Oman & Zanzibar: Two Shores, One Heritage

Sep 12, 2025

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Oman & Zanzibar: Two Shores, One Heritage

Oman, located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, and Zanzibar, a tropical island in the Indian Ocean, share a long and intertwined history. Once united under the rule of the Omani Sultanate, these two lands developed deep cultural, political, and economic connections across the Indian Ocean. This special trip invites you to explore that shared legacy from the deserts and ancient ports of Oman to the spice-scented streets and historic shores of Zanzibar.

The journey begins in Oman, where we visit the historic cities of Muscat, Nizwa, and Sur, and explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Qalhat, once a major hub of Indian Ocean trade, and learn about Oman’s rich seafaring past, which linked Arabia with East Africa and beyond.

Then fly across the Indian Ocean to Zanzibar, where traces of Omani influence remain visible in Stone Town’s intricately carved wooden doors, coral-stone buildings, and iconic landmarks such as the Sultan’s Palace. We will explore the island’s vibrant culture and natural beauty with visits to spice farms, the Jozani Forest — home to the rare Red Colobus monkey — and Prison Island, once used by Omani rulers.

The Siam Society, under the leadership of Mrs Bilaibhan Sampatisiri, President of The Siam Society, proudly invites you to join us on this remarkable journey. It is more than a travel experience; it is a cultural exploration of two regions once united by empire and trade, and still connected by a living heritage.

When

Tuesday, 10 to Saturday, 21 February 2026

Leader

with Mrs Bilaibhan Sampatisiri

President of The Siam Society

Booking

See information below

Or contact Khun Thun

studytrips@thesiamsociety.org

 

Day 1: Tuesday, 10 February:  Bangkok – Muscat
06:30 Meet at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, check in at the Oman Air check-in counter.
09:00 Depart Bangkok for Muscat by Oman Air flight WY818.
12:10 Arrive at Muscat International Airport, and transfer to the restaurant for lunch.
Afternoon: Visit Royal Opera House & Sunset Dhow Cruise. The Royal Opera House was commissioned on the royal orders of Sultan Qaboos to reflect contemporary Omani architecture. The building houses the main concert theatre and state-of-the-art auditorium as well as landscaped formal gardens, luxury retail options, restaurants, and an arts production centre. It’s an ambitious crescendo of diverse creativity, all under one roof.
– Transfer to Marina Bandar Al Rowdha to embark on a traditional dhow for a sunset cruise through the Muscat coastline to watch the colourful sunset. Enjoy the many scenes that reflect Omani history and Portuguese architecture around Old Muscat. Watch the sun setting behind the spectacular golden mountain backdrop of Muscat City from the sea.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at Crowne Plaza by IHG Hotel, Muscat.
Day 2: Wednesday, 11 February: Muscat
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Proceed to visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the most exquisite Mosque in Oman. A major feature of the main prayer hall is the handmade Persian carpet, consisting of 1,700 million knots, weighing 21 tonnes, and made in a single piece measuring 70 x 60 metres.

Note: Women visiting the mosque are required to cover their heads with a scarf and wear a long-sleeve top. Men are required to wear long trousers and a long-sleeve top. Wearing shorts, beachwear, or sleeveless outfits is not allowed for both men and women.
– Visit the Bait Al Zubair Museum, a private museum that offers a fascinating glimpse into Oman’s cultural heritage. The museum features traditional costumes, weaponry, household items, and detailed exhibits on Omani history and daily life.
– Continue to visit Al Mirani Fort, a 16th-century fortress built by the Portuguese. The fort played a key role in protecting Muscat’s harbour from naval attacks.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant
Afternoon: Continue to visit Old Muscat. Visit the National Museum of Oman, the country’s flagship cultural institution, dedicated to showcasing the rich history, heritage, and culture of the Sultanate. Opened in 2016, the museum features state-of-the-art galleries covering topics such as maritime history, weaponry, traditional crafts, Islam, and the Renaissance period. With over 5,000 artefacts on display and interactive exhibits, the museum offers visitors a deep insight into Oman’s past—from ancient civilisations to the modern era.
– Photo stops at the official residence of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said, the Al Alam Palace, which is flanked by the 16th-century Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali.
– Visit Mutrah Souq, nestled along the waterfront of Mutrah Corniche in Muscat. Mutrah Souq is one of the oldest and most vibrant traditional markets in Oman. Known for its narrow alleys, wooden ceilings, and the scent of frankincense and spices, the souq offers a truly authentic shopping experience.
Evening:

Dinner at your own arrangement.

