Philae Temple8.2
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Philae Temple is dedicated to the goddess of love, Isis…
Aswan 1, البحر الأحمر 1240271, Egypt
From RUB 1,442
Aswan Travel Guide 2026: Top Attractions, Local Food & Travel Tips | Trip.com
Aswan
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Explore Egypt's ancient ruins at Philae and Luxor Temple@Philae Temple
Felucca ride on the Nile in Aswan@Nile
Philae Temple, the white temple on the Nile River@Philae Temple
Nubian Village Aswan, a picture-perfect blue-and-white fairy-tale town@Nubian Village Aswan
Elephantine Island Exploration: Ancient Ruins & Nubian Village Tour@Elephantine
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Must-visit attractions in Aswan
Looking for things to do in Aswan? We provide up-to-date info on everything from must-see scenic spots to local hangouts.
Recommended stays in Aswan
Discover the most popular places to stay in Aswan, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers
Guest User: Although the price isn't cheap, the room is indeed nice. The afternoon tea service was also excellent. When I mentioned the lemon juice was a bit sour, the staff immediately offered to make it right, bringing me a new one with a little sugar, which was perfect. Every day at 5 PM, there's an English guided tour of the Churchill and Agatha rooms.
Abtal El Tahrir Street, Sheyakhah Oula, Aswan 1
From RUB 64,140
Sandra Macau: I had a mixed experience at this hotel during my stay in Egypt. The room itself was nice, spacious, clean, and featured a big, comfortable bed. The bathroom was fully stocked with fresh towels and all necessary amenities like shower gel, shampoo, and soap.However, the layout of the hotel is very strange and offers no privacy. While you can catch a glimpse of the river if you step onto the balcony and look to the side, your direct view is another guest's room and balcony. We could see directly into each other's spaces, forcing me to keep my curtains closed the entire time.I tried the breakfast buffet on my second day. It had a good variety, and the restaurant offers an absolutely amazing view of the river. There was an egg station, though no staff member was manning it at the time. The hotel seemed very quiet, as I only saw two other guests.Overall, it is not a bad hotel, but I would choose a different one next time solely because of the room's view and lack of privacy.
3VWX+X88, Kornish Al Nile, Sheyakhah Thalethah
From RUB 5,335
Guest User: The hardware is impeccable, and the service is full of warmth! I must give a big shout-out to the staff at this hotel! From the moment I checked in, I could feel the meticulous care. The room was not only clean and tidy, but the bedding was also very comfortable; you can tell they put a lot of thought into the details. The most stunning feature, of course, was the unobstructed panoramic view of the Nile River outside the window. The breakfast selection was rich and varied, and enjoying a meal while gazing at the river view was an excellent experience. Whether it was the front desk, the restaurant, or room service, everyone was very professional and enthusiastic. I will definitely choose this place again on my next visit!
3VFJ+887, Sheyakhah Oula, Aswan 1
From RUB 5,021
Guest User: The room decor feels a bit dated, but it was incredibly clean, which made for a great stay! The shuttle boat runs frequently, and there's parking at the dock, making arrivals and departures very convenient. Breakfast and dinner options were fairly standard, but sufficient. Our room, 506, had a balcony facing the east bank of the Nile, which was not sunny and offered a fantastic view. Overall, highly recommended! 👍👍
Corniche El Nil
From RUB 9,427
Guest User: Our experience at Casa Nile View was truly above and beyond. The house is absolutely charming, with all the comforts you need in the room, and it offers a unique and beautiful immersion into Nubian village life. From the moment we arrived, we were made to feel at home. The planning of all our activities was impeccable, from our visit to Philae to Abu Simbel, and the warmth of the people made everything even more special. We also had the chance to dine at their sister restaurant, Eka Dolli, and we were absolutely delighted by both the food and the service. A special mention goes to Abdallah, who was a wonderful host. He gave us a lovely tour of the Nubian community and shared such interesting insights into its history, it was truly unforgettable. We also want to thank the lady of the house, always smiling and dedicated, who prepared our breakfast every morning with so much care. Thank you so much for such a beautiful and memorable experience.
West Sohail Village
From RUB 2,100
Guest User: This was my first time staying in such a secluded place, and I was so glad I chose this hotel. From the very first moment, the owner and the staff ensured a comfortable stay for every guest. The timely boat transfer, the uniquely styled rooms, the home-cooked food, and the attentive staff—everything was delivered with the highest level of care. The hotel's location allows you to leisurely admire stunning sunrises and magnificent sunsets; time just slips away, and you immerse yourself in a state of endless bliss. I would certainly recommend this hotel to everyone.
Heissa island
From RUB 2,342
Guest User: There's another hotel nearby called Basma Hotel, but the driver took us to the wrong one. The view was great, but the service was extremely expensive. We booked a hotel day trip, then went to the supermarket for an extra $10, and had a meal for an extra $10. Any changes during the trip cost extra. However, the hotel's laundry service was incredibly cheap, practically free! We washed several sets of clothes in a fit of rage.
