Jordan is an ideal destination for tourists in the Middle East. A safe and welcoming destination, Jordan brings visitors close to the world’s wonders and immerses them in world-class hospitality. In Jordan there are many UNESCO World Heritage sites. You’ll be amazed by the fading frescoes in Quseir Amra’s 1,300-year-old desert castle. And as you Climb the red dunes and stand in the shadow of weathered sandstone in the desert landscape of Wadi Rum. And you need to plan to spend at least two days exploring Jordan’s most prominent attraction: Petra. These incredible sites in the ancient Nabatean city will leave you stunned and eager to explore more. And below are the best places that Asia News Daily Travel would like to introduce to you when coming to Jordan.
Petra
Petra is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, a tourist destination that has impressed modern-day visitors since Swiss explorer Jean Louis Burckhardt rediscovered the long-lost city more than 200 years ago. last year. It will take you about two days to explore all the highlights around Petra, including more than 800 registered sites. If you have more time, you won’t be disappointed spending time here. Wandering around this ancient city in such a well-preserved state will give you an unprecedented experience.Immediately after the entrance you will see the mysterious Djinn Cubes, majestic stone monuments whose original purpose is unknown, followed by the Obelisk Tomb. From here, you will pass through the Siq – a famous winding canyon road surrounded by high walls. Look along the walls to see remnants of the historic canals used to supply water to Petra, as well as niches for sacred carvings called baetyls. Finally, you will reach the unmistakable Treasury (also known as Al-Khazneh). Featured in nearly every travel guidebook and social media post about Petra, this tourist attraction’s Greek-style façade is one of the most enchanting places to visit in Jordan.If you think Petra is amazing during the day, wait until you see it after dark. Book tickets to the Petra By Night show so you can see the Siq and the Treasury lit up by more than 1,500 flickering candles.
Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is also a place that you should not miss when coming to Jordan. The lowest point on Earth accessible by land, this body of water lies 418 meters below sea level. In fact, it glows a deep turquoise blue – an especially striking sight next to the salt-covered rocky outcrops and barren red mountains in the background. Dead Sea attractions can be reached in about an hour by car from Amman. The Dead Sea is famous for its mineral-rich waters, and can be reached from several entry points, including Amman Beach. Better yet, splurge on a stay at one of the luxury spa resorts on the Dead Sea’s northeast coast. They often have private wading areas complete with buckets of Dead Sea mud. Just take one bath with this red-brown mud and your skin will be softer than ever.
Wadi Rum
Head to the southern region of Jordan and you’ll be treated to one of the most breathtaking landscapes on the globe: Wadi Rum. Also known as the Valley of the Moon, this sandstone and granite valley is an otherworldly experience, with towering cliffs, massive dunes, swirling archways and caves . Ask your guide to take you to Khazali Gorge, where you can see petroglyphs of humans and antelopes that may date back to the 8th century BC. You should consider spending the night at one of Wadi Rum’s luxury “glamping” sites. With almost zero light pollution, the park offers great opportunities for stargazing at night. It’s no surprise that visiting Wadi Rum is one of the top things to do in Jordan.
Jerash Ruins
The ruins of Jerash are one of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities in the world and have breathtaking sites to visit, from colonnaded avenues and temples to massive sports arenas once had a capacity of 15,000 spectators. Tourists begin their adventure visiting the ruins of Jerash by walking through Hadrian’s Arch, a magnificent 11-meter-high structure.If that’s not enough to amaze you, wait until you discover what lies ahead. The Hippodrome, a sports stadium built around the 2nd century, once hosted chariot races to entertain thousands of spectators. This ancient sport is revived through daily reenactments, with gladiator fights and chariot races. Another highlight of the Jerash ruins is the Forum. The oval square is surrounded by stationary columns that give the space a regal feel. Climb the steps of the nearby Temple of Zeus for a better view of this columned site.
Aqaba
Aqaba, a beach town on the southern tip of Jordan, offers tourists vacations on the spectacular shores of the Red Sea. Swim, dive or sunbathe – you can do it all in Aqaba. You can also get out into the turquoise waters on one of the daily excursions offered by local hotels. Enhance your beach vacation in Jordan by soaking in one of the adorable hammocks around the resort town. And you shouldn’t miss Aqaba’s local specialty: sayadieh, a fish dish over fragrant rice with onions, tomatoes and peppers.
Roman ruins in Amman
You don’t have to go to Petra to see the amazing archaeological sites in Jordan. In fact, the capital Amman is home to many fascinating ruins, many of which are within a short walking distance of each other. Head downtown to see one of the most famous ruins: Amman Citadel. Archaeologists have found artefacts around the Acropolis that show it has been inhabited since at least the Bronze Age. Here you can see some of the surviving columns of the amazing Temple of Hercules, an important Roman structure that was never completed.One of the top attractions in Amman for history buffs is the Roman Theater. The restored amphitheater, which seats 6,000 people, dates back to when Amman was a Roman-ruled city called Philadelphia, nearly 2,000 years ago. The attraction is still full of life, hosting many events and welcoming locals and tourists alike. Nearby, you can visit the Nymphaeum, a Roman fountain built around the same time as the theater, as well as the smaller 500-seat theater, the Odeon.
Wadi Mujib
Stretching from the Desert Highway some 70 kilometers to the Dead Sea, Wadi Mujib is Jordan’s answer to America’s Grand Canyon. The river canyon, 4 km wide and 1 km deep, offers nature lovers the opportunity to explore unique scenery and see a wealth of wildlife, including Egyptian vultures, Nubian gazelles, eland striped crane and Syrian wolf. There’s a great hike through the Wadi Mujib gorge, if you don’t mind getting a little wet. You can also head to the Mujib Biosphere Reserve to soak in the picturesque hot springs just an hour and a half from Amman.
Desert Castle
Stretching from Amman to the Saudi Arabian border, Zarqa province is home to a series of archaeological sites known as the Desert Castles. These early Islamic buildings were built by the Umayyads around the turn of the 7th century. Not quite castles in the traditional sense, the collection of structures included hunting lodges, forts, ramparts military, bathhouses and stopping points for caravans, among other types of buildings. Rent a car and drive around Desert Castle to see the sites. You’ll have the chance to see Quseir Amra, a squat building with an interior covered in beautiful frescoes; Quseir Hallabat, a Roman fortress with volcanic basalt and well-preserved mosaics; Quseir Al-Kharanah, a castle-like structure with dozens of rooms, but its original function has been lost to history; and Azraq Castle, an ancient walled fortress.
Ajloun
Located just 20 kilometers northwest of Jerash, Ajloun is a worthwhile trip for travelers who want to see some of the most beautiful natural scenery in Jordan. Plan to spend a day hiking around the Ajloun Forest Reserve, a 13 square kilometer area of virgin forest. In spring, the area is covered in wildflowers, making for spectacular photo opportunities. Keep an eye out for crested porcupines and striped hyenas that live in the area. Be sure to visit Ajloun Castle atop Mount Auf. It was built in the 12th century on the footprint of an even older Byzantine monastery to protect against Crusader attacks. Its mountaintop location offers sweeping views of the Jordan Valley.