The Hadramout's capital. Al-Mukalla, is also one of Yemen important ports. Fisherman arriving from other regions first settled the area, and from the 8^th century AD it became an important local power base. In the 18^th and 19^th centuries, as the capital of the Que'iti dynasty, it grew quite wealthy form sea trade. There's it grew deal to engage the traveler in Al-Mukalla, but after days in the Hadramout it makes an interesting change of scene and a chance to sample the excellent seafood.

Measuring over 165Km long (and between700m to 12Kmwide), Wadi Hadramout is the largest Wadi in Arabian Peninsula. It's also one of the most fertile and is intensely cultivated. When traveling through the Wadi, you'll suddenly come across – oasis-like – verdant plantations of the date palms, bananas, lemons and papayas, as well as crops of tobacco, henna and verity of cereals. Named after the people who made their home here, the Wadi is mentioned in both the Bible and the Quran. The holy books made reference to the quality of its incense as well as the fertility of its land. The drainage system of the Wadi is also ancient and sophisticated.  Keep an eye out for the Hadramout herders in their tall, witch's hats (known as madhalla), as well as the Hadramout plaster makers and mud-brick molders. Lining the road are vendors selling the famous Hadramout honey – considered Yemen's best.

Lying around 19km west of Sayun walled city of Shibam has long been considered one of Yemen's highlights. In 1982 the town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

History:-

Shibam is thought to date from the 14ht century BC, but was built on the ruins of an even older Hadramout city. It was later settled by citizens of old Shabwa after their city was destroyed. Later the town grew to boast the most important market in the region, and served for centuries (right up to the 16^th century) as an important capital for local dynasties.

Sayun has a distinguished history. From the earliest days it was developed by the local Hadramout clans and dynasties and since the 15^th century has been the Wadi capital. For the traveler, Sayun offers a decent range of accommodation, a convenient location between the attractions of Shibam and Tarim, a picturesque setting of mountains and palm trees, and one of the most interesting museums in Yemen.

Situated 35km northeast of Sayun, Tarim has served as the seat of kings since ancient times, and was Wadi Hadramout's capital before Sayun. It also became known as a great centre of Islamic teaching (along win Sa'ada Jibla and Zabid, and its library test fies to its former reputation

Wadi Daw'an is one of the most attractive of the many 'branch' wadies off Wadi Hadramout. It's also particularly famous for the quality of its honey, reputedly the most expensive in the world.Some of the most attractive of the Wadi's villages include Al-Hajarayn, one of the oldest villages in the Hadramout, and Sif, where houses are painted in pastel colors and sometime decorated with flowers. Sif also offers the only accommodation in the region.Currently, there is no public transport between Sayun and the Wadi Daw'an. If you're driving, the road through the Wadi Daw'an is only partly asphalted (though work continues) and peters out entirely after Sif.