3VHP+3FR, Aswan 1
From RUB 14,725
jzycn: This is a very contradictory B&B hotel that I don't know if it is worth recommending. Its shortcomings and advantages are very prominent. It is suitable for Internet celebrities to make photos (the following photos are all original photos without retouching), but it is not suitable for anyone who has certain requirements for ”accommodation” itself. If you can find any cheap + clean + similar scenery alternative hotel, it is recommended to change it, but if it is just for taking pictures and scenery, it may be ranked at the top in Nubian Village. First of all, you have to be able to tolerate: 1. The hotel price is not cost-effective in the peak season, and the B&B offers the price of a five-star hotel. 2. Poor room facilities, rough-style furniture and narrow rooms, worrying bed sheets, bathroom shower water overflowing and drainage is useless, no slippers, toothbrushes, hair dryers (phone front desk can provide). 3. The breakfast is self-service and extremely simple and unpalatable, unlike some people who commented on the set and inexplicably praised it. 4. Tolerate or pay more to continue to tolerate the complaints of the chartered driver to drive into Nubian Village, and then contact the hotel by yourself in the middle of the night to change to a three-wheeled motorcycle in the deserted and dark mountains for 15 minutes to doubt life and reach the mountaintop hotel. 5. Other prices are very unreasonable. We originally wanted to book dinner for the New Year's Eve party, but it cost 100 US dollars per person... What did we get here? 1. The balcony of the room can see the unbeatable sunrise on the west bank of the Nile. We witnessed the first light of 2025 here at 6 am. 2. The various poses in the cultural buildings of the Nubian Village are very photogenic. 3. The desert next to the hotel is very photogenic. 4. A very special cultural experience of a group of tourists jumping up and down the mountain in a row of three-wheeled vehicles. 5. The hotel service staff is relatively friendly. Finally, it is explained that Egypt is not a country where tipping is allowed. Carrying luggage is a basic service of any hotel in their country. No one asked for tips during the entire stay.
81128
From RUB 16,729
Fanfangxiangdezhongkiki: On Koh Chang, you need to take a public ferry, which costs 15 Egyptian pounds per trip. The house is about 50 meters from the pier, so it's quite convenient. The balcony offers views of the Nile River, and there's also a rooftop area. The owner was very responsive in contacting me. Overall, it was a good experience.
Sheyakhah Oula
From RUB 2,414
Guest User: Benben is a beautiful place and the service is top notch. Why the 3 stars? Our room jacuzzi was way too hot to enter. On the first day they send someone over who added cold water so we could enjoy it. Then on the second day as we are coming back from our day trip and want to relax, we find out our jacuzzi is again way too hot. It’s not fun to wait for them to fix this issue when we want to go in right now and not in an hour or so. Also as a 5 stars hotel, the hot water kept running out in our shower after 15 minutes which is quite crazy. It shouldn’t be like this. Or else we loved everything. The food is really good, and as I said the staff/service is amazing.
Aswan 1
From RUB 28,389
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A Journey Through Millennia: Discover the Wonders of Egypt
Wind carries the sands of millennia, bringing the ancient dreams of pharaohs to life. The Nile River flows silently, penning the poetry of time. 🔥 Who could resist a journey through the millennia to Egypt❗ Step onto the golden sands of the Sahara 🌪️ Gaze up at the majestic pyramids 🗿 Unlock the mysterious stories along the ancient Nile River ✨ 🕌【Highlights of the Trip】 ✅ Direct flights from Beijing, no layovers, hassle-free travel ✅ Visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World 👉 The Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, and delve into the grandeur of ancient Egypt ✅ Explore the Grand Egyptian Museum (opening in 2025!) and marvel at the breathtaking golden mask of the Pharaoh ✅ Head to the Red Sea in Hurghada 🌊! Relax on the beach or opt for thrilling desert dune bashing and snorkeling adventures ✅ Travel to Luxor, stroll along the Nile, visit ancient temples, and experience the charm of Nubian villages ✅ Stay in local 5-star hotels throughout the trip for maximum comfort ✅ Includes team transportation + Chinese-speaking guide, no need to plan everything yourself, just enjoy the journey 🗓 Simple Itinerary Overview Day 1|Gather in Beijing, take an overnight flight to Cairo, and begin your dream journey Day 2|Explore Cairo in-depth|Pyramids + Sphinx + Grand Egyptian Museum Day 3|Drive to the Red Sea in Hurghada 🏝️ Relax and enjoy free time, with optional desert dune bashing Day 4|Continue your vacation by the Red Sea, snorkeling to discover the crystal-clear underwater world Day 5|Travel from Hurghada to Luxor, visit temples along the Nile, and explore local markets Day 6|Return from Luxor to Cairo, then fly back to Beijing, completing your journey 💡 Travel Tips 🔸 Egypt has significant temperature differences between day and night! Bring a sun hat and sunglasses for the day, and a light jacket for the evening 🔸 The sun is very strong, so high-SPF sunscreen is a must 🔸 Respect local customs; avoid wearing overly revealing clothing when entering mosques 🔸 Carry some small change for tips 📸 Photo Tips ✨ In front of the pyramids: Light-colored dresses for a dreamy vibe ✨ By the Red Sea: Bright tank tops and beach dresses for stunning shots against the blue sea and golden sands ✨ At temple ruins: Vintage earth-tone outfits to enhance the atmosphere 🍜 Local Food Recommendations ✅ Koshari (Egypt's national dish) ✅ Grilled lamb barbecue ✅ Fresh fruit juices by the Nile 🌍 Cross mountains and seas to witness the Egyptian civilization you've read about in textbooks The silent sands tell the epic stories of millennia ✨ Seize the moment and let's embark on this journey together 🚩 Cairo International Airport
The Nile views at the Old Cataract Hotel are legendary
