If you’re looking to enjoy a vacation that combines history and nature’s beauty, then you should visit Al Ula in Saudi Arabia. It is a destination you should visit to explore timeless cultural landmarks. It will be an amazing journey through sandstone formations and lush oases. 

If you’re a Westerner, then you should get ready for an amazing time, as you will experience a different culture, and topography. Continue reading to learn more about the places worth visiting in Al-Ula, as well the application process for your tour visa for Saudi Arabia. 

What is Al Ula?

This place is located in northwestern Saudi Arabia. It is a landscape with an area of 22561 square kilometers. An interesting thing to note is that Al Ula is not like any other tourist location. 

It will tell you stories from ancient civilizations. You will also witness careful planning of a town around an oasis. Diverse wildlife and natural landscapes can further mesmerize you during your trip. 

Al Ula’s weather will feel best during the winter. The ideal months? From October and April. Now, let’s begin with why you should visit Al Ula. What the destination has to offer.

What Spots and Adventures Should You Consider?

Let’s check out some spots and activities that might make you rush for a tour visa for Saudi Arabia.

Elephant Rock (Hegra)- Day 1

Start exploring Al Ula with the Elephant Rock. It is a massive and beautiful rock formation, named because of its shape. The rock lies in the heart of a sandy wilderness. But you don’t have to worry about food and water, as it has several restaurants and cafes to eat. 

You should visit this place at night if you wish to enjoy a transcendental experience. The restaurants in this place stay open till 3 AM, so you can spend quite some stargazing, if you wish to.

Remember that you can make moving around Hegra more adventurous with horse carriage rides. 

Nabataean Tombs (Hegra)- Day 2

The Nabataean tombs are known for their ancient origin. They date between 1000 and 1 BC. What’s unique about the tombs? It is carved out of rocks. These tombs can be visited in the city of Hegra. You need to ride around 30 kilometers from the Elephant Rock to reach the tombs. 

You will find small to large tombs in Hegra. Visit the Tomb of Lihyan. It is a larger and more recognized tomb. So don’t forget to visit it. Al Ula buses are available if you want a guided tour. Alternatively, you can also book an open-top Land Rover and ride along the sandy road. 

Winter Park Visitor Center (Hegra)- Day 3

The Al Ula Visitor Centre is 18 kilometers from the Nabataean tombs. You want to go there if you enjoy hot balloon rides. Explore the city of Hegra from 1200 meters above. The rides last for around 3 hours and are available all year round. But remember that advanced booking is required.

Banyan Tree (Ashar Valley)- Days 4 and 5

You will have to travel up to 15 km from the visitor centre if you wish to visit this place. So you can book a taxi to go there. You will find an infinity pool there, which is located between two sandstone cliffs. 

Banyan Tree is a perfect desert retreat in Al Ula in Saudi Arabia. 

You can book a 5-star hotel or villa to experience living luxuriously in the oasis. Diving in the pool during sunset is something you should experience. If you want to do something even more adventurous, you can consider horse riding in the Ashar Valley.

Maraya (Ashar Valley)- Day 6

Maraya is also located in the Ashar Valley. It is around 3 kilometers from the Banyan Tree. The largest mirrored building in the world can be found there. The skies and landscapes reflect on its surfaces. So it appears as a mirage. You will also find a rooftop restaurant in the building, which also hosts concerts. 

Gharameel (Al Ula Governorate)- Day 7

The distance between Maraya and Gharameel is around 90 kilometers. So you should consider cabs to travel to these places. You should not miss Gharameel if you are fond of stargazing.

The skies of Gharameel are clear and lightless, making it perfect for stargazing. You are recommended to arrive at Gharameel before the sun sets to watch the stars slowly come to visibility. 

Organised tour options are available there. The guided tour options also typically include a start guide and dinner. Let’s hope the day you visit Gharameel has a clear sky with a new moon. 

Al Ula Old Town (Medina Province)- Days 8 and 9

You will have to ride around 100 kilometers from Gharameel to the Old Town. So what is so different about the old town? It was completely abandoned in the 1980s. The significance of the old town is that travelers stopped there on their way from Damascus to Makkah. 

Today, the raw-brick shops and cafes have been restored. You will notice that the old town is one of the best places to enjoy modern Saudi cuisine. So if you wish to spend more time here, you can consider staying at either the luxury resorts or the budget-friendly resorts there.  

