Seiyun
Yemen · Hadhramaut · 700 m
Description
Seiyun is the largest town of the Wadi Hadhramaut and the practical base for the whole valley, built around the sultan's palace of the Kathiri dynasty, an enormous white mud-brick building on a raised platform that is among the largest earthen structures anywhere. Its whitewashed walls and rows of shuttered windows dominate the town square. The palace now holds a museum of the valley's archaeology and the sultanate. Seiyun has the airport that serves Hadhramaut, and date groves stretch along the wadi floor in both directions. Most visitors sleep here and see the other wadi towns as day trips.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 3 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: November – March
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Kathiri sultan's palace
- Palace museum of the valley and the sultanate
- Town square below the palace platform
- Date groves along the wadi floor
- Seiyun souk and the valley produce
- Domed tombs of the wadi saints
- Airport serving the whole Hadhramaut
- Road west to Shibam and east to Tarim
Getting there
- Airports:
- GXF