2025 Shoonah Janoobiah District Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

Al-Maghtas, officially known as Baptism Site "Bethany Beyond the Jordan", is an archaeological World Heritage site in Jordan, on the east bank of the Jordan River, considered to be the original location of the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist and venerated as such since at least the Byzantine period. #staycation

Thinking about it, this seems to be the first time our family of three has stayed at a Hilton hotel 😆 Highly recommend choosing Hilton if you're visiting the Dead Sea! The accommodation experience was truly excellent 👍🏻 and worth every penny. 📌 Exceptional service: All staff, whether at the restaurant, by the Dead Sea, or near the pool, were always smiling and provided thoughtful services beyond our expectations. For example, applying Dead Sea mud while giving a full-body massage, assisting with breakfast plating and delivering it to the table, and poolside staff constantly adjusting umbrellas to ensure shade. 📌 Plenty of activities: Evening singing and DJ performances, pool volleyball, poolside dancing, and children's painting activities. 📌 Exclusive Dead Sea beach: A small area of the sea has been cleaned for floating, and staff even dig up Dead Sea mud from one-meter-deep water daily. The cleaning and resting areas are well-maintained, and there's even a certificate for floating in the Dead Sea 😆. 📌 Numerous water stations by the pool and Dead Sea beach, offering free ice water at all times! Occasionally, staff even serve free watermelon slices and fruit smoothies to help guests cool down 🍉. 📌 Separate pool areas for adults and families: Kids can freely play with balls and water guns, while adults seeking a relaxing time won't be disturbed. We stayed for three days and two nights, spending every day playing in the pool and the Dead Sea, yet still felt like we didn't have enough time 😂. Highly recommend setting aside a few days to fully enjoy and experience the Dead Sea when visiting Jordan 👍🏻.

📍 Location: Situated in western Jordan, about a 1-hour drive from Amman, bordering Israel and Palestine. 🚗 Transportation: - Self-drive/Private car: Most convenient, ~1 hour from Amman to the Dead Sea coast. - Bus: JETT operates Amman→Dead Sea shuttles (final stop at the hotel zone). 🏖️ Where to experience Dead Sea floating? - Private hotel beaches (recommended): Dead Sea Marriott, Kempinski Hotel (great facilities, free mud baths). 🌊 Must-do experiences: - Dead Sea floating (lie back for photos!) - Natural mud baths (amazing skincare benefits) - Stunning sunset views (Dead Sea sunsets are breathtaking) 🚩 Nearby attractions: - Madaba (City of Mosaics, 30-minute drive) - Mount Nebo (biblical site where Moses viewed the Promised Land) ⚠️ Important tips: 1. ❌ NO swimming/splashing - Extreme salinity makes choking hazardous—float calmly only. 2. 🩹 Avoid open wounds/eyes contacting water - Salt is highly irritating; cover cuts with petroleum jelly beforehand. 3. ⏳ Limit floating to ≤20 minutes - Prolonged soaking dehydrates skin; rinse immediately after. 4. ☀️ SUN PROTECTION! - UV rays are intense here. Advice: - Apply waterproof sunscreen (reapply often—water dissolves it) - Wear hats + sunglasses; avoid midday sun. 5. 📸 Photo tips: - Mornings = fewer crowds + soft light for floating shots. - Use a waterproof phone case to avoid salt damage. - Rinse with fresh water ASAP—salt crystals cause itching. - Ahava brand mud products (Israeli, available in Jordan) make great souvenirs. - Bring sandals (salt crystals on shore are sharp). ✅ Best experience: Visit in the right season, stay at a beachfront hotel, float safely, enjoy mud baths, and prioritize sun protection + rinsing!

