2025 Al Bairat Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

The Colossi of Memnon are two massive stone statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III, which stand at the front of the ruined Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep III, the largest temple in the Theban Necropolis. They have stood since 1350 BC, and were well known to ancient Greeks and Romans, as well as early modern travelers and Egyptologists. The statues are made of quartzite stone and are 18 meters (60 feet) tall. The Colossi of Memnon are famous for the sounds they produce when the sun rises. The sounds are believed to be the voice of the Greek hero Memnon, who was killed by Achilles during the Trojan War. The Colossi of Memnon are located in the West Bank of Luxor, Egypt, and are a popular tourist attraction. #christmastrip

Winter break is here! Time to visit Egypt! Explore the pyramids and unlock the secrets of the desert on this 7-day tour. Our handy guide will help you make the most of your Egyptian adventure! -------------------- 🗓 Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive at Cairo Airport and begin your journey into ancient Egyptian civilization! In the afternoon, you can choose to visit Old Cairo to experience the local culture. Then, check in to a comfortable hotel for a good night's rest. Day 2: Explore the mysteries of the Giza Pyramids and get up close to the Great Sphinx. Then, visit the Egyptian Museum to see its many treasures, and finally, head to the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar to soak up the lively atmosphere. Day 3: Visit the Temple of Philae and admire the charm of ancient architecture. Then, head to the Nubian village of Aswan to experience a different side of Egyptian rural life. Day 4: Take a day trip to the Abu Simbel Temples and experience the awe and mystery of ancient Egyptian civilization. Day 5: Follow in the footsteps of ancient Egypt from the Temple of Kom Ombo to the Temple of Edfu and experience thousands of years of history. Day 6: Visit the Colossi of Memnon and explore the legends of the Valley of the Kings. Then, head to the Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple to admire the grandeur and beauty of ancient Egyptian architecture. Day 7: Enjoy 24-hour private car service to Luxor Airport according to your flight time and end your unforgettable Egyptian journey. -------------------- Must-visit attractions: 🌟 Giza Pyramids: One of the Seven Wonders of the World! Stand beneath the Great Pyramid of Giza and feel its ancient, mysterious power. Don't forget to explore the secrets hidden deep within the tombs. 🏛️ Egyptian Museum: Want to see the treasures of ancient Egypt? The museum is home to a wealth of historical artifacts and mummies, so you can see it all in one place! 🌶️ Khan el-Khalili Bazaar: Step into this vibrant Arab market and let the smell of spices transport you to the world of One Thousand and One Nights. -------------------- **Notes**: * Visa information: You need to apply for a visa in advance to visit Egypt. Make sure you have it ready for a smooth trip. 📖 * Food exploration: Egyptian cuisine is rich and varied. Try local specialties such as grilled meats and desserts. 🍽️ * Souvenir shopping: Egypt has many specialties. Compare prices to avoid overspending. 🛍️ * Travel safely: Pay attention to your personal and property safety when traveling in Egypt. 🔒 * Respect the locals: Respect Egyptian culture and customs and be polite to others. 😊 -------------------- That's it for our Egyptian tour. We hope this guide helps you have a great time! 🎉