Al Ula Adventure Hub- Day 10

You can ride around 13 kilometers from the old town to the adventure hub. Spend a day immersing yourself in adventure before you say goodbye to Al Ula. You will find a giant swing. Feel the thrill of leaping. Swing 85 meters above the ground into a canyon. 

Want to experience climbing a 45-meter-high ladder? You can do it at the Al Ula stairway. You will also return back down with a zip line. 

What Documents Do You Need to Visit Al Ula in Saudi Arabia?

You will need to apply for a tourist visa to visit Al Ula in Saudi Arabia. You need a valid passport for that. A validity of 6 months must be reflected, taking the day of issue as the start date. Obtaining an electronic visa is convenient. 

But you can also get a visa from the consulate or on arrival. Let’s check out the Saudi visa application requirements for different visas below. 

Electronic Visa

You can apply for an e-visa through a visa application portal. Complete the application form and send it. Also, submit copies of your passport and photographs as supporting documents. You have your bank card. Use it to pay visa fees conveniently. Citizens of 57 countries can get an e-visa. The UK, Canada, and the US are among those countries. Schengen country citizens are also eligible.  

You cannot stay for more than 90 days with the help of an e-visa. A validity of 1 year will apply from the day the visa is issued. Multiple entries are allowed, meaning that you can enter the country many times within a year. Just make sure you don’t exceed 90 days of stay in total. 

You will receive your e-visa via email. 

Visa-On-Arrival

If your country is eligible for an e-visa, then you are also allowed to get a visa on arrival. To get this visa, visit the office after deplaning. They will give you a form, which you must fill, after which you have to submit it, along with the relevant documents. 

You must have a valid passport that has been used at least once. It should have a stamp issued by the country you visited. So, confirm to yourself that you meet these criteria before relying on a visa-on-arrival. 

You might need to submit additional documents, apart from your passport and a relevant photograph, such as your hotel or accommodation bookings, financial strength documents, and return flight tickets. Use Saudi Riyals to pay the processing charge. You can use your bank card. 

Consulate Visa

You have to visit the Saudi Embassy in your country to apply for a regular tourist visa. The documents needed for a visa-on-arrival and a paper visa are the same. 

So you should visit the embassy, collect the application form, fill it, and then submit it. You will also have to present your identification documents, bank documents and others as required when you submit the application form.  

Take the necessary documents with you, too. Pay the fees using your bank card and wait for your Saudi visa application to be processed.  You must also submit a pre-paid envelope. Your stamped passport will be sent to you in that envelope through the mail.

Ready to be Mesmerized by Al Ula?

You will experience a mix of heritage and geology in Al Ula. Ancient geological formations in the middle of the desert can be experienced as well. You will also witness the magic of man-made luxuries in barren lands. 

You will need to apply for your tourist visa in advance to visit Al Ula in Saudi Arabia. Doing this will help you avoid any issues. Look for the adventure options in every spot you visit. Experience local cuisines and nature-gazing. Enjoy scenic views from luxury villas. 

Finally, go during the winter months. Consider October to April. The weather will be favorable. 

Pack a bottle of water to battle the heat. Download the Careem app. It offers a majority of essential online services within the same interface. For convenience, do the Saudi visa application online.

With Hollywood as its centre of attraction, the USA has always been famous for luxury travel. Many people come to this country from all parts of the world, which resulted in the US tourism reaching USD 22255 million in 2024. The U.S. luxury travel market is expected to grow by 8.2% by 2030. This further proves that the US and its multiple travel locations should be anyone’s best choice for luxury travel. 

Thus, this gives more reason to apply for a U.S. visa from Canada, the UK, India, or other countries. Well, are you an Indian who is planning to do the same? Then you need to start planning early, besides just booking your flights or applying for a visa. You will be required to understand which part of the country offers the best options for luxury travel, and for that, you will need to know about the best hotels and resorts in the area. 

Necessities for Planning a Luxury Trip to the USA 

Before proceeding further with the trip, you must know about its necessities. Luxury travel is the same as any other trip, with the only difference being the budget. So, naturally, you will be required to meet the basic requirements for this trip. Some of these necessities are: 

Passport

The passport should come with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your date of travel and two blank pages. Procure a new passport if yours don’t match those. 

Visa

All Indians visiting the USA are required to get a visa or a travel permit when traveling for tourism, business, or anything else. So, you will also need to fill out an application for a U.S. visa, more specifically, a tourist (B2) visa for your luxury holidays in the USA. In our opinion, it is best to apply this online, as that way the process becomes way more convenient and prompt. 

