Thumrait Travel Guide

Thumrait travel guide provides a comprehensive tour of the culturally rich and stunning natural attractions coupled with hiking and biking routes, adventurous activities, and other useful information.


Introduction to Thumrait

Nestled in the Dhofar province of Oman, Thumrait is a small town with a rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. It is often overshadowed by its more popular neighbor Salalah. However, Thumrait is a hidden gem worth discovering with its ancient history, vibrant markets, lush flora, and fauna, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers.

List of Places to Visit in Thumrait

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Thumrait is a melting pot of Arab, Persian, and African cultures, making it a culturally rich destination. To experience the local culture and history, explore the following museums and historical places:

  • Al Marneef Cave - A natural underground cave with a beautiful waterfall.
  • Al-Qasr Fort - A 12th-century fort and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Shisr/Wubar Archaeological Site - A 4000-year-old vanished city and the biblical place where the ‘Queen of Sheba’ lived.

Natural Attractions of Thumrait: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Thumrait is blessed with a tropical monsoon climate which has contributed to the region’s lush greenery, making it home to numerous natural attractions. Venture into the sprawling landscape for an adventurous and scenic view of:

  • Gibaliya - A beautiful natural park with hot springs and scenic trails for hiking and picnic spots.
  • Wadi Dhalam - A natural reserve and home to endangered Arabian leopards with beautiful waterfalls, hiking trails, and camping sites.
  • The Frankincense Trees of Wadi Dawkah - A UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful frankincense trees.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Thumrait

Thumrait’s beautiful landscape provides numerous hiking and biking routes. Escape from the busy city attractions and discover nature’s hidden gems such as:

  • Mughsayl Beach Trail - A beautiful three-kilometer trail alongside the coast of the Arabian Gulf, offering beautiful views of the beach and the sea.
  • Jebel Samhan Trek - The highest peak of the Dhofar mountains provides panoramic views of the Salalah plain.
  • Tawi Ateer Sinkhole Route - A unique sinkhole and cave system located in the desert, which can be reached via a challenging trek.

Best Things to Do in Thumrait: Activities and Tours

Thumrait offers numerous activities and tours for the ultimate Oman experience. Some of the must-try activities include:

  • Camel Safari - Experience the traditional camel rides through the beautiful desert landscape and explore the scenic views.
  • Birdwatching - Dhofar province is an important pitstop for migratory birds, sighting rare species of birds.
  • Dolphin Watching - Dhofar province is home to dolphins and whales, which can be viewed on boat trips from Salalah.

Week-Long Itinerary for Thumrait

A week-long itinerary in Thumrait provides ample time to discover the hidden gems of the area. Here is a suggested itinerary:

  • Day 1-2: Explore the historical sites in Thumrait such as Al-Qasr Fort and visit the ancient ruins of Shisr/Wubar Archaeological Site and Al Marneef Cave.
  • Day 3-4: Hike/bike through the beautiful landscapes of Gibaliya and Wadi Dhalam.
  • Day 5-6: Experience the traditional Oman on camels, enjoy bird watching and dolphin watching trips from Salalah.
  • Day 7: Relax, enjoy traditional Omani dishes, and buy souvenirs at the local markets.

Food and Drink Scene of Thumrait

Omani cuisine reflects the country’s multicultural heritage and traditions. The flavors of Thumrait’s cuisine are unique, making it a culinary heaven. Do not miss out on the following dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Shuwa- Slow cooked meat infused with Omani spices and served with rice.
  • Mandhi- A rice recipe that is spiced with bay leaves, saffron, ginger, cumin, and other Omani spices.
  • Omani Halwa - A sweet gelatinous dessert made from sugar, cornstarch, and rose water.

Local Beverages

  • Kahwa - A traditional Omani coffee infused with spices such as cardamom and clove.
  • Sahlab - A sweet, creamy hot drink made of almonds, milk, and rose water.

Where to Stay in Thumrait: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Thumrait has several accommodation options catering to different budgets, needs, and preferences. Some of the best accommodations are:

  • Millennium Resort Salalah - A luxurious beachfront resort with modern amenities such as tennis courts and outdoor swimming pools.
  • Rotana Hotel - A four-star hotel with a stunning view of the sea, outdoor pool, and several dining options.
  • Thumrait Guest House - A budget-friendly guest house that offers comfortable rooms with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.

What to Buy in Thumrait: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Thumrait’s markets offer traditional Omani products that are ideal for souvenirs, such as:

  • Frankincense - The aromatic resin of frankincense OR the unique perfumes made from frankincense are both famous products to bring home.
  • Omani Toob - A traditional Omani hat made from plaited palm leaves with a large brim to provide protection during the sunny days.
  • Omani Dagger - A traditional knife with a curved blade, used for formal ceremonies and an essential part of Omani tradition.

Local Culture and Customs of Thumrait

Oman is a conservative country with a unique cultural heritage; visitors should respect local customs and traditions such as:

  • Dress Conservatively: Dress modestly while visiting religious sites and public places.
  • Respect for Elders: Oman society values respect for elders; visitors should show respect with their manners and communication.
  • Avoid Public Display of Affection: It is considered inappropriate in public.

Best Time to Visit Thumrait

The best time to visit Thumrait is from October to April, as the weather in the Dhofar region becomes comfortable during this period, and the rains bring the dormant landscape to life.

Do’s and Don’ts of Thumrait

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and traditions.
  • Explore the natural beauty and historical sites.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.

Don’t:

  • Engage in public displays of affection.
  • Disrespect religious beliefs and customs.
  • Disrespect locals at any point.

Safety and Health

Safety in Thumrait

Thumrait is a safe destination, with a low crime rate. Visitors should be vigilant while wandering through the crowded markets, carrying valuable belongings.

Health in Thumrait

Thumrait has several medical facilities managed by well-equipped and trained staff. Visitors should ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance coverage. Also, make sure to carry sufficient sunblock and stay hydrated, as the climate can be harsh at times.

Getting to Thumrait: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Thumrait

Salalah International Airport, around 60km from Thumrait, is the nearest airport.

Bus Stations Near Thumrait

There are several bus options to travel from Muscat to Salalah, almost 1020km, and the journey takes around 12-14 hours.

Other Options

Taxis and car rentals are also readily available at the Salalah airport and city center.

How to Get Around in Thumrait

The best way to explore Thumrait is by car rental, as public transportation is limited. Taxis are available in the Salalah city center; however, they are expensive.

Where to Go Next from Thumrait: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Thumrait’s proximity makes Salalah a must-visit destination. Other nearby attractions include Mirbat, Khor Ruri and of course, Dhow Cruise and Dolphin watching expeditions.

Conclusion

Thumrait maybe a small town but there is no dearth of adventures and attractions in this hidden gem of Oman. Visitors will leave with a deeper appreciation of Oman’s beauty, traditions, culture and the adventures it holds.