Old Cataract Hotel Aswan | Stay by the Nile and embrace a century-old legend✨ The most romantic thing to do in Aswan isn't rushing to check off tourist spots, but staying at the Old Cataract Hotel. People say some hotels are just places to sleep, but the Old Cataract in Aswan is a "bucket-list" hotel that truly lets you live inside a story. Perched on a pink granite cliff along the Nile, this century-old palace, dating back to 1899, quietly overlooks the gentle waters of the First Cataract of the Nile, facing Elephantine Island and the Nubian dunes across the river. For over a hundred years, the winds of the Nile have never ceased, yet they have never taken away the romance and legend of this place; instead, they have settled into a unique, vintage elegance and a relaxed atmosphere. The moment you step into the hotel, it feels like you've been transported back to a golden age. The Victorian-meets-Moorish architectural texture is stunning, with exquisite horseshoe arches, intricate wooden lattice screens, and vintage glass chandeliers scattered throughout. The walls of the long corridors are adorned with yellowed black-and-white photos, each hiding secrets of days gone by. This place has never lacked significant stories or the footprints of famous figures. Agatha Christie stayed here for nearly a year, gazing at the flowing Nile while conceiving her classic "Death on the Nile." Churchill loved to relax with a drink on the terrace, where the riverside scenery at sunset was his favorite view. Countless royals, literary giants, and explorers have all slept here, lulled by the waters of the Nile. The most healing aspect is always the hotel's unique riverside view🌅. Open your room window to an unbeatable view of the river, where the clear waters of the Nile wind into the distance, and vintage feluccas glide slowly across the surface, the shimmering water breaking up the light from the sky. By day, watch the blue water flow and the white sails dot the river, with desert hills and oases reflecting each other in the distance. In the evening, wait for the sunset to paint the horizon, as golden-pink clouds cover the entire Nile, the river water gilded with a gentle edge, and the Aga Khan Mausoleum standing quietly on the opposite bank—the atmosphere is truly legendary. The hotel's open-air terrace is a fantastic hidden gem and the best vantage point for this century-old legend. Order a signature cocktail, sit back against the granite railing, and let the evening breeze, carrying the moist coolness of the Nile, brush past your ears. There is no urban hustle and bustle, only the murmuring water and the rustling breeze. The century-old architecture, the thousand-year-old Nile, and the ancient dunes all come together in one frame—every scene before your eyes is cinematic Middle Eastern romance. Here, slowing down is the only rhythm. There's no need to rush through an itinerary or join the crowds. Wake up to the morning light by the Nile, spend the afternoon lazily relaxing in the shade of the palm garden, and immerse yourself in the evening glow and gentle breeze. Every brick and tile holds the depth of time, and every breeze and drop of water writes the story of the Nile. If half of Egypt's romance lies in the grandeur of the pyramids, the other half must surely lie in the gentleness of Aswan. Staying at the Old Cataract Hotel is not just booking a room; it's stepping into a century of history, into the romantic suspense of Agatha Christie's writing, and into the gentle poem that has flowed along the Nile for thousands of years. This is the most moving and ultimate stay in Aswan—once you've been, you'll never forget it.
The "Forbidden City" of Egypt, you can't possibly see it all in an afternoon
Traveling from Aswan to Luxor, it was already afternoon, so my first stop was straight to the Karnak Temple on the East Bank of the Nile. The reason is simple: Karnak is the world's largest temple complex. Walking inside feels like falling into a stone labyrinth, with a sense of scale that reminds me of "touring the Forbidden City." · Before entering, you must walk along a processional way lined with ram-headed sphinxes. The ram's head is the incarnation of the god Amun. Between the front paws of each statue sits a small statue of Ramesses II. The pharaoh hid himself in the embrace of the god, which was both an act of piety and politics. It is said that this avenue extends 3 kilometers to the south and leads all the way to Luxor Temple. · Passing through the first pylon—a wall so massive that construction stopped before it was finished—you can still see the mud-brick ramps used by the ancient Egyptians to build it on the inner side. Entering the first courtyard, you are immediately met by several giant granite statues of Ramesses II. Yes, him again. After traveling around Egypt, this pharaoh is everywhere; he is at Abu Simbel, and he is at Karnak. Standing at the feet of the statue is Queen Nefertari, who only reaches about the height of his knees. In the small temple at Abu Simbel, she is as tall as the pharaoh, but here, the rules of scale have returned to the default. · Continuing inward, you enter the second pylon, and the most breathtaking space in Karnak appears before your eyes: the Great Hypostyle Hall. 134 giant sandstone columns are arranged in 16 rows, like a forest grown from stone. The 12 tallest ones in the center exceed 20 meters, and the lotus bud-shaped capitals at the top are large enough to hold nearly 100 people. Looking up, you can still see traces of paint from over 3,000 years ago on the columns; the red, blue, yellow, and green pigments are still roughly discernible under the slanting sunlight. It is said that the entire hall originally had a roof, and light only leaked in from the high clerestory windows in the center. The ancient Egyptians used this method to create an effect of "divine light" indoors. Now that most of the roof has collapsed, the sunlight pours in without obstruction, adding a magnificence of intersecting column shadows. · Passing through the Hypostyle Hall and heading deeper, the obelisk of Hatshepsut pierces the sky. Nearly 30 meters high and carved from a single piece of pink granite, it is the tallest surviving ancient obelisk in Egypt. This female pharaoh had a very cool sentence carved onto the monument: she built the memorial for her father Amun and plated it with the finest gold in the world. · Walking further into the depths of the temple, there is a granite scarab statue. It doesn't look like an ancient artifact and seems a bit inexplicable, but the guide said that walking around it 7 times makes your wishes come true. So, whether they believe it or not, tourists are all circling it, with expressions as pious as if they were completing some kind of ritual. · I originally thought that by reaching this point, I had almost finished touring Karnak Temple, but looking at the map, I realized we had only walked through a small part of the entire complex. It turns out that Karnak is not a place you can "finish seeing." It is too big and has too many elements—pylons, courtyards, hypostyle halls, obelisks, small temples, and open-air museums. Each one is worth stopping to examine closely, but stopping means you won't be able to finish the walk. · When I came out in the evening, the setting sun cast a long shadow from the rearmost obelisk, extending all the way to the stone slabs of the Hypostyle Hall. To be honest, the feeling Karnak gave me was completely different from Abu Simbel. If Abu Simbel is shocking—a miracle carved out by one person's power and faith—then Karnak is oppressive, a mountain of stone piled up over a thousand years. The former makes you marvel at the madness of one person, while the latter leaves you silent before the obsession of an entire civilization.