An online tourist visa or tourist eVisa of America comes with a validity of 10 years and offers multiple entries. However, the stay duration can be from a couple of weeks to 180 days. The steps that you will have to follow to apply for this visa are: 

• Visit the online portal for visa application
• Fill out the DS-160 form and answer all the relevant questions that are on there. 
• Add scanned copies of necessary documents like a valid passport, recent passport-sized photograph, bank statements, travel itinerary, inwards and outward flight tickets, and other documents that the authority asks for. You should also check any other visa requirements for the US that may be there. 
• Pay the fee for your visa application using your debit or credit card. 
• Wait for 5 to 7 days to get the visa application approved. 
• Get the approval letter for your visa in the email ID that you added on your application form. 
• Print a few copies of the letter and bring them with you to the airport during immigration. 
• Contact the Helpdesk if you face any delay or rejection during the application process. 

Travel Insurance

Getting travel insurance isn’t definitely a must, and you can very well have your trip without it. However, having this helps you fight against any uncertainties that might occur during the trip. This helps you pay for any unexpected costs that might occur. So, try to get that before you start your trip or while you check the visa requirements for the US. 

Top Areas for Luxury Hotels

Struggling to choose a luxury hotel? Then, start by understanding the top locations for luxury hotels. 

East Coast Elegance

The East Coast of America is the best place for luxury holidays in the USA. From the iconic skylines of NYC to the green spaces of Florida, there is a lot that this place has to offer. We have hand-picked some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts in this area that will definitely be a great place to stay. 

The Plaza Hotel 

This historic hotel in NYC is visited yearly by many people. Some of the biggest perks of this hotel are its iconic architecture, central location, and premium services that will make you feel like a celebrity. Most importantly, it is located around 16 miles from the New York JFK Airport, which means it will take around 25 to 30 minutes to travel. 

The Breakers 

Palm Beach, Florida, has always been a top location for luxury and class. To experience this, you must stay at the Breakers. The hotel melds period charm and modern amenities, giving you the best of both worlds. The best part is that the luxury palace is located just beside the beach, perfect for the best experience. 

The Ritz-Carlton 

If you want to get the best experience of the USA culture during your luxury stay, then you must stay at this hotel. Situated in an important area in Washington, D.C., the Ritz-Carlton is a famous choice among many travelers. This is perfect for upscale comfort with close proximity to the cultural hubs.  

West Coast Wonders

Famous for being the home to some of the biggest names in the country, the West Coast is a great place for luxury living. Some of the best hotels and resorts that work as the perfect temporary home for you while you enjoy a luxury trip are: 

Post Ranch Inn

Located high at the top of a cliff in Big Sur, CA, Post Ranch Inn is famous for its views. The resort blends luxury and sustainability through its rustic elements and eco-conscious design. With fine restaurants and great amenities, this is the perfect place for a luxury hideout. 

The Beverly Hills Hotel 

Famous as the hub of Hollywood glam and legendary status, The Beverly Hills Hotel is a must for anyone looking to have a luxury holiday in the USA. The hotel is located in a prime location on the famous Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, which has always helped it gain a lot of attention. If you want to live like Hollywood elites in a place with iconic suites and a pool, then this is the right choice for you after you get your U.S. visa. 

Amangiri 

Located in Canyon Point, UT, this hotel is perfect for experiencing desert serenity. The hotel comes with 34 suites equipped with modern amenities. Plus, the place also offers a luxurious yet back-to-nature feel with its world-class spa facilities and tented pavilions in the middle of the desert. 

Southern Sophistication

The Southern part of the USA is an excellent choice for anyone who wishes to have a luxurious trip, all while exploring the history and tradition of the country. Some of the luxury hotels and resorts in this area that will help you have an immersive experience are:  

The Inn at Palmetto Bluff 

Situated in South Carolina, beside the May River, The Inn at Palmetto Bluff has been a top choice among travelers for luxury holidays in the USA. This luxurious resort takes up a huge area, which automatically gives that grand feeling. If you want to experience the blend of the best southern hospitality and modern luxury, then this one is a must-visit. 

The Little Nell 

If you want to stay at a 5-star, 5-diamond hotel, then look no further than this one. The Little Nell, situated in Aspen, CO, is famous for its ski-in/ski-out access to the beautiful and famous Aspen Mountain. Other than that, its gourmet dining and spa treatment is an experience that everyone should try at least once. 

The Cloister in Sea Island 

If you are looking to stay on a private island, then this one situated in Sea Island, Georgia, will be the perfect pick. The Cloister in Sea Island is a luxurious resort known for its southern charm. This 50-acre lush resort offers many activities like fishing, kayaking, horse riding, and others. However, if you are just looking to relax, then its 5-mile-long private beach will be just the best thing for you. 