Overnight at Crowne Plaza by IHG Hotel, Muscat.
Day 3: Thursday, 12 February: Muscat – Nizwa
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Check out of the hotel and begin our journey inland toward Oman’s historic interior.
– Visit Jabreen Castle, one of the most refined and well-preserved castles in Oman. Built in the late 17th century as a residence and centre for Islamic learning, the castle offers a glimpse into Omani intellectual and artistic heritage. Explore its ornately painted ceilings, secret stairways, and ancient library rooms.
– Afterwards, with a short drive to visit Bahla Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest forts in the country. Surrounded by 12 km of ancient mudbrick walls, Bahla was once a powerful stronghold of the Banu Nebhan tribe, who controlled trade routes and supported Islamic scholarship. Wander through its expansive courtyards and towers while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding oasis and old town, steeped in magical folklore.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon:

–

 Continue to Nizwa, the former capital of Oman and a centre of Islamic tradition and culture.

Visit the imposing Nizwa Fort, built in the 17th century. Its massive circular watchtower dominates the skyline and provides sweeping views of the city, oasis, and surrounding mountains. Explore its museum, defensive structures, and underground passages.
– Stroll through the adjacent Nizwa Souq, one of the most authentic in the country. Discover traditional silver jewellery, Khanjars (daggers), hand-thrown pottery, dates, and aromatic spices.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at Golden Tulip Hotel, Nizwa.
Day 4: Friday, 13 February: Nizwa – Birkat Al Mouz – Jebel Akhdar – Nizwa
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Depart Nizwa for Jebel Akhdar.
– En route, you will make a short stop at Birkat Al Mouz, an old village that is famous for its ruins, large banana plantation and is also home to the old Falaj irrigation system, an ancient irrigation channel that is part of Oman’s UNESCO-listed Aflaj system—a brilliant example of traditional water management that still nourishes the local farmland today.
– Next, ascend into the cool, elevated region of Jebel Akhdar, Oman’s renowned “Green Mountain.” Located on the Saiq Plateau, the area is known for its terraced rose gardens, fruit orchards, and pomegranate groves, all flourishing thanks to the mountain’s cooler climate and fertile soil.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Set out for Heritage and nature walk, the villages of Saiq, Wadi Bani Habib (the village of the old houses) and Al Ain that dot the landscape. The villages overlook a spectacular landscape of dramatic peaks, gorges and wadis. February offers crisp, pleasant weather and vibrant greenery, as local farmers begin preparing fields for spring.
– Return to Nizwa.
Evening: Dinner at your own arrangement.
Overnight at Golden Tulip Hotel, Nizwa.
Day 5: Saturday, 14 February: Nizwa – Wahiba Sands
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Check out of the hotel and proceed to Ibra, one of the oldest towns in the country, known for its rich history and traditional architecture. The town is famous for its mud-brick houses and watchtowers.
– Head into the Wahiba Sands, a vast mass of undulating red and white sand. The ever-changing patterns of the dunes are a photographer’s delight. After some exciting sand dune driving, we will reach our desert camp for the night.
– Check in at the camp and get ready for sunset on nearby dunes.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at Desert Nights Resort, Wahiba Sands.
Day 6: Sunday, 15 February: Wahiba Sands – Sur
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Check out of the hotel and drive eastward to the coast. The journey takes us through changing scenery, from wide desert plains to rocky hills and eventually to the coastal town of Sur. Once, this coastal town was famous for dhow building. A dhow is a famous Arabian sea-going ship. We will visit the dhow-building shipyard and visit the dhow open-air museum, which is dedicated to the shipbuilding lineage of the city of Sur in Oman. Built over 70 years ago, the wooden fishing vessel of Fateh Al Khair has strong historical significance. It was brought back to Yemen, restored, and grounded on dry land. The ship is said to be hand-built without any nails, and hand-woven ropes were used to shore it up.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Drive to Sur Corniche, an integral part of the landscape of Sur, where three small round towers made of sandstone once guided dhows to a safe harbour in Sur’s sheltered lagoon.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at Best Western Hotel, Sur.
Day 7: Monday, 16 February: Sur – Qalhat – Muscat
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Check out of the hotel and drive to Muscat
– Photo stop of Bibi Maryam’s Mausoleum from the highway, which is in the ruins of the ancient port city of Qalhat, once a key hub on the Sea of Oman along the East Arabian coast. It linked trade between India, Southeast Asia, and the Arabian Peninsula, and flourished from the 11th to 16th centuries under the Princes of Hormuz. Qalhat exported horses, dates, incense, and pearls, and was even mentioned by Marco Polo during his 13th-century travels. After Portuguese attacks in the 16th century, the city was abandoned. Today, its ruins reflect the architectural and urban legacy of a major Hormuz port, now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important part of Oman’s maritime and cultural heritage. (The site is closed)