Traveling from Aswan to Luxor, I was captivated by a temple I just happened to pass by
Driving north from Aswan to Luxor takes several hours on the desert highway, passing through a small town called Edfu along the way. Before I left, my only knowledge of it was that it was a stop on the way. After all, I had already seen Philae and Abu Simbel, and I was a bit numb to temples. As it turned out, I was wrong again. · The Temple of Edfu is dedicated to the falcon god Horus, that character with the falcon head and human body who appears in the reliefs of almost every temple. In ancient Egyptian mythology, he is the god of the sky and the protector of all Egypt—pharaohs were considered the earthly incarnation of Horus. Construction of this temple began in 237 BC and took nearly 200 years to complete. · The first thing I saw after getting off the car was the pylon, so tall that I had to crane my neck way back. Both walls are carved with the same scene: a pharaoh holding a rope with captives in one hand and brandishing a weapon in the other, a gesture that feels like a declaration of sovereignty. Passing through the pylon, you enter a large courtyard surrounded on three sides by 32 columns. On one side of the courtyard sits a statue of Horus carved from black granite. What makes it unique is that it isn't in the falcon-headed human form, but is a real falcon, wearing the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt, its sharp eyes staring at every visitor who enters. · Further inside is the hypostyle hall, the most spectacular part of the Temple of Edfu. The columns here get thicker and thicker; I almost lost my hat looking up at the tops. But what really made me stand there for half a day were the reliefs on the walls. The walls of Edfu are covered with the story of Horus's revenge, carved panel by panel like a comic strip, winding from the courtyard to the hypostyle hall and then to the outer corridor. It doesn't matter if you can't read hieroglyphs; even a layman like me could read the story all the way through, from Horus raising his spear to Set turning into a hippopotamus to flee, and finally being captured. · Next to the hypostyle hall is an inconspicuous little room with a door so low you have to duck to enter; many people walk right past it without a second glance. The guide said this was the perfume laboratory back in the day, with recipes for various balms and incenses carved on the walls. It is said that these recipes were later passed on to Europe and became one of the origins of French perfume. I stood in that little room, stunned for a moment. Above the temple were themes of revenge and divine power, while in the corner of the room were scents and recipes. It is hard to imagine that the ancient Egyptians managed to pack both the wars of the gods and the romance of humanity into the same building.
If I could keep only one moment from Egypt, I would choose this one
Returning to Aswan from Nubia Village, near the end of the trip, we switched from a cruise boat to a sailboat to experience Aswan’s famous sunset felucca. The felucca is a traditional single-mast wooden sailboat used on the Nile for thousands of years. It has no engine and relies solely on the wind. The boatman, a Nubian, walked barefoot on the deck, steering by adjusting the angle of a white triangular sail. Aswan’s stretch of the Nile is perfect for sailing. The river is wide, the current slow, and the wind blows gently from the desert, pushing the boat steadily forward. The water is unrealistically clear. The sun has started to set behind the sand dunes on the west bank. Within minutes, the color of the entire river surface shifts from bright blue to amber, then to orange-red. The sand dunes on the west bank glow deep red in the sunset, while the date palms on the east bank are reduced to silhouettes. Occasionally, one or two white sailboats pass in the distance, their sails shining like mirrors against the backlight. The river reflects the sky, blurring the line between water and sky. The felucca drifts slowly in this light. The wind softens, the sails slacken, and the boat slows until it almost stops in the middle of the river. The boatman is unhurried, sitting at the stern with his knees hugged, watching with us. This is my favorite moment in all of Egypt—not the pyramids, not the temples, not any 3,000-year-old building, but this wooden boat without an engine, a just-right breeze, and a river that returns the sunset to us. After docking, we didn’t head straight back to the hotel but went to Feryal Garden by the river. This small park is right next to the Old Cataract Hotel, with an entrance fee of only 50 EGP. The Old Cataract Hotel is Aswan’s most expensive hotel. Agatha Christie wrote Murder on the Nile here. The hotel terrace boasts the best view of the Nile in the city, but the price of one coffee here could buy you an entire afternoon at Feryal Garden. Just a wall apart, the scenery is almost identical. The park is built on a granite plateau by the river. When we arrived, it was the end of dusk. The sun had already set behind the dunes, but the river breeze remained, and many sailboats still cruised the river. The park was filled with families with children, chatting young people, and locals taking wedding photos. The river breeze blew away the day’s heat. The gentle sunset felucca brought calm to the entire river, and Feryal Garden captured that calm, letting you linger a little longer on the shore.