Excited to Set Out for a Luxury Trip to the USA? 

Planning the perfect high-end trip to the USA is easy when you have a clear idea about the top luxurious hotels and resorts of the country. From the East Coast to the South, you will never fall short of options once you learn about the top hotels. After that, it automatically becomes easy for you to apply for a U.S. visa and start your trip filled with class and luxury. For any questions, contact the Helpdesk. 

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a lucrative place for investments and for doing business. This can be seen in the fact that more than 154,000 commercial businesses were opened in the first quarter of 2025. 

If you’re also considering opening a business there, you need to be aware of the correct etiquette and Saudi Arabia business culture. This knowledge will help you successfully navigate your business relationships and build a successful business. You can apply for a Saudi Business Visa after you learn about these aspects. 

The Foundation of Saudi Business Culture

Saudi Arabia’s business values are unique in that they combine elements of Asian, Western, and Islamic values. The first thing you should know is that Saudi Arabian culture is centered around familial values. 

That’s why they place a great value on people who manage to become like family to them or gain their trust. In fact, it is a common thing in Saudi business culture for professionals to ask about your family members during business meetings. You will also be respected more if you have a well-balanced social or familial network of your own. 

Second, Saudi people place great importance on factors like gender and age. That’s why it is unusual to find many women when you visit the country for business interactions.

Apart from that, you should be ready for interruptions during business meetings if the other person is senior to you in age. Third, Saudi Arabian organizations have a strict hierarchy. So, decision-making can take time, since all senior management officials have to approve it. That’s why you should be patient.

Fourth, it is better to be aware of the various inter-tribe relations that exist between the people. That knowledge will help you navigate the communication more effectively. 

As you can see, the Saudi business culture is oriented towards relationship building and trust. So you would do well to focus on these things when you go for a meeting.

Building Relationships Before Business

Since you’re new to Saudi Arabia business culture, you might find the thought of forming meaningful relationships with Saudi business people intimidating.  However, we’ve covered the basics for you below. 

Saudi people appreciate meetings conducted in person or people taking an interested approach. That’s why you should ensure that you follow up any emails you send with at least a phone call or video conference. 

You should also be ready to engage in casual small talk for several meetings, or for the first few meetings. That’s because Saudi people place great importance on this, when they are getting to know you. 

So you should not be impatient and rush directly to the topic, as it is considered highly disrespectful in Saudi business culture. We would also recommend accepting the tea or qahwa (Arabian coffee) as it is an integral part of their culture. You should also not be worried when your Saudi business counterparts become silent during a meeting. That’s because the silence indicates that they are thinking about the points discussed.  

Business Etiquette & Protocol

Saudi Arabian business people place great importance on greeting each other, or their counterparts, before a meeting begins. That’s why you should learn some common Arabic phrases to foster a meaningful connection. 

Greetings

You can begin by wishing or asking: 

• ‘As Salaamu Alalikum’ (Peace be upon you)
• Sabah Al-Kheir (Good morning) or Masa Al-Kheir (Good evening)
• Kayf Haalak/Haalik (How are you for males/females)

In case your business counterparts use these greetings on you, then you can return these greetings by saying:

• Wa Alaikum Assalaam (Peace be upon you too)
• Saba an-noor or Masa an-noor (Response to ‘Good morning’/ ‘Good evening’)
• Alhamdulillah (Praise Be To God; Response to Kayf Haalak/Haalik)

You should also not forget to shake hands. Since Saudi Arabian people are hierarchy-centric, you should shake hands with the oldest person in the room. After that, you should shake hands in descending order, starting with the senior-most management executive. Expect your Saudi Arabian counterparts to enquire about your family members once the round of greetings is over. 

You should not ask about their female family members, since it is generally considered offensive. Don’t forget to greet them by their correct titles, since they consider it a respectful way to greet people.

Appropriate Dress Code for Men and Women

As a man, you should wear appropriately ironed shirts, polished shoes, and formal ties. If you’re a woman, you should wear skirts and comfortable but loose-fitting dresses that do not expose your ankles. 

However, you would do better to wear a ghutra (Arabian headgear) with a Thawb/Khameez (Arabian ankle-length robe) as a man. On the other hand, you should wear an abaya (a ankle length black robe) with a hijab (a head scarf wrapped around the face and head). 

This will endear you to the Saudi people more and help you boost your professional reputation. 

