Wuloru.info – Jordan is a small yet captivating country in the Middle East, renowned for its ancient architecture, fascinating history, and the warm hospitality of its people.
So, how can you travel to Jordan? Is it safe to visit? What should you experience while you're there? We invite you to check out our latest comprehensive guide on traveling in Jordan, brought to you by Wuloru!
General Introduction
Jordan is a small country covering an area of 89,341 square kilometers in Western Asia, specifically in the Middle East. It shares its western border with Israel, the northern border with Syria, the northeastern border with Iraq, and both the eastern and southern borders with Saudi Arabia.
This nation boasts a rich historical background. As far back as the 13th century BC, Semitic-speaking peoples migrated to this region and established kingdoms mentioned in the Bible, such as Gilead, Edom, Moab, Bashan, and Ammon.
The homeland of the modern wonder – The sacred site of Petra
Petra, often referred to as the “Rose City” due to the stunning red hue of its temples and tombs carved into massive sandstone cliffs, is Jordan's most precious gem and a top tourist destination.
This remarkable site was once home to the Nabataeans, dating back to around 312 BC, and UNESCO recognizes it as one of the most valuable cultural heritage sites in the world.
On July 7, 2007, Petra was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, making it a must-visit spot for many global leaders and celebrities alike.
Reasons to Travel to Jordan
Jordan is not only renowned for its ancient architecture and vast stretches of red deserts, but also for the warm hospitality of its people. There’s so much more to discover in this fascinating country!
Jordan: A Nation of Heritage.
Jordan may be a small country in the Middle East, but it holds a treasure trove of historical significance for humanity.
As of now, Jordan boasts a total of 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the city of Al-Salt, Qasr Amra Castle, Mount Elias, Umm ar-Rasas, the stunning Wadi Rum desert, and, most notably, the sacred site of Petra, which is also recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Unique Natural Landscape
Jordan is a fantastic destination for nature lovers who enjoy unique adventures.
With over 80% of its land covered by desert, visitors can engage in a variety of exciting desert activities, such as camel riding, jeep tours across the sand dunes, sandboarding, and spending nights in traditional Bedouin tents under the stars.
One highlight is the Wadi Rum area, where you can stay in bubble tents and gaze at the Milky Way or take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise to catch breathtaking views of Mars-like landscapes stretching across the vast desert.
In addition to its expansive deserts, Jordan is home to several reserves and biosphere areas, including Mujib Nature Reserve—the lowest nature reserve in the world, Azraq Wetland Reserve, and Dana Biosphere Reserve, which is the largest natural reserve in Jordan.
Moreover, Jordan boasts about 70 kilometers of coastline along the Dead Sea, making it a prime spot for tourists looking to float effortlessly on the world's saltiest waters.
Distinctive Traditional Cuisine
Another reason that draws travelers to Jordan is the chance to savor the unique flavors of traditional Middle Eastern cuisine.
Here are a few must-try dishes when visiting Jordan:
- Mansaf – This dish features lamb cooked in a fermented dried yogurt sauce, served with rice or soft bread.
- Falafel – A popular appetizer made from chickpeas, sesame, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice, shaped into balls and deep-fried.
- Moutabel – A smoky eggplant dip paired with a sauce that combines yogurt, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, offering a flavor reminiscent of mayonnaise.
Is traveling to Jordan safe?
According to Gallup's 2017 Law and Order report, Jordan ranked 9th out of 135 countries in terms of personal safety, while the United States came in at 26th.
Additionally, Travel Safe considers Jordan the safest country in the Middle East regarding terrorism and crime. Nomad World also highlights Jordan as the safest destination for solo female travelers in the region.
Overall, Jordan is one of the safest places to visit in the Middle East. However, it's always wise to stay vigilant and take some safety precautions, just as you would when traveling anywhere else.
Readmore: Is Traveling to Jordan Safe?
When is the best season to visit Jordan?
Spring and Fall: These are the best times to visit Jordan, as the weather is pleasantly cool, making it perfect for exploring the stunning natural landscapes.