7-Day Egypt Tour: Pyramids, Deserts, and the Nile River! Check out this guide to make sure you don't miss anything on your trip to Egypt! -------- 🛫Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Cairo and explore ancient Egyptian civilization Arrive in Cairo in the morning. In the afternoon, you can choose to join a Cairo Old Town tour and stay in a high-star hotel. Day 2: Giza Pyramids > Sphinx > Egyptian Museum > Khan el-Khalili Visit the spectacular Giza Pyramids and experience the mysterious charm of ancient Egypt. Then, head to the Sphinx to admire the unique art of ancient civilization. Visit the Egyptian Museum to trace the footsteps of history. Finally, visit Khan el-Khalili to experience local life. Day 3: Philae Temple > Aswan Nubian Village Visit the historic Philae Temple and experience ancient Egyptian religious culture. Then, head to Aswan Nubian Village to experience the traditional life of the Nubians. Day 4: Abu Simbel Temples Spend the whole day immersed in the grandeur and mystery of the Abu Simbel Temples and experience the shock of ancient Egyptian civilization. Day 5: Karnak Temple > Luxor Temple Visit Karnak Temple and admire the magnificence of ancient Egyptian architecture. Then, head to Luxor Temple to explore the depth of ancient Egyptian religious culture. Day 6: Colossi of Memnon > Valley of the Kings > Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut > Medinet Habu > Nile River Visit the Colossi of Memnon and experience the exquisite art of ancient Egyptian sculpture. Visit the Valley of the Kings and unveil the mystery of the ancient Egyptian royal family. Visit the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut and learn about the legendary story of this great woman. Finally, head to Medinet Habu and the Nile River to experience the unique charm of ancient Egyptian civilization. Day 7: Transfer to Luxor Airport and end your Egypt tour According to your flight time, a dedicated driver will take you to the airport to end this unforgettable trip to Egypt. 🛬 -------- **Notes**: * 💶 The exchange rate between the Egyptian pound and the Chinese yuan fluctuates frequently. We recommend checking the rate in advance and exchanging local currency. * 🍴 Egypt has a wide variety of delicious food. Don't miss the rice sausage and shawarma, as well as the affordable street food kushirui. * 🚌 You can take a bus or taxi from Cairo Airport to the city. Remember to confirm the terminal information to avoid going to the wrong place. * 📇 You need a visa to travel to Egypt. Prepare a passport with at least 6 months of validity and related materials. -------- 🎉We hope you enjoy the mystery and magic of your trip to Egypt!

Driving 500 kilometers from Cairo, you reach Luxor, where the attractions are divided between the East and West Banks. A must-experience is the hot air balloon ride at dawn, which only cost us a little over 400 RMB for two people, making it the cheapest hot air balloon ride in the world. After landing on the West Bank, you can continue to visit the Temple of Habu and the Valley of the Kings, which are very conveniently located. The main attractions on the East Bank are the Karnak Temple and the Luxor Temple. The Karnak Temple is the prototype for temple parkour, remember to go in the morning, or else the huge columns will quickly be out of light; the Luxor Temple can be visited in the afternoon and evening, as it is lit up at night, creating a mysterious atmosphere. West Bank: Temple of Habu, Valley of the Kings East Bank: Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple Below is our entire half-month self-driving tour of Egypt. There are still many places we haven't visited, to quote an old saying: 'Those who have drunk from the Nile will return to Egypt.' And we will be back. day1: Arrive in Cairo—Egyptian Museum—Zawiyat Al-Hamra Twin Towers—Khan El Khalili Market day2: Giza Pyramid Complex day3: Drive from Cairo to Luxor day4: Karnak Temple—Luxor Temple day5: Hot Air Balloon over Luxor—Temple of Habu—Valley of the Kings day6: Drive from Luxor to Aswan—Afternoon Tea at Old Cataract Hotel—Nile River Sunset day7: Aswan round trip to Abu Simbel day8: Drive from Aswan to Hurghada day9-12: Vacation by the Red Sea in Hurghada, staying at an all-inclusive hotel day13: Drive back to Cairo from Hurghada day14: Cairo city walk—Hanging Church—Natural History Museum day15: Home

WOW this temple is impressive and wasn't busy at all. It's less famous than the other temples, don't know why because it's a beautiful temple with the drawings on the columns and the statues standing tall. We almost missed one because we were tired after after the scorching heat at Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, so glad we stuck it out and went. Definitely a highlight on this trip for me. #habutemple #egypt #luxor #temple #summervacation

📍HABU TEMPLE, Luxor Honestly one of the most amazing things that i saw on my Egypt trip. The temple is quite big (150m) and has some amazing hieroglyphs, the hieroglyphs are so easily visible and loads are carved very deep, i could nearly fit my whole hand in them. On some of the walls the colours are extremely vibrant still which was so cool to see :). The temple is located on the West Bank of the Nile and you would need a car to get to it, there are loads of taxi’s everywhere and they are pretty cheap too - if you negotiate. #habutemple #luxor #hieroglyphs #awesomepic #summervacation #couplestrip

