West of Nile is the less developed, and cheaper side of Luxor. you can walk by the Nile to the barges crossing the river or rent a small boat, both cross the Nile to Karnak Temple the Soak, and the museums. everywhere you see canals, farmers and their clay houses and it is very safe. fantastic site seeing (valley of the Kings , Hiba temple, and lots of others within 15 mins taxi ride), there are also the early morning hot air balloons which are a quiet and safe way to beautiful views. I did an hour excursion on the desert motorway to Dandara temple near Qana, an extraordinary place for a mix of old Egyptian and Roman artistic feel. Luxor is a small town with a very good airport, dominated by the smell of villages and the great Nile. nothing matches such combination of history, countryside and sun.