Hello, Have you noticed how our readers are constantly complaining about the same old tourist traps? last month I was looking for something special for traveling. Then what I found, you know? Stay tuned with Desert Chronicles to explore the top hidden gems of Saudi Arabia. Now, fasten your seatbelts, I’m going to let you know the top 7 hidden travel places of Saudi Arabia.

1. Al-Ahsa Oasis: The Largest Natural Oasis on Earth

When I was driving across a never-ending sea of sand, all of a sudden everything around me became green. Then I had unintentionally discovered Al Ahsa, which is the biggest oasis on Earth. Not joking

I was really amazed and spent a day simply roaming. Everything smelled delicious, like dates, and the air was cooler. It is a matter of interest that people have been living here for thousands of years

I visited the historic Ibrahim Palace. It resembles a maze with hidden stories at every corner. Let’s not even talk about the hot springs. After a long time of walking, soaking in those waters felt like heaven.

Check out the Al Qaisariya Souq before departing from Al Ahsa oasis. you can find everything from spices to handmade stuffs in this busy market. There, I got some lovely souvenirs that were far better than ordinary fridge magnets.

2. Farasan Islands: A Diver’s Paradise

When my friend suggested me to visit some beaches in Saudi Arabia, I assumed that my friend was kidding. But I was wrong. The Farasan islands are as similar as the hidden piece of heaven. They are the Arab version of the Maldives.

I spent a few days island-hopping, and each beach was better than the last. We’re talking powder-soft sand and water so clear you can see your toes. If you go for diving, you are in a treat. The marine site here is insane!

One day I traveled to the Protected Area of the Farasan Islands. Anyone might observe rare birds and gazelles in this wildlife region. I could not notice the famous Farasan Gazelle

The history knowledge in me enjoyed exploring around the ancient Ottoman mansions scattered outside. Your Instagram followers will be jealous of these structures’ magnificent wooden decorations.

And guys, the seafood here? To die for. I saw some fish that had been roaming in the sea just hours before now it is in my plate. just talking about how fresh it is!

3. Hegra (Mada’in Saleh): The ‘Second Petra’

I spent the entire day with the tombs engraved into these huge stones. These beautiful decorations narrate tales of the people who used to live here, each one is like a artwork. The main attraction of the exhibition is Qasr al-Farid, a huge tomb sculpted from a single rock. We call it the “Lonely Castle,” which sounds like the name of a title an indie band album.

The environment was incredibly calm, which is what really struck me. Hegra feels like this hidden gem, in contrast to Petra, which can get rather busy.When I was walking I had an idea that I was exploring Indiana Jones a long-lost metropolis .

Additionally, there is a Hijaz Railway Station. It remembers back to the Ottoman era and it was a part of this big railway which ran from Damascus to Medina. It was never completed, but it’s a wonderful example of modern history.

Tips: Go after sunset. The way the graves are lit up? Entire magic. There, I took some of my best-ever pictures.

4. Wadi Lajab: The Hidden Canyon

Now imagine the most peculiar water park you have ever visited.

This location is hidden away in the southwest part.
The first thing you do is go through this small canyon, which is bounded by really tall stones on both sides. The colors of the rocks are all over the place; they are purple, yellow, and red. It is similar to roaming through a huge kaleidoscope.

there is a green oasis with a stream and waterfalls. I was not expecting that in the middle of the desert!. I was not anticipate that in the middle of the desert

I tried to do some rock climbing, but as a beginner i couldn’t do it properly.

The thing that really surprised me was discovery of these ancient rock art. It’s interesting to consider that humans were likely searching shelter from the heat in the same location thousands of years ago.

Tips: Visit during winter . Though the climb might be difficult , I assure you that it will be worth of the effort..

5. Thee Ain Village: A Step Back in Time

Could you travel back in time without a DeLorean? Then Thee Ain Village is the perfect location resembles a living history book.
It is located up in the sarawat mountains, and the views are just insane, Thee Ain is a 400-year-old village that seems as it remained unchanged throughout the years. The houses are made of stones & appears to grow homes out of the mountain

I spent a day in the little streets and get myself lost in the winding alleys. I tried to collect some moments in my camera from every corner. The views from that elevation? completely ashtonishing.

The agricultural terraces of Thee Ain village are the most impressive features. I visited to some local artists at work creating such beautiful fabrics and baskets by hand. The talents have been passed down to the future generations. I purchased a little basket as a souvenir, which is far better than a t-shirt.

For dinner, I tried some local dishes named mandi (spiced rice and meat dishes) taste a million times better when you’re eating it with a view of cloudy mountains.

Try to spend the night in one of the refurbished old homes. And then waking up in the morning with a mountain view, isn’t it an invaluable feeling?

6. Jubbah: Ancient Rock Art Gallery

Last but definitely not least, there is a place named Jubbah. This location will amaze you if you enjoy vintage items.
It is basically a huge open-air art gallery, But instead of paintings, you may find rock carvings, older-than-the-pyramids old.

I spent a whole day just roaming around, looking at all these artworks. Even some animals don’t live in the area anymore – lions, ostriches, etc. It’s like a prehistoric zoo frozen in time.

These places showed me a side of Saudi Arabia I never knew existed.

7. Yellow Lake: A Sulphuric Wonder

Imagine yourself walking across a desert where all around you is filled with sand. Suddenly, you notice something that looks like a big pool of lemonade. That is the Yellow lake

It is located in the Najd region, this small lake is one of the weirdest natural thing I’ve ever seen. The color of the water is very bright yellow.

It seems that the color comes from the high level of sulfur in the water. It smells a bit weird, as like rotten eggs. But you can’t ignore the view

I visited the place during sunset and believe me, It was like I am on another planet. The way the yellow lake and sands were illuminated by the golden light? I felt like I was in a sci-fi movie.

The lake wasn’t suitable for swimming, but there are still lots of things to do around it; believe me, you wouldn’t want to. In the dunes, I attempted to sandboard. Warning: I ate more sand than I would want to confess, but it was a lot of fun!

If you love to explore the stars in the open sky, It is the best place for you. I camped near the lake for one night, and the sky was incredible. You can see the Milky Way super clearly out there. It’s one of the best views that make journey worth.

As nowadays Saudi Arabia opens up more to tourism, now it’s the perfect time to visit these hidden places. You’ll beat the crowds and get a more authentic experience. Additionally, you will have some pretty cool stories to tell when you get back home.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning for Saudi Arabian adventure! Trust me, it will be a trip you will never forget. And who knows? You might just discover another hidden things along your journey. If you find anything else like that let me know about that. For getting more interesting knowledges stay tuned with Desert Chronicles. Happy travels, folks!