Exploring the Mysteries of Wadi Rum - Valley of the Moon

Wadi Rum unveils a peculiar charm, akin to being on Mars

Embark on an otherworldly journey through Wadi Rum's majestic dunes

Wadi Rum: A Spectacular Tapestry of Nature's Marvels

Ideal Timing

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer ideal weather conditions with cool temperatures ranging from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius and minimal rainfall. Evenings in the desert remain pleasantly mild.

Summer (June to August) brings scorching heat, with temperatures soaring up to 45 degrees Celsius, making it an unpopular time to visit Wadi Rum. Winter (December to February) experiences chilly weather, particularly at night, with occasional snowfall and rain. If visiting during winter, adequate warm clothing is essential.

Spring and autumn stand as the prime seasons to venture into Wadi Rum

How to Reach Wadi Rum?

Located approximately 320km from Amman, 100km from Petra, and 60km from Aqaba, reaching Wadi Rum is accessible either by hiring an English-speaking driver or joining a tour from Amman, Petra, Dana, etc., if traveling in a large group. Alternatively, for those opting for public transportation, here are some useful insights:

From Amman

Taxi from Amman to Wadi Rum costs approximately 110JD per car accommodating 4 passengers and takes about 4-5 hours (equivalent to 3,530,000VND).

From Petra

You can take a bus for 10JD per journey (equivalent to 320,000VND) departing at 6 AM daily, arranged through your hotel reception. The bus picks up passengers from all hotels and guesthouses in Wadi Musa before heading directly to Wadi Rum.

From Wadi Musa, taking a taxi to Wadi Rum costs around 40JD per car for 4 people (equivalent to 1,280,000VND).

From Aqaba

Taxi fares from Aqaba to Wadi Rum range from 28-36JD (equivalent to 900,000 - 1,155,000VND). If you're returning on the same day, you can negotiate a round-trip fare of 60JD (equivalent to 1,925,000VND). Alternatively, if you prefer public buses, there's only one daily departure from Aqaba bus station between 1-3 PM. The buses are not air-conditioned, so it can get quite hot, but tickets are very affordable.

Entrance Tickets

The entrance fee is 5JD per person (equivalent to 160,000VND), with children under 12 years old admitted free of charge.

Where to Stay?

Wadi Rum sprawls over 700km² without marked trails, making it accessible only by camel or guided Jeep tours. Self-driving is not permitted. Visitors typically purchase tours that include transportation and overnight accommodation. Various tour options are available, including day trips, 2-day excursions, photography tours, camel rides, and sunset experiences.

The most popular choice is the 2-day tour priced at 120JD per person (equivalent to 3,850,000VND). This includes transportation from the Visitor Center, overnight accommodation, meals, and beverages.

Considerations Before Choosing a Campsite in Wadi Rum:

- Campsites are located in secluded areas, away from other camps

- Shuttle services available at various locations

- Clean and tidy restroom facilities

- Tents equipped with electricity, water, lights, and comfortable mattresses

- Delicious cuisine

- Highly rated desert tours

You can explore tours from a variety of camps, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury options such as:

A campsite in Wadi Rum

Beautiful destinations

Um Frouth Arch

Um Frouth Arch

Little Arch

Little Arch

Mushroom Rock

Mushroom Rock

Seven Pillars of Wisdom

Seven Pillars of Wisdom

Bhurra Canyon

Bhurra Canyon

Things to Do in Wadi Rum

- Jeep Tour: 4×4 jeep tours in Wadi Rum typically follow a set itinerary to visit the main highlights. However, you can customize a private tour with your camp to include or exclude specific stops according to your preferences. If you're traveling solo or in a small group, you'll be grouped with others, while larger groups of 10 or more can have a private tour.

Exploring Wadi Rum by Jeep

- Camel ride for sunrise or sunset: Camels will pick you up at your camp and take you to the best viewpoints for sunrise and sunset.

- Sandboarding on sand dunes: Wadi Rum has many tall sand dunes, making sandboarding from the top down a thrilling activity.

- Enjoying a unique Bedouin dinner: Rice, carrots, potatoes, lamb mixed with spices cooked and slow-cooked underground. By dinner time, you'll witness the process of digging up the pot, filled with deliciously cooked food. Most camps in Wadi Rum offer this dish, but to be sure, confirm with your camp when booking.

- Stargazing and capturing the Milky Way: The night sky in Wadi Rum is beautifully clear. After dinner, find a flat rock to lie down comfortably and gaze at the stars. With no urban light pollution, on clear nights, you can capture the Milky Way. Remember to bring a dedicated camera and tripod as phones cannot capture the Milky Way.

- Hiking and rock climbing: Wadi Rum offers spectacular hiking and rock climbing routes. However, solo hiking is not recommended due to the risk of getting lost. Consult your camp for guided tours.

- Hot air balloon rides: The cost for a hot air balloon ride is approximately 130JD (equivalent to 4,170,000VND). You can purchase tickets at the Visitor Center or email your camp for more information and booking in advance.

How long to stay in Wadi Rum?

Each time the Jeep stops at a sightseeing spot, the driver brews Bedouin tea

Although you can visit Wadi Rum in half a day, I believe a minimum of one night is ideal for you to immerse yourself in the desert's beauty. Jeep tours typically start quite late, around 10 AM and end around 5-6 PM. You can start later, but you'll miss out on some sights. Ideally, spend a full 2 days and 2 nights in Wadi Rum; if you have extra time, consider hiking to Jabal Umm ad Dami - the highest mountain in Jordan.

If you only want to visit Wadi Rum for the day and not purchase a tour or stay overnight at a camp, you can rent a Jeep from the Visitor Center for 4 or 6 hours for around 95USD (equivalent to 2,230,000VND). You can also rent a camel for 30USD/hour (equivalent to 705,000VND). Note that when renting a camel or Jeep, you must agree in advance on which specific locations to visit. If during the trip you want to go somewhere else or change the itinerary, you'll have to pay an additional fee.

What to bring when visiting Wadi Rum?

Note: Wadi Rum is the homeland of the Bedouin people, and out of respect for their traditional values, it's not suitable and lacks respect if you wear excessively short dresses or shorts.

Witnessing the sunset is an unmissable experience in Wadi Rum

This article is a collaboration between Mytour and blogger Trần Hồng Ngọc.
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