Yemen offers a diverse range of breathtaking sceneries that are worth exploring. One of the must-visit destinations is the historic city of Sana'a, known for its unique architecture and ancient buildings. The Old City of Sana'a, a UNESCO World …
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Backpacking Yemen in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Yemen with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Embark on an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Yemen, where ancient history and breathtaking landscapes unfold amid the Arabian Peninsula. Pros? Immerse yourself in UNESCO-listed old cities, explore the highlands, and engage with warm and welcoming locals. Yemen offers an authentic experience away from the tourist crowds. However, security concerns and limited infrastructure may pose challenges. Yet, for the intrepid backpacker seeking cultural richness and historical depth, Yemen stands out as a unique destination, where each step uncovers the layers of a nation with a profound sense of tradition and resilience, making it an unparalleled journey for the adventurous spirit.
Best known for:Known for: scenery | beach life
Best time to visit: November-February
Best known for:Known for: scenery | beach life
Best time to visit: November-February
Why to go?
Why backpacking in Yemen
Scenery
Beach life
Yemen is great for beach life and snorkeling because it boasts stunning, untouched coastlines and crystal-clear waters. The country is home to some of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in the world, offering a peaceful and serene environment …
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💡 Highlights
Top-5 things to do in Yemen
- Old City of Sana’a: Discover the ancient charm of Sana’a, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved traditional architecture and bustling souks.
- Shibam Hadramawt: Explore the ”Manhattan of the Desert,” a unique city in the Hadramawt Valley renowned for its towering mud-brick skyscrapers that date back to the 16th century.
- Al-Mahwit: Visit this picturesque mountain town, famous for its beautiful terraced fields, traditional houses, and the stunning Al-Mahwit Dam.
- Socotra Island: Embark on an unforgettable adventure to this remote island, known for its otherworldly landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and pristine beaches.
- Al-Mukalla: Relax in the coastal city of Al-Mukalla, where you can enjoy stunning beaches, explore historical sites like the Sultan’s Palace, and indulge in delicious seafood.
But Yemen offers more...
🌤️ When to go?
Best time to go backpacking Yemen
The best time to visit Yemen for backpacking is during the cooler months of November to February. During this time, temperatures are milder and more comfortable for outdoor activities. However, it's important to note that Yemen is currently facing a complex political situation and ongoing conflict, which can make travel risky. It's crucial to stay updated on the security situation and follow travel advisories before planning a trip to Yemen.
Risk level: high (100%)
Safety advice for Yemen
- An increased threat of military and terrorist attacks against Israel and Israeli interests across the region and ongoing military action in the Occupied Palestinian Territories could lead to increased tensions in other locations in the Middle East. Demonstration and protest activity may occur, and localised security situations could deteriorate with little notice. Avoid all demonstrations and protests. This may also result in airspace closures, flight cancellations and flight diversions and other travel disruptions.
- Do not travel to Yemen (including the island of Socotra) due to the ongoing civil and international conflict. Military operations continue in Yemen and the Red Sea in response to attacks by Houthi militants on ships transiting the Red Sea and surrounding waters, including the Gulf of Aden.
- Despite truce agreements, the security situation in Yemen remains highly unstable and unpredictable. Airstrikes, other military activities and violent clashes may occur sporadically and without warning. There may be limited government control over parts of the country.
- There's extreme political instability, risk of injury from landmines and unexploded ordinance, and a very high threat of kidnapping and terrorism. You may also be unable to get enough food, water or medical care.
- There's a very high threat of kidnapping and terrorism in urban and rural areas around Yemen, including in the main cities of Sana'a, Aden, Hadhramaut and Ta'izz. If you're in Yemen despite our advice, get professional security advice. Keep a low profile and vary your routines and behaviours. Targets include the Yemeni Government and Houthi interests, foreigners and foreign interests, journalists, international organisations and NGOs. Take extreme care near places that belong to Yemeni authorities.
- Most international airlines no longer fly to Yemen. If you're in Yemen despite our advice, consider leaving if it's safe to. If you can't leave, then shelter in a safe place. Follow the advice of local authorities or trusted security experts before trying to leave by road or other method.
- Australian officials can't currently travel to Yemen to provide consular help. Nearly all countries have suspended embassy operations and withdrawn diplomatic staff. If you enter Yemen or stay despite our advice, work with only reliable, registered and authorised organisations. Don't travel alone or at night.
- Physical, verbal and sexual harassment can occur.
- Important dates and religious or political anniversaries, such as Unity Day on 22 May each year, can cause violence and civil unrest. Avoid public gatherings. Be careful around Friday prayer times.
- Weapons are readily available. Yemenis are often heavily armed. Armed carjacking is common.
- There's a high threat of piracy in Yemeni waters and the Gulf of Aden.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
source: www.gov.uk
Yemen
My tips to get you on the way!
Does Yemen sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Yemen. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Yemen may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Yemen. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Yemen may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Yemen, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Yemen, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 22 September 2024