🇯🇴-2 After leaving Petra, I drove further south to #Wadi Rum, planning to wander the desert in search of #Spice from Arrakis. Today's plan is to pass through Aqaba (#Aqaba) on the north side of the Red Sea, and then head north to tonight's accommodation #Dead Sea. 2,300 years ago, Wadi Rum was the territory of ancient cultures such as the Nabataean Kingdom. Now the climate there is hot and dry, and it is where the Bedouins roam. During the Arab Revolt of 1917, British officer Thomas Edward Lawrence led the Arab tribes in their rebellion against the Ottoman Empire from here. Later, in 1962, it was made into the famous movie "Lawrence of Arabia". Later, Wadi Rum became the filming location for many movies due to its Mars-like landscape, such as: Prometheus, The Last Jedi, and even the recently released Dune. I stayed here for a while and tried to walk in the desert, trying to explore along the Bedouin route. In the endless desert, the soul also drifts in all directions along with the spices. After leaving Wadi Rum, continue south through Akaba and then north towards the Dead Sea. Driving on Highway 65, I passed through several checkpoints along the way. I don’t know if it was because of the war in the neighboring country, but I guess it was because of the war in the neighboring country. Across Highway 65 is Israel/Palestine. Driving in Jordan and looking at the traffic from different countries, I can't help but wonder, in this area where Arabs and Jews live, many years ago, they hated and were hostile to each other because of their religious beliefs. Why do their descendants have to bear the same thorns thousands of years later? Before dark, I finally arrived at the Dead Sea. It is called the "Dead Sea" because its high salinity makes it impossible for fish to survive in the water, but there are bacteria and plankton, and the Dead Sea is called "Salt Sea" in Hebrew. In addition, although it is called a sea, it is actually an inland lake. The salinity of the lake water is extremely high, and the salinity increases as you go down to the bottom of the lake. At the deepest part, the water has already fossilized. The salt content of general seawater is 3.5%, while the salt content of the Dead Sea is around 23% to 30%. It is also the lowest lake in the world. I also tried to dive here, but I couldn't get down at all. It was a very special feeling. I jumped into the water and floated up, but it was very salty. I had some abrasions on my body due to walking too much in the previous few days. It felt like soaking in concentrated saline solution after being injured, very salty. Finally, you can also experience applying Dead Sea mud all over your body. It also helps me find a place to rest my tired body these days.

Jordan's Dead Sea: Floating at the Navel of the World At six in the morning, I climbed over the 4-meter high iron gate of the Kempinski Hotel and ran toward the Dead Sea, stepping on coarse salt crystals. The water surface in the morning mist had a blue-gray hue. The moment my bare feet entered, salt particles stung my soles like shattered diamonds, but transformed into a gentle lifting force as water flowed over my ankles. In the instant I lay back, my body felt lifted by invisible hands. All I could hear was my own breathing and the subtle sound of salt crystals rubbing together. In the distance, the mountains of Israel awakened in the daylight, as if I were floating on an alien planet suspended between heaven and earth. The lake water, with its salt concentration as high as 30%, is extremely deceptive. When I accidentally splashed water, my left eye instantly felt as if licked by flames. As I stumbled ashore to rinse with fresh water, a Syrian traveler handed me a damp silk scarf. After the pain dissipated in the coolness, we looked at each other and laughed heartily—perhaps this was the Dead Sea's greeting, using pain to remind us of nature's majesty. In the afternoon, when trying the mud SPA, warm black mud covered my entire body. The sulfur scent penetrated my nostrils, yet my skin felt as refreshed as if it had drunk from a mountain spring. A local Bedouin told me these mineral muds need to air-dry for twenty minutes. During this time, lying on the salt flats watching the clouds drift by, time seemed to slow down threefold, buoyed by the Dead Sea's floating power. As dusk approached, I followed Qyer.com's guide to find a wild beach in the south. After climbing down steep cliffs, white coral reefs gleamed with a pearly luster in the twilight, feeling much gentler under bare feet than the pebbles in the hotel area. The setting sun dyed the lake water into molten gold. I imitated an elderly French couple, smearing black mud into abstract totems until the evening breeze brought coolness. The night here is full of healing energy. Lying by the pool at the Marriott Resort, my skin still retained the slight itch of salt particles. In my daze, I couldn't tell if the stars were falling from the sky or scattered in my still unwashed hair. Practical Tips: Floating secrets: Wear old dark-colored swimwear (salt stains are hard to wash out) and remove metal accessories before entering the water to prevent corrosion. When floating on your back, keep your arms naturally spread and avoid making large movements. Best photography times: 1 hour after sunrise and 2 hours before sunset, when the light gives salt crystals a diamond-like luster. For wild beaches, navigate to "Point de vue," and wear non-slip shoes for climbing the cliffs. Surrounding routes: Morning float + afternoon mud bath + visit to Mount Nebo before dusk (30-minute drive), where you can stand at the spot where Moses viewed the Promised Land and see the Dead Sea like blue amber embedded in the desert. Special warnings: Prepare a 500ml bottle of water specifically for rinsing your eyes, as the burning sensation from salt water is far worse than regular seawater. When air-drying the black mud, wrap your hair with a scarf, otherwise salt crystals will make your hair as hard as wire. As the last twilight sank into Israel on the opposite shore, I suddenly understood why ancient Romans called this place "the navel of the world." In this secret realm 430 meters below sea level, every cell is reborn in salt, and every breeze carries the sighs of thousand-year-old civilizations. Perhaps, just like the expanding salt-induced cracks along the lakeshore, such extreme beauty should be remembered with a sting.