Giving Gifts

In case you’re carrying any gifts, make sure you offer them with your right hand. Avoid gifting alcohol or anything made out of the skin of pigs. That’s because both of these things are considered offensive in Islamic culture and the Saudi Arabia business culture. 

Gender Roles 

If you’re a woman, you need to be aware of the correct dress code. Apart from that, do not expect to meet many female counterparts during business meetings, due to the dominance for males in business. 

Meetings & Decision-Making

Saudi Arabian business people are not overtly punctual. So you can expect delays to take place as a normal routine. Apart from that, expect meeting cancellations or schedule changes. 

This sudden change in schedule can be due to either prayers, such as during Ramadan or unavoidable social meetings or calls. So you should accept this as part of a normal routine. 

In case your meeting gets interrupted midway, smile and agree to pick up the meeting at a later time.    

You might have to attend multiple meetings to make any worthwhile progress. That’s because of the strict hierarchy in Saudi Arabia. So your decision, proposal, or pitch would have to be accepted by all the senior-most members.

You should also remember to take your time and not be impatient. Saudi Arabian businesspeople value decisions made through in-depth discussions. 

Religion & Daily Practices

Saudi Arabian businesspeople are quite faithful, regarding their religion. That’s why you should be aware of their prayer timings so as not to disrupt any business proceedings. 

There are five prevalent prayer periods on any given day when your Saudi counterparts will be unavailable for meetings or discussions. These are:

• At dawn, before the sun rises, known as Al-Fajr
• At midday, after the sun has crossed or reached its midday point, known as Al-Zuhur
• During the late afternoon, known as Al-Asr
• Immediately after sunset, known as Al-Maghrib
• The time period between midnight and sunset, known as Al-Isha

You can find these timings printed daily in the local newspapers.  Apart from that, take note of Ramadan. The Saudi Arabian people do not eat or drink anything during this period, from early dawn to sunset. That’s why you can expect business operations to take place from late in the morning till the early hours of the afternoon.

You would also do well to not turn down any invitations to Iftar (the breaking of the fast in the evening) offered by your hosts or Saudi Arabian business people. However, we would recommend scheduling any important discussions or meetings for after Eid. 

Ready to Establish a Professional Relationship in the KSA? 

After you thoroughly understand all these tips, you should apply for your Saudi Business Visa. To apply for this visa, click on the relevant link by selecting ‘Saudi Arabia’ as the country. Once there, click on the ‘Apply Now’ link.

You will be redirected to the Saudi Visa Application form page. Fill in all details, pay the fee payment, and submit the form. Your visa will arrive by email once it’s approved. 

Ensure to compile all the necessary documents before filling out your Saudi Visa Application form for your business visa. Click here to see these documents. 

Finally, pack all the necessary clothes and other important documents as important to your business negotiations. Good luck!

Vietnam is an amazing destination for a family with children. The fascinating cities have plenty to entertain children. Beach hubs and urban locales are places where families with children can engage in several activities or urban adventures. Looking to know more about how to plan a kid friendly holiday trip in Vietnam from the UK? We are here to guide you. 

Best Time to Visit Vietnam with Kids

The months between June to August are the peak travel time to Vietnam due to consistently pleasant weather across these months. A type of weather comfortable for children. In this period, the country would offer proper services, convenient for a family. 

However, in the peak time, most of the places for tourists to visit can be crowded, something that can be difficult for children to navigate. A kid friendly holiday cannot be validated if the children face difficulties. Visit the place with children in summer to steer clear of the peak tourist season. The weather around this time can be warm and humid, but it can also be ideal for beach visits. 

Vietnam has warm weather all year round, making the summer a suitable time to visit the country to avoid crowds. It is only Northern Vietnam, where it can get cold and dry in the colder seasons. So, plan your eVisa to Vietnam based on which time you deem to be the most suitable for your family. 

Choosing Kid-Friendly Destinations in Vietnam

You may be considering planning what places to visit as you decide on applying for a Vietnam Visa in the UK. Different cities offer various attractions that can cater to the entertainment of children. They range from shows, parks, amusement parks, to museums and so on.  Here are some of the locations in Vietnam that your kids are sure to enjoy.

Hanoi

At a glance, the best places you can take your children to in Hanoi are water puppet shows, a picnic in Lenin Park, or boating in Hoan Kiem Lake.

The Thang Long Water Puppet Theater  is home to a centuries-old Vietnamese water puppet show. These water puppets represent both expert craftsmanship as well as talented puppeteering. It is considered an activity that can entertain kids the best in the capital city.