The hot air balloon tour in Luxor, Egypt, was beyond imagination. Around 4 a.m., we were picked up from the hotel and transported to the dark west bank, where numerous hot air balloons were already being prepared. Watching them rise one by one into the sky felt like a scene straight out of a movie. As soon as the balloon ascended, the view below was breathtakingly beautiful. The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, the Valley of the Kings, the Colossi of Memnon, and even the Nile River—all the historical sites were visible at a glance. As the sun rose beyond the horizon, the scenery was bathed in golden light. From above, Luxor felt not just like a tourist destination but like a living piece of history. It was a moment where you could truly feel the greatness of ancient civilization. The serene dawn air and the experience of slowly drifting over the historical sites—if you visit Luxor, don't miss the hot air balloon tour. It's an emotion that cannot be conveyed through photos or videos.

#ThailandAirlineEvent Luxor Hot Air Balloon Tour – If you come to Luxor, you absolutely must do the hot air balloon tour. We pick you up in the dark of dawn and depart, and the moment the sunlight begins to spread, the hot air balloon slowly rises into the sky. That moment was so beautiful that I couldn’t speak. Luxor’s ruins seen from the sky – Hashepsut’s Temple, Memnon Colossi, the Nile River, the Valley of the Kings, the scene of the great civilization unfolding was a moving experience that could never be captured in a photo. It was a moment that really deserved the word ‘amazing.’ The hot air balloon was quieter and smoother than I thought, so it felt like I was slowly gliding across the sky, and the scenery below became more and more magnificent, and I realized that I was really in Egypt. Departure location: Luxor West Bank / Most hotels pick up included Viewing ancient ruins from the sky, Luxor hot air balloon tour was the highlight of my trip to Egypt. Must experience it

Starting at dawn, the Luxor Balloon Tour was truly worth the early wake-up call. As the hot air balloon gently ascended, the stunning scenery unfolded before my eyes, and I immediately thought, "I would have regretted missing this experience." From above, the West Bank's archaeological sites—Hatshepsut's Mortuary Temple, the Colossi of Memnon, and the Valley of the Kings—appeared like a giant puzzle. The view extended across the Nile River to the East Bank, capturing the stark contrast between the monochrome desert, the blue Nile, and the lush green fields in between. The dramatic contrasts were absolutely mesmerizing. The balloon moved smoothly, and the guide's commentary added to the enjoyment. Floating quietly amidst the 360-degree panoramic views felt truly magical. Location: Departure from Luxor's West Bank area (hotel pickup included). After landing, participants receive a simple certificate. Even if you only have one day in Luxor, this tour is a must. Seeing ancient Egypt from the skies offers a grandeur and depth that surpasses the view from the ground.

During my trip to Luxor, I stayed at Iberotel Luxor. Honestly, I didn’t have high expectations for the accommodation, but as soon as I opened the window and saw the Nile River view, I was immediately amazed. The scenery of the Nile River right in front of you is truly a masterpiece. In the morning, the mist-covered river feels mysterious, and in the evening, the sunset spreading across the water is so beautiful that you could easily spend the whole day just inside the hotel. The package I booked through Trip.com included a guided West Bank tour with pickup and drop-off at Iberotel. The itinerary was well-organized: Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in the morning, followed by the Valley of the Kings, Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, and Colossi of Memnon in the afternoon. The guide was friendly and provided excellent explanations, making the historical sites even more enjoyable. The schedule was tight but not overwhelming, allowing for a fulfilling day. After the tour, returning to the hotel and sitting on the balcony with a beer while gazing at the Nile River felt like the quintessential Egyptian experience. Despite being in the city, the hotel is quiet and offers stunning views, making it perfect for those looking for a cost-effective stay. I highly recommend the combination of Iberotel Luxor and a guided tour in Luxor. It’s the best way to spend a perfect day and end it by admiring the Nile River. Location: Iberotel Luxor, Egypt

