Things To Do
in Khomām

Khomam is a small city in Gilan Province, Iran, located at coordinates 37.3911, 49.6597 along the fertile Caspian coast. The town serves as a quiet gateway to rice paddies, tea plantations, lush forests, and riverine landscapes. Visitors experience Gilaki hospitality, colorful bazaars, and easy access to nearby Rasht and Bandar-e Anzali.

With its humid subtropical climate and seafood-rich cuisine, Khomam offers a relaxed base for culture, nature, and photography in northern Iran.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Khomām
morning
:

Arrive at Rasht International Airport and embark on a scenic drive to Khomām. As you settle into your chosen accommodation, take a moment to enjoy the beautiful countryside that surrounds the village. Sample some local breakfast delicacies to fuel your day ahead.

afternoon
:

Explore the lush landscapes and vibrant greenery of Khomām on a leisurely walk. Visit the charming local shops and interact with friendly locals to get a true sense of village life. Spend the afternoon lounging in a café trying traditional Persian tea and snacks.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a cozy spot along the river and reflect on your first day in this serene village. Dine at a local restaurant, experiencing authentic Iranian cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients. Conclude your evening by taking a peaceful stroll under the starry sky.

day 2
Exploring Local Traditions
morning
:

Start your day by visiting a nearby local market, filled with vibrant fruits, spices, and handcrafted goods. Engage with vendors and learn about the rich cultural history behind these traditional products. From there, head to a local workshop to see artisans at work, creating beautiful crafts.

afternoon
:

After a delightful lunch, participate in a hands-on cooking class where you'll learn to make popular local dishes. It's a delightful opportunity to connect with the food culture of the region and meet fellow travelers. Share stories and experience different cooking styles from the locals.

evening
:

Spend your evening at a local family’s home where you will be treated to a traditional Persian dinner. Enjoy stories and laughter shared over delicious food while experiencing warm Iranian hospitality. End your night with a traditional music performance to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$4-7
🍽️Meal for 2 at mid-range restaurant$15-25
🏨1 night in a mid-range hotel$30-70
Cup of coffee$1-2
🚗Taxi ride (1 km)$0.50-1

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Green landscapes, tea plantations, and seafood-centric cuisine
  • Compact city for easy exploration and day trips to Lahijan, Rudkhan Castle, and Anzali Lagoon
  • Limited nightlife and some services may be cash-only
  • Card acceptance can be sporadic due to sanctions and local setups
  • "سلام" - Hello
  • "لطفاً" - Please
  • "متشکرم" - Thank you
  • "قیمت چنده؟" - How much is this?
  • "آیا انگلیسی صحبت می‌کنید؟" - Do you speak English?
  • "من گرسنه‌ام" - I am hungry
  • "کارت قبول می‌کنید؟" - Do you accept cards?
  • "بله/نه" - Yes/No

Places to Visit in Khomām

Visit one of these nice places.

Khomam Riverfront at Sunset

Wide river curves, willowy trees, and wooden boats make for serene sunset compositions.

Lahijan Tea Plantations (near Khomam)

Checkerboard-green terraces with a mountain backdrop; ideal in morning light.

Rudkhan Castle (Qal'eh-ye Rudkhan)

Medieval brick fortress nestled in forest, offering dramatic angles and forest canopy shots.

Band-e Anzali Lagoon

Migratory birds, reed beds, and reflective water along long promenades—great for wide-angle and wildlife photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Khomām

Khomam sits in Gilani country, where the cuisine leans on fresh herbs, river fish, rice, and fragrant tea. Dishes balance smoky, tart, and herbaceous flavors and showcase seasonal produce from the coast and fields.

Khomām Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Mirza Ghasemi

Smoky grilled eggplant mashed with garlic and tomato, usually served with rice or flatbread.

Must-Try!

Fesenjan

A rich walnut and pomegranate sauce served with poultry or duck and rice.

Bagha Polow

Rice with broad beans, herbs, and saffron—comforting and hearty.