Summer: During the summer months, temperatures in Jordan can soar, reaching around 40°C in some areas. It's advisable to avoid visiting at this time; waiting until fall would be a much better choice for your trip.
Winter: The winter season brings cold weather, with rain and sometimes even snow in higher elevations. If you plan to travel to Jordan during this time, make sure to pack warm clothing and a waterproof jacket!
How to Get to Jordan?
Air Transport
The easiest, quickest, and most convenient way to reach Jordan is by flying into major cities like the capital, Amman, or Aqaba. Currently, there are no direct flights from Vietnam to Jordan, so you'll need to make a stopover in a third country such as Thailand, Malaysia, Turkey, or Qatar.
Many airlines operate flights to Amman or Aqaba, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines, offering various schedules and reasonable prices.
You can check flight prices on search engines like Skyscanner or Google Flights to find the best deals!
Roadways
If you're planning to travel from Israel to Jordan, there are three international border crossings you can consider. Just remember, you'll need to have a Jordanian visa already in your passport to enter Jordan from Israel.
- King Hussein Bridge (Allenby): This is the closest crossing from Jerusalem to the capital city, Amman.
- River Sheikh Hussein Crossing: This option is for travelers coming from northern Israel into Jordan.
- Wadi Araba/Yitzhak Rabin Crossing: Located between the Jordanian city of Aqaba and the Israeli city of Eilat.
Happy travels!
Is a visa required for traveling to Jordan?
Yes, a visa is required for most travelers to enter Jordan. However, the visa requirements can vary depending on your nationality.
- Visa on Arrival: Many nationalities, including citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, the European Union, and others, can obtain a visa on arrival at Jordanian airports and land borders. The visa is usually valid for 30 days.
- E-Visa: Some travelers can apply for an e-visa online before their trip. This can be more convenient than obtaining a visa on arrival.
- Visa Exemptions: Citizens of some countries, mainly from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, do not require a visa to enter Jordan.
- Jordan Pass: If you plan to visit Jordan's major tourist attractions, such as Petra and Wadi Rum, you might consider purchasing the Jordan Pass. The pass waives the visa fee if you stay in Jordan for at least three nights and includes entry to various sites.
It's always a good idea to check with the Jordanian embassy or consulate in your country or visit the official government website for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements based on your nationality.
Famous Tourist Attractions in Jordan.
Sacred Site of Petra
Petra, often referred to as the jewel of Jordan, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. This ancient city was once the capital of the Nabateans and boasts a history of over 2,000 years, but it wasn't until 1812 that it began to gain recognition and exploration. When you visit this sacred site, there are several must-see attractions:
- The Royal Tombs, which include four main structures: the Corinthian Tomb, Urn Tomb, Palace Tomb, and Silk Tomb, all intricately carved into the rock at the base of the mountain.
- The Roman Theater, built during the reign of Antoninus Pius, can accommodate around 6,000 spectators. It stands out as one of the most impressive and popular landmarks in Petra today.
- The Treasury Al-Khazneh, originally constructed as a tomb, features stunning architecture with elaborate carvings on cliffs soaring over 30 meters high. This iconic site has also served as a backdrop for several blockbuster Hollywood films.
- You can also enjoy a ride through the Narrow Canyon (Siq), a naturally formed gorge that stretches about 1.2 kilometers long and is over 3 meters wide, serving as the main entrance to the city of Petra.
Exploring Petra is truly a journey through time!
Wadi Rum Moon Valley.
Wadi Rum is the largest desert in Jordan, located over 300 km from the capital city of Amman and just a little over 100 km from Petra.
This stunning area is often referred to as the “Mars-like” landscape due to its massive red sandstone mountains that stretch endlessly with unique shapes. The sand here has a soft pink hue under the sunlight, creating a breathtakingly wild and mystical atmosphere that feels almost otherworldly, reminiscent of Mars.
Mount Nebo
Mount Nebo stands at about 800 meters high and is a significant religious site that overlooks the Holy Land. According to biblical tradition, this is where the prophet Moses was shown the Promised Land by God, and it is also said to be his burial place.