The Vietnam Museum of Nature is a perfect activity for a kid friendly holiday. The interactive exhibits can captivate the children’s attention, with the added bonus of a learning experience. 

Another place to visit with kids in the country is the Hoan Kiem Lake, which is a peaceful oasis in the middle of the bustling Hanoi city. Here, you can enjoy picnics on the grounds with your family or go boating on the glassy lake surface. 

Lenin Park is also the perfect spot for some outdoor activity for the whole family. It can be a picnic spot, a walking path, and it has playgrounds for kids.

Halong Bay

The best activity to participate in at Halong Bay as a family with kids is taking part in a cruise along the crystal blue waters. Several cruise companies are actively catering to families. 

However, it can be a challenging proposition to choose the ideal kid friendly cruises. You have to ensure the children’s safety as well as keep them away from congestion, excessive crowding or chaos. The best choice here is the cruises that are specially catering to larger families with kids. 

The crew of these cruises are aware of the additional safety precautions needed for kids and even come with life jackets for toddlers. The cruises also travel on the quieter sides of the bay and also travel at lower speeds, being a calming experience. Thus, if you are looking to apply for a Vietnam Visa from the UK for a family trip, careful selection of the cruise company is important. 

Da Nang & Hoi An

Hoi An and Da Nang are the most promising places to visit in Vietnam if you are visiting as a family with children. Da Nang is especially well-known for amusement parks such as the Sun World in Ba Na Hills. The Alpine Coaster Ride and the Fantasy Park are two great amusement park activities that you can take your children to. It is also a place with many kid friendly hotel accommodations such as the Hilton and the Pavilion. 

Even the journey to the Ba Na Hills can be exciting for children due to a 10-15-minute cable car ride offering extensive panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. The treat does not end there, as after getting off the cable car, you will be taking a walk across the picturesque Golden Bridge.

Da Nang also boasts elegant beaches, such as the My Khe Beach and the Non Nuoc Beach, known for their pristine white sands and clear blue waters, ideal for kid friendly holidays. 

On the other hand, the magical city of Hoi An is a treat for families. The Ancient Town in Hoi An is an ideal family destination. There, you will get to experience ancient Pan-Asian architecture and a traditional art performance house. 

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

You can enjoy different activities in Ho Chi Minh City when travelling with kids. You can have a picnic in Tao Dan Park, a road trip to Can Gio, or visit the tunnel in Cu Chi. Plus, placed centrally across the city, are some of the most well-known family-friendly and kid-friendly hotels in the country, such as Equatorial, Eastin Grand and the Le Méridien Saigon.

There are a variety of free activities in the city, such as cooling off in the Dam Sen Water Park or visiting the Thien Hau Pagoda.

Another suitable location in this city is the Dam Sen Water Park, an amazing summer spot. It is an amusement park with a variety of thrilling activities, which are suited to people of all ages. Thus, perfect to take your kids to. 

You can also take your kids to a cruise ride along the Saigon river. However, this is a consideration keeping in mind that when you plan the cruise, you look for extensively kid friendly cruise options. 

Accommodation Tips for Families

If you are travelling with kids to Vietnam, you must consider the available amenities based on how kid-friendly they are. But if the hotel is fun for kids and not for the parents, it will not be a suitable option either.

The best options for kid friendly hotels might include suites for more space, a bathtub, shallow pools, casual restaurants or any specific kid-friendly activities such as games or playgrounds. 

A Central location is also preferable. The Lotte Hotel in Saigon and the La Siesta Classic Ma May Hotel in Hanoi are two reputed family hotels that are centrally located. A centrally located hotel increases the accessibility of stores, medical facilities and transport. Things that are very important when travelling with kids. 

Planning for accommodations is important when travelling with family. Therefore, you should make sure that the living arrangements are made ahead of time, especially before applying for the eVisa to Vietnam. 

Transportation in Vietnam with Kids

When you are travelling with kids, it would be preferable that you consider air travel between cities instead of availing of train or bus travel. While adults can adjust easily to the public transportation systems in a foreign country, the process would be more difficult for children. 

Thus, travelling between cities by aeroplane is a safer bet. While travelling from one location to another within the city, the best option would be to get a rented car or download ride-hailing apps specific to Vietnam. Grab and Be are the most popular options, while you can also download the apps for local taxi services, like Mai Linh Taxi and Vinasun Taxi. 