Kashk-e Bademjan

Eggplant purée with whey, garlic, and herbs, a common starter in Gilani homes.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Khomam Central Market

A bustling hub for fresh fish, herbs, rice, and seasonal produce; great for sampling street snacks.

Coastline seafood stalls

Seasonal grilled fish and calamari along the riverfront and market lanes.

Climate Guide

Weather

Khomam experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and cool, wet winters. The area sees ample rainfall, especially in fall and winter, while spring and early autumn offer mild temperatures perfect for outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Dress and modesty

Dress modestly in public; shoulders and knees should be covered, especially in religious sites.

Greetings

A respectful greeting with Salām (hello) and a handshake is common; mirror the other person’s formality.

Hospitality

Guests are offered tea and sweets; gracious acceptance is appreciated.

Safety Guide

Safety

Travellers should stay aware of petty theft in crowded markets and carry your belongings securely. Road conditions can be challenging during heavy rain; keep to known routes, especially at night. Safe driving, respect local customs, and carry a copy of your passport and visa documents.

Tipping in Khomām

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants and cafes, a tip of 5-10% is appreciated if service is not included; carry small cash for tips.

Payment Methods

Cash (Iranian Rial) is most widely accepted; some larger hotels and shops may take cards, but card use is limited domestically; ATMs are common in Rasht and Anzali.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Pleasant and green with fresh shoots; showers are possible; long daylight hours are great for outdoor spending.

Summer

Warm and humid; occasional heat waves; bring lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and stay hydrated near the coast.

Autumn

Mild days with colorful foliage along riverbanks; ideal for photography and tastier harvest produce.

Winter

Mild and rainy; temperatures stay cool rather than freezing; carry a lightweight rain jacket for coastal excursions.

Nightlife Guide

Khomām at Night

The nightlife in Khomam is low-key, centered on family-friendly tea houses and cafés. After dark, most social scenes revolve around conversations, music in local venues, and riverside strolls rather than bars or clubs. Alcohol is not widely available due to local laws, so evenings focus on cuisine, desserts, and long chats with friends and fellow travelers.

Hiking in Khomām

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Rudkhan Castle Trail (Fuman)

Forest setting with a stone fortress; good for day hikes and photo opportunities.

Langarud River trails

Scenic riverbank walks surrounded by greenery and traditional villages.

Airports

How to reach Khomām by plane.

Rasht (Gilan) International Airport (RAS)

Nearest major airport with connections to Tehran and other domestic hubs; road transfer to Khomam is about 1–2 hours depending on traffic.

Bandar-e Anzali Airport (ANZ)

Smaller airport serving domestic routes; useful for regional connections to Tehran and other cities; closer to Anzali Lagoon and the coast.

Getting Around

Walkability

Khomam is a small city with walkable riverfront areas and market streets, but parts of the town center are car-oriented. A comfortable half-day stroll can cover most attractions, with longer walks or bike rides recommended for surrounding villages and tea fields.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Gilaki people

The predominant ethnic group in Gilan, many speak Gilaki alongside Persian.

Persian-speaking residents

A significant number of residents are Persian-speaking; Islam (Shia) is the main religion.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport across Iran, with local clubs and informal pick-up games in parks.

Volleyball

Widely played in schools and beaches along the Caspian coast; casual beach volleyball is common during warmer months.

Traditional wrestling and martial arts

Occasional local events and gym training; a nod to regional sports culture.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic can be heavier during weekend markets and in Rasht before and after travel to the coast. Local transport includes buses, minibuses, and taxis; road conditions are generally good, but rain can slow trips along the coast and into the mountains.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Khomām.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many Gilani dishes are vegetable- and herb-forward; request no meat stock and ask for extra herbs or rice.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available in Khomam via clinics and a few small hospitals; for specialized care or emergencies, you will likely travel to Rasht (city) where larger public and private hospitals and clinics are located, often with English-speaking staff through larger facilities.

Discover Iran

Read more in our Iran 2025 Travel Guide.

Iran Travel Guide