took a time on my schedule to visit the Dead Sea. Had a swimming n mud bath which was amazing.

Visiting the Dead Sea was such a cool experience—floating effortlessly in the super salty water, trying out the famous mud, and just soaking up the amazing desert views.

👍️Recommended reasons: The moment you leave Jerusalem and enter the desert, you will feel as if time has slowed down. Along the way, the golden sand dunes glisten in the sunlight, and in the evening, the fiery clouds turn the entire desert into a blazing orange, as if you are in a painting. Driving through the desert is not only an adventure to explore the beauty of nature, but also a journey to have a conversation with your inner self. 📅Travel tips: •Recommended route: •Drive from Jerusalem along Route 66 to the Judean Desert. You can choose to pass through Masada National Park and climb to the top to enjoy the magnificent view of the Dead Sea and the desert. •In the evening, head to the highlands on the edge of the desert to find the best spot to watch the fiery clouds. It is recommended to stay in Mitzpe Ramon, which has a great view. •Best time: •Sunrise or sunset is the golden time to enjoy the desert scenery. The fiery clouds in the evening usually appear half an hour after sunset, so remember to arrive early. •Preparation: •Sunscreen, sun hat, and sunglasses, as the UV rays in the desert are very strong 🌞. •Enough drinking water and snacks to replenish your energy on the way. •A camera or a phone with a wide-angle lens to capture the magnificent desert scenery 📸. 🏨Accommodation tips: •Desert camping experience: •In the depths of the desert, there are many places that offer traditional tent accommodation, such as Kfar Hanokdim, where you can not only watch the stars at night but also enjoy authentic Middle Eastern cuisine 🌌. •Recommended hotels: •Beresheet Hotel (Mitzpe Ramon): A luxury hotel with rooms that have private terraces overlooking the desert canyon, suitable for travelers who seek comfort 🏨. •Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa: Close to the Dead Sea, perfect for a relaxing salt bath after a desert adventure 🛀. 💗Other tips: •It is recommended to choose an SUV or a 4WD vehicle for desert driving, as some desert roads may be rugged 🚗. •The temperature drops sharply in the evening, so remember to bring a warm jacket 🌵. •If you want to add some fun, you can book a desert camel ride or an off-road adventure in advance 🐪. •Be careful to protect the environment, as every sand dune in the desert is worth cherishing together. Whether it's the fiery clouds in the sky or the starry night, this desert adventure is sure to be one of your most unforgettable memories!✨

#gourmettrip This breakfast buffet is included when you stay at the Movenpick Resort, a five-star hotel on the Dead Sea. The breakfast area is very spacious, and you can choose to sit indoors or on the terrace. There is yogurt, which is commonly eaten in Jordan, various kinds of cheese, olives you've never seen before, and colorful fruits. There is also a wide variety of breads and donuts, so you'll have a hard time deciding what to get. The breakfast buffet, where you can enjoy your morning leisurely and elegantly, is sure to be part of the best trip. #Jordan

#AccommodationTrip The one place I definitely wanted to go in Jordan was the Dead Sea, where your body floats in the water! However, I heard that the public beaches are not very safe... I wanted to enjoy a private beach in peace, so I took the plunge and booked a five-star hotel. I went to the Movenpick Resort Dead Sea. The hotel is based on a cave concept, and the interior and rooms were exciting, as if I was inside a cave. The interior was also very stylish. The breakfast buffet and welcome sweets were #DeadSea. They were so luxurious that I could have enjoyed myself even if I had stayed at the hotel all day.