In Nubian Village, I had the most unexpected afternoon in Egypt
The Nile River cruise ends at Nubian Village, and the scene before me suddenly felt like a completely different place. Rows of houses, each wall painted a different color, mainly peacock blue, paired with goose yellow, peach, mint green, and more. The walls were also decorated with many vivid murals. I stood at the alley entrance, stunned. This was nothing like the gray, dull African village I had imagined. · Later, I learned that the Nubians’ history predates the pharaohs. They are one of the oldest ethnic groups along the upper Nile, living for thousands of years along the riverbanks from southern Egypt to northern Sudan. They have their own language, beliefs, and are skilled in navigation and trade. When the Aswan Dam was built in the 1960s, Lake Nasser submerged their homeland. Most were relocated to newly built villages. The ground we stood on was rebuilt after they lost their homes. · Our guide took us into a Nubian household. The host was an older Nubian man with a graying beard, wearing a white robe, walking with purpose. The courtyard was small, with carpets on the ground, a few clay pots in the corner, and a row of colorful plates. He invited us to sit and went to prepare tea. Then I noticed a crocodile in the corner. It was small, its mouth tied with a rope. I stared at it for three seconds, and it blinked. The man saw my expression and smiled, saying “small one.” In their beliefs, the Nile crocodile is a guardian spirit, and having one at home was once thought to ward off evil. There was also a tortoise the size of a basin slowly crawling from one side of the yard to the other, as if it took a century to cross. · The tea arrived—Nubian mint tea, sweet to the point of being cloying, served with a cheese-filled pastry called kunafa and fried dough balls dipped in honey, incredibly sweet. By the second cup, the man brought out a hookah. The copper pot was oxidized to a dark green, and the tobacco was date-flavored, something I had tried in Turkey. · The biggest surprise was that I thought the older travelers in our group wouldn’t be interested in the home visit, but they were even more engaged than I was—interacting with the crocodile and tortoise, taking photos for a long time, chatting with the man using hand gestures, and all trying the hookah. What I expected to be a quick 10-minute stop turned into almost an hour. · Before we left, the man saw us off at the door, pointing to the eye painted on the wall and saying “good luck.” Looking back at the colorful alley, the sunlight made the paint shine brightly. A few cats were napping on the wall, and the shadows of the date palm grove stretched long in the distance.
A group of people spent 20 years salvaging a thousand-year-old temple from the water
After leaving the Aswan Dam, we prepared to head to our second stop in Aswan – the Philae Temple. Speaking of Philae Temple, it actually has a significant connection to the Aswan Dam – in 1902, after the Old Aswan Dam was completed, the temples on Philae Island began to suffer seasonal inundation, with water levels rising annually, eroding the colors on the reliefs inch by inch. By the 1960s, the newly constructed Aswan High Dam threatened to completely submerge this thousand-year-old temple. · It wasn't until UNESCO launched an unprecedented 'temple relocation' project that engineers and archaeologists from around the world spent nearly 20 years dismantling the temple into over 40,000 stone blocks, and meticulously reassembled it brick by brick on the nearby, higher Agilkia Island. Therefore, the Philae Temple we see today is not an original site, but a miracle 'salvaged from the water'. · To reach Philae Temple, one needs to transfer to a small boat operated by Nubian boatmen from Aswan's Philae Temple pier. The boat's motor chugged along the tranquil Nile River, the Nile's water an almost unreal blue, and the temple on the island was visible from afar. At first glance, the beige sandstone of Philae Temple shimmered with a honey-like luster in the sunlight, while the colossal reliefs on both sides, seen against the light, displayed sharply carved contours and contrasts. · Approaching the pylon, I was instantly speechless, awestruck by the reliefs before me. On the left was a scene of Ptolemy XII holding a blade, offering sacrifices to the goddess Isis and the god Horus; on the right, Isis spread her arms, protecting a procession of pharaohs. It's hard to imagine that these stones were submerged in the Nile's waters for decades; yet, the folds of clothing, strands of hair, and every stroke of the hieroglyphs remain as clear as if freshly carved, showing no signs of having endured thousands of years. · Passing through the pylon, we entered the temple's courtyard. The colonnades were neatly arranged, with capitals displaying a typical hybrid style – Greek acanthus leaves intertwined with Egyptian lotus flowers, a unique blend of aesthetics from the Ptolemaic dynasty. At the end of the courtyard was the inner sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Isis – it was here that Isis performed the resurrection ritual for her deceased husband Osiris, and from here, her son Horus set out to avenge his father, becoming the god of the sky. The relief on the wall depicting Isis nursing Horus, where maternal tenderness and divine solemnity merge, is the most moving image in the entire temple. · Strolling along the west side of the temple, there is a particularly striking structure – Trajan's Kiosk. Fourteen columns with floral capitals form an open square pavilion, without walls, allowing the wind to blow through from all directions. This was commissioned by the Roman Emperor Trajan in the 2nd century AD, reportedly to provide a resting place for the goddess Isis when she visited the island. · It's worth noting that many defaced faces and carvings can still be seen on the temple walls – remnants from the 6th century when Christianity arrived here. Philae Temple was the last pagan temple in Egypt to be closed, and some reliefs were deliberately damaged and inscribed with Coptic crosses. · Philae Temple was the first temple I saw on this trip to Egypt, and I examined it quite thoroughly, unlike later in the itinerary when I was completely aesthetically fatigued. However, the history and deities involved are so vast that it's truly not something one can digest all at once. I recommend doing some research before visiting.