– Continue to Wadi Tiwi, a hidden gem that beckons travellers seeking tranquillity and natural beauty. Wadi Tiwi offers a unique, verdant landscape that sets it apart from many other wadis in the region. It’s a haven for nature lovers.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Continue to Muscat. On the way, visit Bimmah Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater with blue-green water at the bottom. On clear sunny days, while driving along the coast, one might have a chance to see sharks in the deep blue water or fleet-footed gazelles sprint across the landscape.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at Crowne Plaza by IHG Hotel, Muscat.
Day 8: Tuesday, 17 February: Muscat – Zanzibar (Tanzania)
06:00 Check out of the hotel and transfer to Muscat International Airport. Breakfast at your own arrangement in the airport.
09:15 Depart Muscat for Zanzibar by Oman Air flight WY705.
13:40 Arrive at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, transfer to the hotel.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at Madinat Al Bahr Business & Spa Hotel, Zanzibar.
Day 9: Wednesday, 18 February: Zanzibar
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Visit Stone Town, the historic centre of Zanzibar City in Tanzania, which has deep historical ties to Oman. In the 19th century, Zanzibar became the capital of the Omani Sultanate under Said bin Sultan, who moved his court there in 1840. The town became a key centre for trade—especially in spices, ivory, and slaves—linking Oman to East Africa. Today, Stone Town’s architecture, culture, and heritage reflect strong Omani influence, visible in its carved wooden doors, Arab-style houses, and historic buildings such as the Sultan’s Palace and Old Fort. This shared history forms a lasting cultural and historical connection between Oman and Zanzibar. Stone Town was officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 for its exceptional cultural significance.
– Start our visit at Forodhani Gardens, a lively waterfront park where locals gather for food and socialising, reflecting Stone Town’s vibrant coastal culture. Then explore the Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe), built in the late 17th century by the Omanis to defend against Portuguese attacks, now hosting exhibitions and cultural events. Next, visit the House of Wonders (Beit al-Ajaib), built in 1883 as the Sultan’s ceremonial palace and the first building in Zanzibar with electricity and an elevator, showcasing Swahili history and maritime heritage. Continue to the Sultan’s Palace (Beit al-Sahel), once home to Zanzibar’s royal family, now a museum telling the story of the island’s monarchy and visit the Anglican Cathedral, which was built on the site of the old slave market, and includes a museum dedicated to the abolition of slavery. Wander through Darajani Market, the bustling heart of Stone Town’s trade in spices and local goods, admire the famous carved wooden doors that reflect centuries of Omani influence and pass by the Freddie Mercury Museum, celebrating the life of Zanzibar-born Farrokh Bulsara, the legendary lead singer of Queen.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: At leisure in Stone Town.
Evening: Dinner at your own arrangement.
Overnight at Madinat Al Bahr Business & Spa Hotel, Zanzibar.
Day 10: Thursday, 19 February: Zanzibar
– Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Transfer to the pier for a boat transfer to Prison Island. Enjoy a scenic ride across the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean for 20–30 minutes.
– Upon arrival at the Prison Island, explore the island’s highlights. Start with Giant Aldabra Tortoises: Prison Island is renowned for its sanctuary housing Aldabra giant tortoises; some are over 150 years old. These tortoises were originally brought from the Seychelles in the late 19th century. Observe and photograph these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Then visit Historical Ruins: The island’s prison, established in 1893, was never fully operational but offers a glimpse into Zanzibar’s colonial past.
– After exploring, free time on the island’s serene beaches, enjoying the clear turquoise waters and peaceful surroundings.
– Boat transfer to Nakupenda Sandbank, a stunning white sand island surrounded by shallow, crystal-clear waters.
Noon: Relaxation and a seafood BBQ lunch will be served on the sandbank.
Afternoon: Return boat ride to the pier and continue to the hotel by bus.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at Madinat Al Bahr Business & Spa Hotel, Zanzibar.
Day 11: Friday, 20 February: Zanzibar – Addis
– Breakfast at the hotel.
10:00 Check out of the hotel and begin our final day in Zanzibar with a journey into the island’s rich natural and cultural heritage. First stop is Jozani Forest, the island’s only national park, where we take a guided walk through the tranquil forest paths in search of the rare Red Colobus monkeys, found only in Zanzibar. We also explore the peaceful mangrove boardwalk, learning about this unique ecosystem and its importance to the island’s coastal environment.
– Continue to visit a traditional spice farm, walk among plantations of cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, and other spices that once shaped Zanzibar’s global trade connections, particularly during the Omani Sultanate.
Noon: Swahili lunch at the farm.
Afternoon: Transfer to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.
19.10 Depart Zanzibar for Addis by Ethiopian Airlines flight ET812.
21.45 Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, and transfer for the flight to Bangkok.
23:55 Depart Addis for Bangkok by Ethiopian Airlines flight ET628
Day 12: Saturday, 21 February: Bangkok
12:30 Arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The Siam Society reserves the right to change the programme as necessary.