#2024TravelReview This 4.5 star luxury resort is located in Sweimey. There is a free buffet breakfast and free private beach access to the Dead Sea. You can watch performances at 8 o'clock in the evening, including tap and belly dancing performances. The private beaches of the Dead Sea also have Dead Sea mud, which can be applied for free. The hotel also offers free drinking water, including lemonade and mint water, and there is also a water dispenser for filling water. We were very satisfied with our two-day stay and would recommend staying at this hotel when visiting the Dead Sea in Jordan.

#August2024 (Bethany Beyond the Jordan) Batla is the place where Jesus was baptized. It has a strong religious atmosphere, which makes me feel peaceful every time I come here. There are ancient churches and ruins here, and you can feel the deep history and faith when you visit. Walking along the Jordan River and admiring the beautiful scenery of the river bank made me feel a spiritual baptism. The atmosphere here is very peaceful, suitable for quiet thinking and feeling every moment. It is really a place where the soul can be nourished!

Visiting the monastery was a quiet and historical experience. I enjoyed wandering through the ancient corridors of the monastery, where I could see beautiful architectural details and amazing religious art🏛️. The atmosphere inside the monastery was calm and spiritual, giving me the opportunity to meditate and enjoy the surrounding tranquility 🌿. Walking through the monastery gardens and learning about ancient history through exhibits and guides provided a unique educational experience 🌟. The experience was filled with peace and inspiration, making it a profound cultural and spiritual visit.

#Overseas travel The Petra Monastery is the largest and most striking sculpture in the famous ancient city of Petra. After climbing hundreds of steps carved into the rock, this monumental and stunning architectural masterpiece is revealed to you. It stands before this magnificent building, skillfully carved into the pink rock. Consider the delicate details of the decorations and inscriptions that adorn the magnificent façade of the monastery. This legendary site gives you a sense of miracle and humility in front of the genius of an ancient civilization. Visiting Deir Petra is an incredible spiritual and cultural experience that no visitor will ever forget.

What a beautiful dead sea After a round of shopping we arrived at the Dead Sea resort Change your clothes and go to the Dead Sea to take a bath to sterilize and apply fresh Dead Sea mud😍 Unfortunately my brother is now sensitive to long hours of strong sunlight skin can not accompany me crazy I and Jenny after playing we together in the hotel buffet lunch 280 yuan (including use of all facilities in the hotel) Then leave again to drive to Petra PS Along the way the public Dead Sea beach is very beautiful but too simple and strong sun so we did not soak again only stopped to take pictures📸

📍Mobpik Dead Sea 🚘About 1 hour by car from the capital Amman 🕖Check-in 16:00/Check-out 12:00 💬There are 3 restaurants, 3 outdoor pools, tennis courts, etc. The places I went swimming in were the infinity pool and the regular pool. The infinity pool allows you to see the Dead Sea view without any obstruction, and the regular pool has a pretty environment that makes it enjoyable to look at When there are a lot of people, it can be difficult to find a sunbed because the pool is not small. Breakfast is served with care, and the breakfast room exudes an Arabic feel. #Ho-kang-seu

📍Mobpik Dead Sea 🚘About 1 hour by car from the capital Amman 🕖Check-in 16:00/Check-out 12:00 💬There are 3 restaurants, 3 outdoor pools, tennis courts, etc. The places I went swimming in were the infinity pool and the regular pool. The infinity pool allows you to see the Dead Sea view without any obstruction, and the regular pool has a pretty environment that makes it enjoyable to look at When there are a lot of people, it can be difficult to find a sunbed because the pool is not small. Breakfast is served with care, and the breakfast room exudes an Arabic feel. #Ho-kang-seu