The Luxor tour in Egypt was truly an immersive experience of ancient civilization. It was a guided tour booked through Trip.com, covering both the East and West Banks in a single day. The day started early with a visit to the Karnak Temple. The sight of the massive rows of stone columns was overwhelming, and it was hard to believe that people built such structures thousands of years ago. Walking through the shadows cast by the columns under the sunlight was an unforgettable experience. Next was the Luxor Temple. Though smaller than Karnak, it had a more delicate and tranquil charm. The long avenue lined with sphinx statues was particularly impressive. After lunch, the tour continued to the West Bank. At the Valley of the Kings, I even entered Tutankhamun's tomb, where the vivid colors of the wall paintings were astonishing. At the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, I felt the grandeur of the female pharaoh, and at the final stop, the Colossi of Memnon, I stood in awe before the statues bathed in the red hues of the sunset. The guide spoke English and provided excellent explanations while also helping with photos, which was very satisfying. The itinerary was efficiently planned, making the travel smooth, and there were breaks for restrooms and café stops, which were appreciated. The Luxor tour felt less like sightseeing and more like a time-traveling experience. If you're visiting Egypt, I highly recommend dedicating a day to Luxor. Location: Luxor, Egypt

My trip to Luxor, Egypt, was truly beyond imagination, thanks to the Thai Airways ticket event! I booked the Luxor East Bank + West Bank tour through Trip.com and spent an entire day exploring historical sites. Among them, the most impressive was the 'Colossi of Memnon.' We arrived at the Colossi of Memnon towards the end of the West Bank tour, just around sunset. The statues bathed in the evening glow were absolutely breathtaking. The tour started early in the morning, beginning with the East Bank sites like Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. After lunch, we moved on to the West Bank to visit the Valley of the Kings and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, finally ending at the Colossi of Memnon. Although walking all day left my legs sore, seeing the Colossi of Memnon made all the fatigue disappear. The Colossi of Memnon are not just giant stones. The fact that they have stood there for thousands of years is awe-inspiring. At sunset, the statues, bathed in a reddish glow, felt like living gods. The guide explained that the sounds emanating from the statues were once called 'Memnon's Cry,' believed by ancient people to be the voice of the gods. Hearing this made the statues feel even more mystical. The Trip.com tour was well-organized, with comfortable transportation and a local guide fluent in English, making the explanations easy to understand. The guide also pointed out great photo spots, allowing me to capture many beautiful pictures. Despite being a group tour, the schedule was neither rushed nor boring. Although the itinerary was tight, covering both the East and West Banks of Luxor in one day, it was a perfect day to truly experience Egypt's rich history and ancient culture in a short time. Location: Colossi of Memnon, Luxor, Egypt

#HawaiiAirlineEvent At 4 AM, on the way to Luxor West Bank A hot air balloon began to light up one by one in the field where we arrived through the dark dawn A view that even a drone could not capture unfolded before my eyes The quietly rising sun, the sleeping city and the Nile River beneath it It was a scene that needed no words The first place we visited after landing was the Valley of the Kings As we entered, the murals spoke to us “We protected this land, and now you are on its traces.” A quiet but intense space Next was the Temple of Hatshepsut The architectural beauty that seemed to have been carved out of a cliff took my breath away The wind blowing through the pillars seemed to whisper the spirit of the queen I felt proud that there was a queen in Egypt And the Colossi of Memnon A size that was hard to believe even when I saw it with my own eyes I was in awe of the fact that they have stood here for thousands of years A heritage that left a bigger impression on my heart than in a photograph Luxor West Bank is not the ‘past’, It was 'now' Sand, stones, sunshine, and even the wind It was a day when everything told a story ⸻ Location: Luxor West Bank, Egypt #Luxor travel #Egypt tour #Valley of the Kings #Hot air balloon tour #Hatsepsut #Colossi of Memnon #Trip.com #Xian tour #Emotional record #Egypt

