Find the best Oman Hotels

Humans have lived in the Middle Eastern country of Oman since the Stone Age, but this desert nation on the Arabian Peninsula's southeast coast did not develop a tourism industry until 1970. Although Oman remains relatively unknown to most tourists, this is one of the safest historic countries to visit in the Middle East. Oman's rapidly developing capital city, Muscat, is located on the country's north coast 2,847 km west of Bangkok. Flights between Bangkok and Muscat International Airport last about six hours.

Oman is one of the world's driest and hottest desert countries and temperatures here can soar up to 50°C during its hottest summer days from April to October. Most Oman tourists prefer visiting during the winter months from November to March, when average temperatures range between 20°C and 25°C. The January to February Muscat Festival and the July to August Salalah Tourism Festival are a couple of Omani festivals geared specifically towards tourists.

Muscat, like its United Arab Emirates neighbours, is rapidly modernising. About 20,000 people can worship at the same time at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, whose prayer hall is adorned with the world's second biggest hand-woven Persian carpet. Muscat's more historic side remains well-preserved at the Al Mirani and Al Jalali forts. These twin forts have guarded Muscat's harbour since the city's 16th century Portuguese occupation. An even older and bigger fort surrounds the oasis community of Bahla.

Two signature Omani dishes are halwa, a sweet date and sugar dish, and a kingfish dish called mashuai served with lemon sauce. Khubz is a thin bread served with nearly all Omani meals. Omani food is otherwise similar to other Arab countries, but not as spicy. Other cheap Omani snacks are the shawarma (kebabs) and falafel (deep fried chickpea balls) served at street stalls or coffee shops. Alcohol is expensive and only served at some hotels and restaurants in this Muslim country.

Two activities which can be experienced in few other countries on Earth are desert camel riding and cruises by dhow, the traditional masted sailing vessel of this area, around the rugged coastline of the Musandam Peninsula, while off-road driving is another popular way to explore the Rub al Khali desert, Wadi Shab oasis, and the Hajar Mountains. Muscat's Al Qurum and Al Bustan are Oman's most developed beaches, but visitors wanting to see protected turtles during the July to October nesting season must go to the Ras Al Jinz green turtle reserve.

Oman's national symbol is the khanjar, a silver-sheathed dagger sold in nearly every Omani shop. Silver jewellery, traditional Omani kuma hats, and frankincense are a few of the cheaper and more customs friendly souvenirs for sale at Oman's several souqs (markets). Two of the country's biggest outdoor markets are Muscat's Muttrah souq and Nizwa's lively souq.