Sound and Light Show at Philae Temple, Aswan

The temple's stones light up to tell stories older than the building itself.

A sound and light show at Philae Temple in Aswan uses synchronized lights, music and narration to bring ancient Egyptian mythology to life as you walk through the temple grounds. Hotel pickup and return are included, along with entrance fees and a motorboat ride to the island. The show runs about two hours and suits all ages and fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Philae Temple Sound and Light Show

• Attend Philae Sound and Light show
• Watch myth of Isis and Osiris
• Learn temple history and restoration
• Walk through the illuminated temple
• Return to hotel after show

The Experience

The evening starts with pickup from your hotel in Aswan. A motorboat carries you across the water to Philae Temple, an island site that was relocated stone by stone in the 1960s to save it from flooding. Once there, the multimedia show begins: lights and music synchronize with the temple's architecture as narration unfolds the myth of Osiris, the god of the afterlife, and Isis, the goddess who resurrected him through ancient rituals. The story moves through the temple's courtyards and chambers, with the building itself becoming part of the performance.

As the show progresses, you learn how Philae got its name—from the ancient Egyptian word Pilak, meaning "the remote place"—and hear the restoration story of how the temple was saved from the Nile's rising waters. The lights reveal the carved details and scale of the structure in ways daylight does not, and the music draws from historical accounts of how ancient Egyptians understood their gods. This is not a seated theater experience; you move through the actual temple as the narration and lights guide you through each section.

The whole experience lasts around two hours from pickup to return. A live guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or another language depending on your group, and the show is designed for families—children and adults experience the same performance together. After the show ends, the motorboat brings you back to the dock, and you're transferred back to your hotel.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return to your Aswan accommodation.
• motorboat transfer to Philae Temple.
• entrance fee to the sound and light show.
• live guide narration in your chosen language.
• all service charges and taxes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Dubai Holidays

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a guided group experience with transport and entry included—you'll watch the sound and light show from Philae Temple with other visitors rather than exploring independently.

Top questions

What is the myth of Isis and Osiris that the show tells?

The show narrates how Osiris, god of the afterlife, was killed by his brother Set, the god of evil, and how his wife Isis used ancient life rituals to resurrect him. The lights and music bring this central story of Egyptian mythology to life as you walk through the temple.

Do I need to book a specific time for the show, or can I just arrive?

The show runs on a fixed schedule; your hotel pickup is timed to get you there for your chosen departure. Booking in advance reserves your spot and ensures the motorboat and guide are ready for your group.

Is the walk through the temple difficult or steep?

The show is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and the temple grounds are navigable for most visitors, though there are some uneven stone surfaces typical of ancient sites.

What does Philae Temple look like, and why was it moved?

Philae Temple is an ancient Egyptian temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, built on an island in the Nile. It was relocated stone by stone in the 1960s to higher ground to protect it from flooding caused by the Aswan High Dam. The show explains this restoration effort as part of its narration.

Is the show in English, or do I need to speak another language?

A live guide narrates the show in English, Spanish, Italian, French or another language depending on your group's preference. You'll hear the narration and music as you move through the temple.

What's included in the price, and what costs extra?

The price includes hotel pickup and return, the motorboat ride to Philae Temple, entrance to the sound and light show, and all service charges and taxes. Tipping is not included and is at your discretion.