Found the most special blue in my life in Egypt…
If I didn’t say it, would you believe this is Egypt? When I first arrived, I doubted my eyes at first glance Because everything before me was completely different from the Egypt I had in mind. No pyramids, no camels, no endless yellow sand. All there was, was the sea so blue it seemed unreal. If you’re planning to come to Egypt, besides Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, make sure to save a few days for Mersa Matruh. It turns out this place, often labeled as a “desert country” by many, can also have the gentlest blue of the Mediterranean. 📍 Egypt · Mersa Matruh Private car from Cairo: about 2000 EGP for 4 hours Bus from Cairo: about 200 EGP for 5 hours Mersa Matruh is not big; you can usually see the main attractions in one day. A 5-hour private car trip to various beaches costs about 600 EGP.
In-Depth Guide to Exploring Egypt
Why do some say "Egypt is the only destination that makes your heart race even on the plane"? At the recent 2026 ITB Shanghai International Travel Fair, the Egyptian Tourism Authority announced an ambitious goal—to have over one million Chinese tourists visit Egypt by 2026. The Grand Egyptian Museum: Awe-Inspiring Even Before Entering The first stop is Giza, but not to see the pyramids first—instead, head to the nearby Grand Egyptian Museum. This new museum holds the world's richest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, bar none. Upon entering, the first thing you see is a 12-meter-tall red granite statue of Ramses II, and the entire hall falls silent. The sheer scale is overwhelming, something photos just can't convey. The museum’s glass facade faces the pyramids directly, so while you admire artifacts thousands of years old inside, you can look up and see the 4,000-year-old stone tombs outside—a fascinating overlap of time and space. Tutankhamun’s complete burial treasures are also here: the golden mask, golden coffin, chariots—all so well preserved that even the wood grain is clearly visible. Pyramids and the Sphinx: The Textbook Cover Comes to Life A ten-minute drive from the museum brings you to the pyramids. Even after seeing them countless times in documentaries, standing at their base leaves you speechless. The bottom stones of the Great Pyramid of Khufu reach about chest height, and looking up, the tip seems to pierce the clouds. The Sphinx stands nearby, and in the early morning light, it takes on a hue between golden and rose, having watched over the pyramids’ sunrises and sunsets for over 4,000 years. It’s best to arrive before 7:30 AM, before the tour groups come, when the Giza Plateau is so quiet you only hear the wind and the occasional camel bell. Luxor: A City That Is an Open-Air Museum It takes just an hour to fly from Cairo to Luxor. The Nile flows through the city; the east bank is home to temples, the west bank to tombs, and the entire city is a World Heritage site. The Hypostyle Hall of Karnak Temple is a must-visit—134 giant stone columns arranged like a forest, with sunlight streaming through the gaps, and the columns densely carved with hieroglyphs and reliefs, as if the entire ancient Egyptian belief system is etched into these stones. Luxor Temple is in the city center and best visited at dusk, when the sunset bathes the temple in orange-red light. When night falls and the lights come on, the temple takes on a completely different mysterious aura. The Colossi of Memnon stand alone on the west bank, weathered and blurred but still dignified in their seated posture. In the early morning mist, those two huge silhouettes evoke an indescribable sadness and solemnity. Nile River Cruise: Drifting for Days to Understand Egypt’s Rhythm Board a boat in Luxor and drift downstream along the Nile. The boat moves slowly, and the scenery on both banks unfolds like a long scroll. The temples you stop at each have their own character: the Temple of Edfu is almost perfectly preserved, with a huge statue of the falcon god Horus guarding the entrance. Standing deep inside the inner sanctuary, the dim light and cool air create a moment of time travel. The Philae Temple, originally on an island near Aswan, was almost submerged due to dam construction and was relocated to its current site, accessible only by small boat. The temple reflects on the Nile’s emerald waters, with shadows of columns and palm trees swaying in the ripples—like a floating dream. Kom Ombo Temple also has a lesser-known crocodile mummy museum and walls carved with ancient Egyptian surgical instruments, offering fascinating insights. Abu Simbel: Ramses II’s Love Letter to Eternity Continuing south from Aswan, you reach Abu Simbel. The entire temple is carved directly into a sandstone cliff, with four 20-meter-tall seated statues of Ramses II at the entrance, their expressions solemn yet with a subtle smile. The temple’s most amazing feature is the “Sun Festival” phenomenon: every year around February 22 and October 22, the rising sun’s rays precisely penetrate the 60-meter-long corridor, illuminating the three statues at the end in sequence—except for the god of darkness, Ptah, who remains in shadow. Over 3,000 years ago, the architects perfectly combined astronomy, mathematics, and faith. Nearby is the Nefertari Temple, built by Ramses II for his wife, inscribed with the phrase “For her, the sun shines.” Standing before those words is truly moving. Another Side of Cairo: Mosques, Artisans, and Sleepless Nights Back in Cairo, a visit to the Sultan Hassan Mosque is a must. This 14th-century Mamluk architecture features a gate as tall as a castle entrance, a quiet and solemn courtyard, and sunlight streaming through small dome windows in beams. At the Khan El Khalili market, it’s not about buying souvenirs but watching Egyptian artisans at work—the copper plate hammerers tap intricate patterns with