Nested around the coconut trees, Al Haffa Souq (also written as Al Haffa Souk) is an old market in Salalah, the second largest city of Oman.
Due to the proximity to The Royal Place Al Husn Palace, the market is known as Al Husn Souq. “Al-Husn” is an Arabic word, which means “The Palace”.
The market is visited by almost all visitors to Salalah whether in Khareef season or in non-moonson season.
I have visited this souq with my family couple of times and the visit here is always a good one.
The most booked tour on Trip Advisor for Haffa Souq is “Salalah City Tour“. You can book it on TripAdvisor or via info@beautifulsalalah.com.
During Khareef season, Haffa Souq is full with residents and visitors from Oman and other part of the gulf. In this period, due to influx of a lot of buyers, additional tents are set up to act as makeshift shops.
During October to April each year, most of the visitors are Europeans either visiting city via charter flights or cruise.
Haffa Souq is an open air old market; however some shops do have air conditioning.
Both men and ladies are selling at the shops on here. You need to bargain with the shopkeepers to get the best deal.
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What is sold in Al Husn Souq Salalah?
The shops at this traditional market sells Dhofari Frankincense, perfumes, fridge magnets, traditional Omani clothes and other souvenirs and day to day use items. This market is the best place to buy these products in the town.
Frankincense and Perfumes
Salalah and Dhofar is famous in the past and now for Frankincense trees and its stones. Dhofari frankincenses are the best in the world, and it’s a known fact to the visitors.
Shops at Al Haffa Souk sell Dhofari frankincenses and perfumes. As frankincense is the main item sold in the market, for many this is “Frankincense Souq” or “Luban Souk” or “Bakhur Souk”.
The Burners of Frankincense are colorful clay pots, which are piled and displayed across the market in a visually appealing order. Inside these pots incense is burned with charcoal. Both Burner and Charcoals are sold in Haffa.
At some shops, burner, charcoal and frankincense are sold as a combo inside a plastic bag, while at most of the shops they are sold separately.
Traditional Omani Dressing
Shops at Hosn are selling Omani dresses for both men and women, like lady scarves, Omani Turban for men (locally called Masar) and Omani Cap for men (locally known as Kumma), traditional sticks and other garments and jewellery items.
Kumma is a colorful cap and this is one of the best souvenir to take back home. Some caps are embroidered by hand while some are machine made. There is a price difference in both.
Names Engraved on Pen
Many shops in this souq sell pens. At the same moment you can get your name engraved on these pens. The names can be engraved on other objects like neckless and other jewelry items. Sometimes people just buy pens engraved with “Salalah Oman” as a souvenir to take back home for their family and friends.
Nearby Places from Al Husn Souq Salalah
Haffa souq is nested among coconut trees and other tourist destinations. This proximity to other places make city tour a great experience as the places are diverse and different things-to-do make the experience memorable.
1. Al Husn Palace
This is the palace of the King of Oman. The palace is located on shores of Indian Ocean.
Read more about Al Husn Palace.
2. Haffa Beach
This is one of the most popular beaches in Salalah, Oman and is located in the middle of the city.
Read more about Haffa Beach.
3. Fruit Huts
These fruit huts sell fresh fruits, particularly Coconut and Banana. A visit to Salalah is incomplete without sipping the fresh coconut drink in its raw form.
Read more about Salalah Fruit Huts.