Black and White Desert is absolutely perfect for camping... I'm so glad I insisted on camping in the desert for two days and one night. The entire starry sky was so clear, it left me overwhelmed and speechless. After being surrounded by sardines while diving, I once again felt like a mere grain of sand in the vast universe. Suddenly, all my worries seemed insignificant. When I snapped back to reality, I realized half an hour had already passed... Waking up to watch the sunrise, enjoying the sunset in the evening, and stargazing at night—the desert is breathtakingly beautiful at any time of the day. Suggested itinerary: DAY1️⃣: Assistant holds a sign at customs to pick you up - helps with documentation - check-in at a five-star hotel DAY2️⃣: Sahara Desert - Inner regions - Black Desert - White Desert - Yellow Desert - Crystal Mountain Desert DAY3️⃣: Sunrise chasing - Desert oasis - Cairo - check-in at a five-star hotel DAY4️⃣: Giza Pyramid Complex - Camel riding - Sphinx - Egyptian Museum - Khan el-Khalili Market DAY5️⃣: Philae Temple - Felucca sailing - Nubian Village - Tribal market - Cruise DAY6️⃣: Abu Simbel Temples - Nefertari Temple - Lake Nasser - Kom Ombo Temple DAY7️⃣: Horse carriage - Edfu Temple - Nile River locks - Cruise to Luxor DAY8️⃣: Hot air balloon - Valley of the Kings - Colossi of Memnon - Karnak Temple - Luxor Temple (exterior) DAY9️⃣: Red Sea activities (one day snorkeling, one day diving, half-day glass boat snorkeling, half-day desert dune bashing) DAY🔟: Free activities - Check-out - Transfer to Hurghada Airport for flight to Cairo - Return home The starry skies and seas of Egypt are undoubtedly the most cost-effective attractions. The peak season for Egypt is approaching, so if you're interested in traveling to Egypt, you're welcome to visit!

🌊In the Red Sea, you will see a jelly sea that is bluer and more beautiful than Australia Dolphins chase and play around the cruise ship in the sun Step inside a 4,000-year-old Egyptian temple in Luxor Huge sphinx sculpture group Listen to the stories told on the murals You can also take a hot air balloon to watch the sunrise 🌅 Overlooking in the sunshine Nile River, Valley of the Kings, Habu City In Cairo The left hand is the blue sea On the right is the endless desert In Giza We can see it in history textbooks and documentaries. Magnificent pyramids and the Sphinx 📖The book of history has finally turned a page! Thousands of words come together into one sentence Egypt far exceeded expectations and is worth a visit!

nice, but too touristy

#AustraliaFlightEvent It was a truly impressive experience to tour the interior of the Medinet Habu Temple. The battle scenes of Ramases III and the images of gods carved along the walls vividly conveyed the history and religious meaning of ancient Egypt. The interior of the temple was spacious and magnificent, and there were pillars and structures in each corner that allowed a glimpse into the essence of ancient architecture. There, I could deeply feel how much the ancient Egyptians expressed their reverence for gods and how unique their culture was. As I walked through each space, I felt as if time had stopped.

#AustraliaFlightEvent As soon as I entered the lower temple, I was overwhelmed by its grandeur. The temple's huge pillars and detailed murals perfectly demonstrated the outstanding architectural skills and art of ancient Egypt. The battle scenes of Ramases III and the depictions of gods painted along the walls made me feel the deep awe of the people of that time for their faith and royal authority. As I toured each section, I couldn't help but be amazed by the historical significance and scale of this temple. It felt like I was experiencing the essence of ancient Egyptian civilization firsthand, and the overwhelming atmosphere remained in my memory for a long time.

#AustraliaFlightEvent Medinet The experience of walking around the lower temple and looking around was really interesting. Starting from the entrance of the temple, I walked along each room, courtyard, and pillar, looking at the detailed sculptures and murals carved on the walls one by one. In particular, The murals depicting the battle scenes of Ramases III and the appearance of the gods were impressive. It felt as if time had stopped as I could see the achievements of the ancient Egyptian kings and the stories of the gods everywhere. The structure and atmosphere of the temple were truly mysterious, and it was a valuable experience that helped me deeply understand the religion and culture of the people at that time.

#AustraliaFlightEvent Medinet Habu Temple was truly magnificent and admirable. The grand size of the temple and the murals and sculptures that were steeped in the historical significance of ancient Egypt left a deep impression. Built to honor the achievements of Ramses III, this temple itself is a place where you can see the outstanding architectural skills and artistry of ancient Egyptian civilization. As I looked around the inside of the temple, I felt awe for the kings and gods of ancient Egypt, and I could feel a mysterious feeling as if I was experiencing the history right next to me.