precision like musical beats; papyrus painters press reeds into paper and paint pharaohs and gods with natural mineral pigments. Watching them work, time flies. Egypt’s nightlife is far more vibrant than expected. Floating restaurants on the Nile host nightly festivities, with Sufi dancers spinning, their colorful skirts forming huge discs. For a quieter evening, find a riverside shisha café, order a strong sweet mint tea, and watch the small boats adorned with colorful lights drift by on the Nile—the whole night slips away. The Red Sea: A Place to Soar and Dive Finally, fly to Hurghada. The sea here is so clear you can see tropical fish swimming right from the shore. Once in the water, you’re surrounded by coral reefs; soft corals sway like underwater flowers, blue emperor fish brush past, and eagle rays glide gracefully in the distance. For the brave, try skydiving—jumping from a plane, the blue of the Red Sea and the yellow desert unfold simultaneously in your view, an indescribable breathtaking sight. Early mornings also offer hot air balloon rides over Luxor’s west bank, with the Valley of the Kings, Queen’s Temple, and vast sugarcane fields below. The sunlight reflects off the Nile’s surface, turning the land golden. From Cairo to Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea, the biggest takeaway is this: Egypt is not a place you can “see once and be done.” It’s so rich and deep that just when you think you’ve understood it, you find a new mystery hidden in the shadow of a stone column.
How to travel in Egypt during summer vacation? This guide has planned it all for you
✈️ For summer outbound travel, Egypt is a seriously underrated destination I've seen. Pyramids, the Nile River, the Red Sea, the White Desert, starry sky tents—five completely different experiences all in one trip. This guide helps you plan your itinerary. . 🗺️ Classic summer route in Egypt (if you want to check all the spots) Recommended 10–14 days, covering Cairo → Luxor → Aswan → Red Sea → Western Desert 🔹Cairo (3 days) → Luxor (2 days) → Aswan (2 days) → Abu Simbel (1 day) → Hurghada Red Sea (2-3 days) → Western Desert White Desert (1-2 days) . 🏛️ Detailed attractions 01 / Cairo · The origin of civilization Giza Pyramids & Sphinx 🌅 Recommended to enter at sunrise, fewer people, better light, pyramids dyed orange-red. Egyptian Museum (Cairo Museum) Tutankhamun’s golden mask is here, mummy exhibition hall, pharaoh treasures... Islamic Cairo · Khan El Khalili Bazaar Copperware, spices, handmade lamps, Egyptian cotton, experience the lively atmosphere of Cairo. · 02 / Luxor · The largest open-air museum Karnak Temple The largest temple complex in the world, a colonnade supported by 134 giant stone pillars Valley of the Kings The resting place of pharaohs, dozens of tombs carved into the rock, murals still vivid after 3,000 years Nile River Hot Air Balloon Early morning in Luxor, fly over the Nile River by hot air balloon, overlooking the Valley of the Kings, temples, farmland, and winding river · 03 / Aswan · The gentlest place on the Nile Philae Temple The temple reflects in the Nile, evening light makes it look like an oil painting. Nubian Village Colorful houses, tea by the Nile, take a boat there and daydream by the river Abu Simbel Temples Ramses II’s giant temples, four 20-meter-high pharaoh statues, · 04 / Hurghada · Red Sea healing time Snorkeling & Diving The Red Sea has high visibility and well-preserved coral reefs. Beginner-friendly diving experience Desert Safari & Bedouin Camp Depart in the afternoon, ride camels into the desert, eat barbecue and watch belly dancing in a Bedouin tent · 05 / Western Desert · White Desert White Desert National Park White limestone formations shaped by wind erosion stand in the desert, like an alien planet · — 🏨 To enhance your vacation experience, you can choose these accommodations~ 🏛️ Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan Keywords: century-old charm × Nile view × full of history Built in 1899, the hotel overlooks the First Cataract of the Nile, standing on the balcony, you can see the river, sailboats, and Nubian islands. · 🌊 Sahel Hasheesh Oberoi Beach Resort Keywords: facing the Red Sea × minimalist luxury × diving paradise White buildings, blue sea, every room faces the Red Sea, private beach, infinity pool, just three steps from the pool to the sea. · ⭐ B&W SAHARA SKY CAMP (Starry Sky Tent) Keywords: heart of the White Desert × Milky Way camp × once in a lifetime Camp in White Desert National Park, tents are simple and rustic. Lie in bed and fall asleep under the starry Milky Way, no light pollution · Egypt is not an “easy” destination, but it is definitely a place that will give you a spiritual shock. From the millennia-old temples by the Nile to the alien landscapes of the White Desert; From the deep blue underwater world of the Red Sea to the dazzling Milky Way under the starry sky tents— This trip will tire you, but you will never regret it.✨ 📩 Want the same “luxury without pitfalls” itinerary? Click the product card at the end of the article and find [Consultation] to learn more✨
What people are saying about Aswan
Philae Temple
菲莱神庙，坐落在宁静的尼罗河岸，这座古希腊罗马时期的神庙，以其精湛的建筑艺术和丰富的历史故事，吸引着世界各地的游客。夕阳下，神庙的石柱和壁画更显神秘和庄重，让人仿佛穿越到了古埃及的辉煌时代。【景色】相对金字塔稍逊，不过整体不错【趣味】趣味一般【性价比】性价比极高
YoYo_0T9A3B0LAgilkia Island
The Philae Temple on Agilkia Island was originally located on Philae Island, a small island in the shallows of the Nile River. After the British built the Nile Low Dam in 1902, the Philae Temple was submerged for several months every year. With the construction of the Aswan High Dam, the Philae Temple would be forever submerged. For this reason, the temple was moved as a whole to the nearby Akilkiia Island. Akilkia Island was not big enough, so it was deliberately expanded a little so that the temple could be rebuilt in its original form.