It is best that you try to consult the locals, such as shop owners or hotel clerks, on the road and traffic rules. The systems in Vietnam will likely not be the same as in the UK. Thus, staying informed can be critical when travelling with kids. Since kid friendly hotels are usually centrally placed, sources for information would likely not be hard to come by. 

What to Eat (and Avoid) With Kids in Vietnam

Vietnam has a variety of options for eating out with kids. However, if you are a first-time traveller to the country or are unsure of the correct choice, reputed chain restaurants such as Pho 24 or Wrap & Roll are options that are safe. They serve the Pho Noodle Soup and Spring Rolls in clean environments, which are generally kid-friendly meals. Even in street food stalls, food in Vietnam is generally prepared hygienically. The food is also usually prepared wearing disposable gloves.

While planning a kid friendly holiday, an important consideration would be that kids can be fussy eaters. If that is the case, do not worry as all the major fast food chains are present in Vietnam, such as McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King, Jollibee and so on. Even if it is more expensive than local food, these may be the best choices for fussy eaters. 

Ready for a Smooth Vietnam Trip With Your Kids?

Here are a few final tips to consider when planning for a family trip to Vietnam. If you are travelling in peak season, getting your evisa to Vietnam and booking flights and hotels ahead of time can be the most ideal.

Try not to keep a busy itinerary. So that you can plan for downtime to let your children rest. You can also let the kids participate in small planning activities. It will help cater the trip to their needs as well. 

With thoughtful planning, a trip to Vietnam can be a fun and exciting prospect for your family, including the kids. 

If you’re a shopaholic, and enjoy shopping in unique destinations, then you should visit Saudi Arabia without a second thought. That’s because in Saudi Arabia, shopping is practically a cultural phenomenon. This can be seen in the 30 million foreign tourists who visited the country in 2024. These tourists spent lavishly on entertainment, luxury, and shopping. Continue reading to understand more about the shopping scene in this country below. 

Why Is Shopping In Saudi Arabia A Unique Experience?

One of the reasons that makes Saudi Arabia a unique destination for shopping is the availability of traditional souks and high-end designer label malls. For example, you have the Centria Mall and the Mall of Arabia. 

The upmarket cafes and high-end luxury stores in these malls will help you enjoy a glamorous shopping experience. 

If luxury that you see in the Saudi shopping malls is not new to you, then, traditional marketplaces will bring a change in your shopping experience. For example, Souk Al-Zal is a traditional marketplace for antiques. Shopping in such markets is a unique experience that you will not have in Western nations. 

Tourists pay a 15% VAT on products and services during their visit. You can now get a refund under a new VST exemption rule. This is something that is also further encouraging shopping in the country. You will pay 0% VAT if you shop for eligible items from listed sellers and providers.

So, are you considering a visit visa for KSA for a satisfying shopping experience? Let’s dive into the best upscale shopping options for you.

Luxury Shopping in Saudi Arabia

You will have the best luxury Saudi Arabia shopping experience in the four major malls in the country.

Top Luxury Malls

Luxury malls are concentrated in Riyadh and Jeddah.

Kingdom Centre Mall (Riyadh): This Saudi shopping mall is located within the 99-floor high-rise Kingdom Centre. This center is itself a prominent landmark.

You can shop from a number of high-end global brands in the Centria Mall. You will also find many entertainment-based and food-based options there. We would recommend going there during the low-rush hours for a peaceful experience.

You can check out the Sky Bridge, which is located one metro ride away from the mall. This place will offer you a chance to enjoy the Riyadhi skyline from there. We would recommend visiting an hour or two before closing time, between 9 to 10 pm. 

That way, you will be able to enjoy the sight of the stars and the city lights and click some great photographs. 

Al Nakheel Mall (Riyadh): In this mall in Saudi Arabia, the shopping experience is unique, since you can find high-end designer label stores, as well as those that come within your preferred budget. 

So, you can engage in luxury shopping as well as a budget-friendly family retreat. Try the cuisines alone or with your family. In case you are visiting with kids, take them to the electronic gaming centers and trampoline parks.

You will also love the modern architecture of the mall. Many find it extremely innovative. You should also visit the mall if you love shopping for perfumes and cosmetics. 

Red Sea Mall (Jeddah): The mall is among the biggest in the country. A variety of luxury retailers can be found in the mall. The rich entertainment zones really make the mall different from many other shopping stops. 

You will really enjoy a movie in the 12-screen cinema hall available in the mall. 

If you’re a bookworm, then you should not miss the various bookshops in this mall. We would also recommend checking out various specialty stores to shop for hidden treasures. Children’s play spaces are also available if you are visiting with kids. 