#AustralianFlightEvent It was a really interesting experience to walk around and look around the Hatshepsut Temple. Each area had a different atmosphere, and the grandeur and detailed carvings of the temple caught my eye. In particular, the murals on the exterior and interior walls of the temple were filled with the achievements of Queen Hatshepsut and the stories of the gods, which allowed me to understand the history and culture of ancient Egypt more deeply. In a place where ancient architectural techniques and art stand out, I felt as if I was traveling through time. The more I looked around the temple, the more I was amazed by its scale and beauty.

#AustraliaFlightEvent Medinet Habu Temple had so much to see. The scale of the temple, the detailed murals, and each and every sculpture were impressive. From the murals depicting battle scenes of Ramases III to the various figures of the gods, there was a lot to see, with detailed carvings. In particular, as I walked around the interior of the temple, I was able to catch a glimpse of the royal authority and religious rituals of ancient Egypt, and I was amazed by its vastness and historical depth. I lost track of time as I discovered traces of ancient Egyptian civilization everywhere. It was a temple filled with interesting elements in every part.

#AustralianFlightEvent Medinet Habu is an ancient Egyptian palace and temple located near Luxor, a magnificent structure built by Ramases III. This temple is a representative example of ancient Egyptian architecture, and the interior of the temple is decorated with huge murals and sculptures. In particular, the entrance and exterior walls of the temple are covered with gorgeous and detailed sculptures, and the murals depicting various gods contain the history of the temple.

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 The Colossi of Memnon in Luxor are one of the representatives of ancient Egyptian civilization, located near the Karnak Temple on the west bank of the Nile. These majestic statues demonstrate the majesty and power of Pharaoh Ramses II and are of great value from an artistic, historical and cultural perspective. Each statue of the Colossi of Memnon is 18 meters high, reflecting the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient Egyptian sculpture and making people marvel at the architecture and sculpture craftsmanship of the time.

#AustraliaFlightEvent It was a little hot when I visited Medinet Habu, but I was able to forget the heat while feeling the grand atmosphere and the historical depth of ancient Egypt. The murals and sculptures inside the temple were really impressive, and I was amazed by their size and detail. As I walked along the outer wall, I felt like I was peeking into the stories of the kings and gods of that time, and I felt like I was experiencing ancient Egyptian culture up close. Despite the hot weather, the experience there was a truly precious and special moment.

#AustralianFlightEvent You can feel the depth of ancient Egypt at Medinet Habu Temple. The magnificent pillars and intricately carved murals vividly convey the faith and culture of the ancient Egyptians. As you walk through the temple, you can feel the dynamic atmosphere of the era as you see the battle scenes of Ramases III and the appearance of the gods unfold before your eyes. This temple, which shows the essence of ancient architecture, is not just a tourist attraction, but a place where you can directly experience the greatness and wonder of Egyptian civilization.

#AustraliaFlightEvent Under the beautiful sky, the Medinet Habu Temple felt even more magnificent. The temple's ancient architecture and detailed sculptures reflected the sunlight and shone even brighter, and the contrast with the blue sky added to its beauty. When I looked up at the sky and admired the temple, I felt the greatness and mystery of the ancient Egyptian civilization approaching me at the same time. It seemed as if time had stopped in that space, and the temple and the sky came together to create a wondrous landscape. I have taken in the beautiful sky and Medinet Habu Temple with my eyes, but I recommend that others visit as well 🚨

#AustraliaFlightEvent Medinet Lower Temple was truly astonishingly magnificent. The huge pillars and detailed murals further emphasized its scale and beauty. As I walked inside the temple, I could feel the greatness of ancient Egypt. The murals depicting Ramases III's battle scenes and images of gods vividly conveyed the history and culture of the time, and its magnificent scale seemed to show the essence of Egyptian architectural technology and art. 🤍 If anyone goes to Egypt, I recommend going with a guide. I like the tall and huge feeling of Medinet Temple.