误虚醉Nile
At that time, on the way from Luxor to Hurghada, I began to miss the Nile River infinitely. Every time I saw the river, I couldn't help but marvel in my heart. It was just a natural scenery, but it had an unreal beauty, flat and vast. I always lived in southern China and always thought that rivers came from valleys, magnificent or winding, with mountains on both sides, but the Nile River was still flat on both sides. I think there would be no Egypt without the Nile River. In such a hot and dry place that is not suitable for living, it should be this river that can pass through thousands of years without changing and keep people. Now, I have been away from Egypt for more than ten days. The most frequent flash in my memory is still the Nile River. Its beauty seems to allow anything to happen. I suddenly understand Agatha very much. If you face such a miracle every day, it is not surprising that you can write any story. Finally, I actually want to say that the Old Falls Hotel is worth staying (if the budget allows, but the afternoon tea is very bad, so be careful.
86338633The High Dam
The Aswan Dam, located on the Nile River in Egypt, near the city of Aswan, about 800 kilometers south of Cairo, is a large-scale, multi-functional water conservancy project with benefits including irrigation, power generation, flood control, navigation, tourism, and aquaculture. The Aswan Dam is a giant dam near the Nasser Lake Reservoir. The dam site is located 7 kilometers upstream of the old Aswan Dam in the backwater area of the reservoir, with a water depth of approximately 30-35 meters. The river valley at the dam site is about 500 meters wide, with steep slopes on both banks that gradually recede upwards. At a point 100 meters above the riverbed, the valley width is approximately 3600 meters. The dam is a clay-core rockfill dam with a maximum height of 111 meters. At its highest water level of 183 meters, the reservoir has a total capacity of 168.9 billion cubic meters, and the power station has a total installed capacity of 2.1 million kilowatts, with a designed annual power generation of 10 billion kilowatt-hours. Construction began on January 9, 1960. The first generating unit went into operation on October 15, 1967. All generating units were installed and put into operation on July 15, 1970, and the entire project was completed in the same year.
水漫三楼Nubian Village Aswan
Nubian village is a must stop in Aswan. Across the Nile River from main town, it has a completely different feel from Egyptian cities. The people are incredibly friendly. Be sure to get a snack or two while you are there as well.
GullyUnfinished Obelisk
In ancient Egypt, obelisks served various purposes and functions. While most were monuments to Ra, the sun god and one of the most revered deities of ancient Egypt, some were also dedicated to famous Egyptian kings and queens. The unfinished obelisk is the largest known ancient obelisk. It is located in the northern part of an ancient stone quarry in Aswan, Egypt. It is said that the construction of this obelisk was commissioned by the female pharaoh Hatshepsut. In terms of size, this structure surpasses, in some respects, the largest obelisk ever built in Egypt. If completed, the obelisk may have reached a height of 41.8 meters and weighed approximately 1200 tons.
水漫三楼Elephantine
There are two small piers to go to Koh Chang, one of which is at the entrance "next to" KFC. The 5 pounds you pay is already the round trip fare, so you don't need to pay when you return to the other side [Proud] This is a small island Nubi Where Nubia lives, there are B&Bs, high-end hotels, coffee shops and attractions on the island, which can be visited in half a day. We walked around for about half a day, but we couldn't find the way to the Movenpick Hotel [sad] But it's okay anyway, come to Koh Chang when you come to Aswan and visit Koh Chang. Travel Wedding Day 182, Country 11, Aswan, Egypt
AricFongNubian Museum
景色不错，有比较突出的当地风情，值得推荐
小妖lengAswan Railway Station
When traveling to Aswan, you must visit the Abu Simbel Temple. The Abu Simbel Temple is located south of Aswan, Egypt. It is located on the shores of Lake Nasser and is one of the most famous temples in Egypt. There are many temples in Egypt, and the movie "Death on the Nile" introduced many temples.
老少皆宜（）Destinations near Aswan