Mall of Dhahran (Eastern Province): The mall is extremely popular among locals. You will also find a crowd of expatriates shopping there. So it must be doing something right. Shoppers mainly visit the mall to hunt for fashion and electronics products. 

You will enjoy shopping in this mall if you do not like complex navigation. It is just one-story and heavily focused on family-friendly activities. Children are particularly fond of the skating rink in the mall, which is also open for adults. 

What To Expect?

When you enter any of the Saudi shopping malls, you will find products from global fashion brands like Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada and Fendi. You will also find multiple ways to keep yourself and your family entertained. 

You can also choose to dine at many of the fine dining restaurants, as well as beautiful cafes there. We would recommend not missing out on enjoying the family-friendly activities in the malls as well.

Another thing you should expect is personal comfort. For example, you can hire personal shoppers to help you choose the best products and deals. The malls have plenty of parking spaces with valet services available.

If you feel like relaxing in between your shopping, you can relax at the luxury lounges. You may use cash to shop at the malls. But bank cards are also widely accepted. 

Bargaining is not welcome in the malls. Negotiate in a friendly manner. You get discounts and better deals. 

Exploring Traditional Souks

Now let’s talk about the experience of shopping from souks. You can engage in a shopping spree with your Saudi Arabia tourist visa.

Must-Visit Souks

Here are the three most popular souks for you to shop from.

Souq Al Alawi (Jeddah): You will find this marketplace in Jeddah. It is the city’s oldest souk. It attracts traditional clothing and jewelry lovers. Shoppers also visit the marketplace to get their hands on high-quality spices and unique antiques. 

Remember that the marketplace gets heavily crowded during the months of pilgrimage. So, time your visit accordingly. 

Souq Al Zal (Riyadh): This marketplace is mostly dedicated to Saudi collectibles. You will find beautiful rugs and vintage antiques. If importing swords is allowed in your country, buy one from Souq Al Zal and take it back home. 

You can also buy hard-to-get coins and vintage utensils. Gold and silverware are also sold there. A perfect spot for collectors. Arabian perfumes and traditional sweets are also sought-after in the marketplace.

Qaisariya Souq (Al Hofuf, Eastern Province): This is an open-air marketplace that has several shops selling local handicrafts. The marketplace is also rich in portable heritage items like artwork and artefacts. 

You will also be able to feel the rich history of the place, when you walk the narrow paths. 

What To Buy?

Tourists mostly take home items such as hand-woven carpets and abayas. Oud or fragrant wood is also bought in quantities by tourists visiting the souks. You are also recommended to take dates, camel milk products and spices back home. Also, don’t shy away from buying gold jewelry if you love it. 

Remember that bargaining at the souks is very acceptable. But you won’t be able to bargain for all the items, as their prices will remain fixed. Regardless, make sure you are polite. Bargaining should be a discussion rather than a confrontation. 

Try to carry cash. Not all small shops will have the option to accept bank cards. Cash is also preferred for smaller transactions. You also need to dress modestly when visiting the souks. 

Additional Shopping and Safety Tips

Check out these tips to enhance your safety and shopping experience. 

Shopping Tips

Visit the souks and Saudi shopping malls on weekends. You will find a complete experience with a mix of food, entertainment, leisure, and shopping. You will also enjoy shopping more in the evening. The temperatures become cooler. Many restaurants and cafes remain open till late hours. And it is also completely safe to spend time.

Take advantage of Saudi National Day. It falls on 23rd September. Shops offer heavy discounts on a variety of items. But remember that there will be a surge in the crowd. You will also get discounts during the Riyadh Season. It lasts from October to March.

Safety Tips

Saudi Arabia has a hot climate. So, staying hydrated is important. Don’t get yourself fatigued by moving all day without tracking your water intake. 

Also, be respectful towards local norms and religious practices. You should not wander around in isolated places by yourself at night. Try to avoid isolated places during the night. Refrain from religious and political discussions. 

Don’t possess or carry alcohol at all.

Final Thoughts

In Saudi Arabia, shopping is a rich experience. You can purchase handcrafted items, high-end fashion, gold and silverware to artefacts, and electronics. 

Remember to be mindful of the direct expectations in malls and souks. While malls are mostly luxurious, souks are for treasure hunting and culture exploration. 

You should also carry cash to purchase things in souks. Remember to take souvenirs back home. Finally, don’t forget to apply for your visit visa for KSA on time to enjoy an amazing shopping experience.