Important notes:

– The Siam Society may utilise photos taken from study trips, lectures, performances, and other activities as part of its public relations and marketing campaign. These photos, which may sometimes contain image(s) of activity participants, can also be featured on The Society’s website and other online social media channels.

– As part of our effort to address the issue of global warming, The Siam Society strongly supports the reduction of plastic waste. We kindly recommend bringing your own water flask during the trip, if possible.

-Booking:

Contribution of THB 171,000 (THB 176,000 for non-members). Single room surcharge of THB 36,000. A deposit of THB 50,000 and a photocopy of the identification page on your passport must accompany the booking. Your reservation will be confirmed as soon as the deposit has been made. Payment in full will be required 60 days before the start of the trip (i.e. by Friday, 12 December 2025). There is a 4% surcharge for credit/debit card payment to cover bank charges. Please pay by cash or cheque payable to “The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage”. Transfer can also be made to The Siam Society travel account at TMBThanachart Bank (ttb), saving account no. 053-2-18000-7, swift code: TMBKTHBK or by scanning the QR code on your right. Once the payment has been made, please e-mail the deposit or transfer docket to us.

Inclusions:

  • The contribution includes accommodation (sharing basis), meals as mentioned in the programme, transfer and sightseeing cars, entrance fees, gratuities and other costs incurred to make this trip possible.
  • Meal as mentioned in the programme
  • Basic travel insurance, which will only cover participants travelling from and back to Thailand.

Exclusions:                                                                                                                                          

  • All air tickets are not included in the price (Bangkok – Muscat, Muscat – Zanzibar, Zanzibar – Addis, and Addis – Bangkok). The approximate airfare for economy class is THB 43,000 (as of September 2025).
  • 4 meals that are excluded from the programme (dinner on day 2 and 4, breakfast on day 8 and dinner on day 9)
  • Visa fees (if any), personal expenses, personal food and beverage consumption, etc.

Tourist Visa Policy

Oman

Citizens from over 100 countries, including Thailand, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom, and all European countries, may enter Oman without a visa for a stay of up to 14 days.

Zanzibar (Tanzania)

Nationals of Thailand, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom, and all European countries are required to obtain an eVisa in advance via the official Tanzania Immigration eVisa portal, which is convenient and can be completed from home. Processing takes approximately 5 – 10 business days, and the fee for a single-entry tourist visa is about USD 50.

To apply for the visa, please visit the following link: https://visa.immigration.go.tz/

Cancellation charges:

76 days before the start of the trip (before Wed, 26 Nov 25): Deposit forfeited
75 – 61 days before the start of the trip (Thu, 27 Nov to Thu, 11 Dec): 50% of the tour cost
Less than 60 days or cancellation without notice (Fri, 12 Dec onwards): No refund

*The cancellation charges will also depend on the date we pay the deposit to our travel agent. If we have to pay the deposit to the travel agent before the 60-day period prior to the start of the trip, our officer will send an email to inform every participant before we make the payment, as only a partial amount of the deposit can be refunded after that point.

For further information and bookings, please contact Khun Thun at 02-661-6470-3 ext 205, or studytrips@thesiamsociety.org.The Society’s office is open from 09:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Saturday.

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