Many popes have visited this sacred spot over the years. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Dead Sea, the Jordan River valley, and the expansive areas of Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George
This is also known as the Map Church, one of the oldest churches ever discovered, located in the city of Rihab in northern Jordan.
The church is renowned for having the oldest mosaic map of the Holy Land embedded in its floor, made up of 2 million colorful stones. At the center of the map is Jerusalem, surrounded by numerous other significant landmarks.
Capital City Amman
Amman is the capital and largest city of Jordan, serving as the country's economic, political, and cultural hub.
As the most Western-influenced capital in the Arab world, Amman stands out for its liberal atmosphere, making it a popular destination for tourists both regionally and globally.
The city's charm is highlighted by the stunning architecture of three remarkable landmarks: the Byzantine Church, the Temple of Hercules, and the Umayyad Palace, now known as Al-Qaser.
Top 5 Must-Experience Activities When Visiting Jordan
From stunning natural landscapes to renowned historical and religious sites, Jordan is a captivating part of the Middle East just waiting for you to explore. Here are the top five experiences you shouldn't miss when visiting this incredible country.
1. Visit the sacred site of Petra – A modern wonder of the world.
The ancient city of Petra, once the capital of the nomadic Nabateans—an ancient Arab tribe—is one of the most renowned archaeological sites in the world.
Located 240 km south of the capital Amman and 120 km north of the Red Sea town of Aqaba, Petra is truly Jordan's most precious gem and a top tourist destination.
Your visit to this sacred site will be even more memorable if you have the chance to experience Petra at night during the Petra Night Show, which takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM.
This walking tour offers a unique experience as you'll find yourself surrounded by a magical atmosphere illuminated by over 1,500 candles along the stunning path leading to the Treasury.
2. Spend the night in a bubble tent and gaze at the Milky Way in the desert.
The bubble hotel trend is rapidly gaining popularity in famous tourist destinations around the globe, especially in areas with stunning natural beauty.
Jordan is no exception; the breathtaking Wadi Rum valley attracts a large number of visitors each year who choose to stay in these unique bubble hotels and tents inspired by space stations.
Guests can immerse themselves in nature, gazing at the starry sky above while enjoying all the comforts of a luxury hotel, including electricity, hot water, air conditioning, and additional services like meals, campfire activities, sandboarding, and camel rides.
While the size and design of these hotels and tents may vary slightly, they all share a common goal: to provide an out-of-this-world experience in a vast, untouched desert landscape.
3. Float and read a book in the Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is a saltwater lake located between the borders of the West Bank, Israel, and Jordan. It has been a popular tourist destination in the Mediterranean region for thousands of years and is considered one of the world's first wellness retreats.
When you visit the Dead Sea, you can't miss the chance to float and relax while reading a book on the gentle waves. Even if you're not a swimmer, there's no need to worry—thanks to its high salinity of about 33%, you'll effortlessly float on the surface!
4. Ride a hot air balloon and observe the Martian asteroids
Another unique experience in the Wadi Rum desert is taking a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, allowing you to gaze upon this Martian-like landscape.
It's often referred to as a Martian asteroid because its stunning scenery has served as the backdrop for blockbuster Hollywood films like Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Martian (2015), and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019).
While floating in the hot air balloon, visitors can marvel at a breathtaking natural panorama filled with golden sands, majestic mountains, and unusual vegetation thriving in the arid terrain.
Not only will you get to see over 2000 square kilometers of land from above, but during your hot air balloon adventure in Wadi Rum, you'll also catch glimpses of part of the Israeli border and the nearby Red Sea.
5. Experiencing a shisha café
Smoking shisha is a popular pastime among the people of Jordan, and you'll find plenty of shisha cafes scattered throughout the country. Unlike alcohol, which isn't widely accepted due to Islamic law, shisha has become a beloved social activity.
Visiting shisha cafes has evolved into a distinctive cultural practice for Jordanians and the wider Middle Eastern community. These cafes serve as gathering spots for everything from business meetings to casual hangouts with friends.
If you visit Jordan, it would be a missed opportunity not to experience this unique coffee culture!
