancient times when the successors of Noah made the region their home and called it a land of milk and honey. The country finds reference in the Bible on numerous occasions. The three wise men, the Magi, are believed to have came to the mountains of Yemen to collect frankincense and myrrh; King Gilgamesh's quest for the secret of eternal life is believed to have ended here; Queen Sheba called Yemen her home and the queen was acknowledged as a wise monarch by King Solomon.
The major cities of tourist interest in Yemen include Sanaa, the nation's capital, Al Mukalla, Dhamar, Kawkaban, and Mokha. Mokha is a city in the country known as the birthplace of mocha coffee. The beautiful beaches of Al Hudayda leave the tourist enchanted with its sheer beauty. Besides these places, the most exotic destinations in Yemen include Shibam, Seiyun, and Tarim, the three famous historical towns of Hadhramaut. Some of the other famous tourist attractions in Yemen are decribed below:
Sanaa: Referred to as the Land of Queen Sheba, Sanaa is one of the oldest cities in the world and dates back over 2500 years old. It is the capital of Yemen and also the country's largest city. Believed to be found by Shem, one of the three sons of Noah, Sanaa is a traditional Islamic city and home to a number of mosques and other architectural marvels.
Aden: The economic capital of Yemen, Aden, is a beautiful city renowned for its pristine, clear beaches. The place has a medieval charm due to the presence of ancient castles, souks, and numerous architectural marvels. Some of the major places of tourist interest in the city are the Aden Military Museum, the Rimbaud House, Zoroastrian Temple, Aden Minaret, and the Tawila Tanks.
Mukalla: Located between the volcanic mountain regions and the sea, Mukalla is a city of picturesque landscapes. The city is home to some of the old forts, lofty towers, and palaces that add to the grandeur of this ancient city.
Socotra Islands: Home to some of the rarest species of animals, birds, and numerous plant species, the Socotra Islands are a haven for nature lovers. The islands boast of over 815 species of plant of which 250 are not found elsewhere in the world. There are seven species of frankincense trees on the island. A number of dolphins, and sperm whales. Socotra Islands are to be found in the coastal areas of the islands. A must-visit place for wild-life lovers.
Besides the Socotra Islands, Yemen has other places of beauty such as the Hanish Islands, Kamaran, and Perim.
There are a few things to keep in mind when planning a vacation in Yemen. Cameras are prohibited in many parts of the country. It is considered highly offensive to click pictures of a woman even if the photographer is a female. Courtesy and conservative clothes are appreciated. The harsh weather conditions of the country need to be taken into consideration while planning a trip.
In recent years, the country has been torn apart by violent attacks, armed ambushes, civil wars, lawlessness, and regional conflicts. The natural beauty of Yemen has been one of the country's greatest attractions. the disturbing political climate has made it necessary for travel advisories to be issued against travel to Yemen.
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