📍Mobpik Dead Sea 🚘About 1 hour by car from the capital Amman 🕖Check-in 16:00/Check-out 12:00 💬There are 3 restaurants, 3 outdoor pools, tennis courts, etc. The places I went swimming in were the infinity pool and the regular pool. The infinity pool allows you to see the Dead Sea view without any obstruction, and the regular pool has a pretty environment that makes it enjoyable to look at When there are a lot of people, it can be difficult to find a sunbed because the pool is not small. Breakfast is served with care, and the breakfast room exudes an Arabic feel. #Ho-kang-seu

To bathe in the Dead Sea, you can go to JW Mariott beach area in Jordan. This is a large, memorable public beach with a long stretch of smooth, white sand. An interesting point is that when you go to the Dead Sea, you can enjoy the feeling of swimming but your body is still floating above the water. This is because of the density of dissolved salt, so the body weight seems lighter when coming here. Therefore, when you take a dip in the Dead Sea, you will not sink but will always float on the surface of the water, very interesting. However, be careful not to taste the water because with that concentrated salt content, it is likely to burn or hurt your eyes. You can rinse with clean water at the showers located everywhere before continuing your trip to Jordan. Not only is it a prominent landmark on Jordan's tourist map, the Dead Sea is also known as an ideal spa for people to take care of their skin. When you come to the Dead Sea, you can try using black mineral mud as well as enjoy many body care treatments at surrounding hotels and resorts. Black mineral mud from the Dead Sea has long been famous for its high nutritional content, good for the skin, and can especially treat problems related to eczema and melasma.

Amazing staff and I absolutely loved the executive suite which had a long balcony with this most beautiful view during sunset #hilton #Dead sea #localguides #Jordan

Under the rising sun, the Swiss Enjoy Hotel's buildings, styled after ancient Roman architecture, bask in the sunlight, where the shadows of trees and Roman-era structures combine to give a sense of time travel. The beautiful Dead Sea, calm as a mirror, deep blue, life is so wonderful.

Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa🇯🇴 This is the only Marriott hotel at the Dead Sea in Jordan✨ You can walk to the private beach and swim in the Dead Sea from your room They lend you showers, mud packs, and marine juice After bathing in the Dead Sea, you can relax in the jacuzzi, spa, and pool🏝️ The sunset was also very beautiful🌇💓 This hotel is perfect for a vacation as you can enjoy both the Dead Sea and the pool♡ At the private beach of the Dead Sea The hotel also prepares mud packs After taking a shower, use the mineral tap mud pack! Your skin will be so smooth^_^ Please try it when you go to the Dead Sea! #luxuryhotel #luxuryhotel #Jordan #DeadSea #MiddleEastTrip

The Bethany Baptism Site, also known as Al-Maghtas, is an archaeological World Heritage Site in Jordan, on the east bank of the Jordan River, reputed to be the original location of the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. The site includes two principal archaeological areas: the remnants of a monastery on a mound known as Elijah's Hill and an area close to the river with remains of churches, baptism ponds, and pilgrim and hermit dwellings. The site has been visited by three Popes (John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis), and by many heads of state, and attracts tourists and pilgrimage activity. Bethany Beyond the Jordan is a holy site that has attracted visitors for centuries. Its historical and religious significance makes it a must-visit destination for tourists and pilgrims alike. #2024wish

Don't know how to swim but want to go to the Dead Sea? Checkpoint: Point de vue It is a secret place personally recommended by locals and must be bookmarked🫣 Here you can see the natural salt crystals, crystal clear, unique shape, like pieces of art, super beautiful ~ hotel: Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa Hilton Dead Sea Resort Address: Dead Sea Rd., Sweimeh 11953 Jordan Reason for recommendation: 1. There is a private beach You can go straight to the Dead Sea anytime, anywhere, very convenient! *Remember to bring a book/newspaper to check in 👙🤭 2. Free Dead Sea mud is provided Dead Sea mud contains calcium, magnesium, potassium and other minerals, in addition to deep cleansing, but also can nourish, improve skin quality ❤️ 3. Infinity pool It's no problem to have enough fun in the Dead Sea, the hotel also has a swimming pool where you can swim enough🏊🏼♀️🏊🏼 #jordan #deadsea #jordan #deadsea #infinitypool #travel

The hotel was excellent, with friendly staff and great amenities I had a wonderful experience at the hotel, the room was clean and comfortable." The hotel provided top-notch service and the location was convenient."#beachlife .jordan