My Son Sanctuary Tour From Hoi An

07:30 am: Hotel Pickup

Your tour guide and driver collect you from your hotel in Hoi An or Danang city. The vehicle is air-conditioned and equipped for a full-day journey.

During the 60–80 kilometer drive, your guide provides background information about the region and prepares you for what you’ll see at the site.

09:00 am:  Arrival at My Son Sanctuary

You arrive at the entrance. Your guide purchases entrance tickets and leads you through the complex.

My Son holy land is organized into distinct temple groups, each constructed during different periods of the Champa Kingdom’s reign.

The brick construction, using a mixture of clay, sand and lime remains remarkably intact after centuries, despite partial damage during the Vietnam War.

09:30–10:30 am: Morning guided tour & Champa dance

Your local guide explains the architectural details, religious significance, and historical timeline of each temple group.

At 09:30, you have the opportunity to watch the Champa dance, a restored cultural performance that illustrates ancient traditions.

The dancers wear traditional costumes and move through movements tied to spiritual and daily life practices.

Your guide contextualizes the dance within Champa society. A second performance typically occurs at 10:30.

10:30–11:45 am: Continued exploration & photography

After the dance performance, you continue exploring the temple ruins with your guide.

Common questions concern the brick-building methods how the Cham people organized their kingdom and why the site was abandoned.

Your guide shares research findings and historical documents about the 4th to 13th century occupation.

Ample time is provided for photography and personal reflection. The site covers considerable ground, so comfortable walking shoes are essential.

12:00–01:00 pm: Lunch

Return to the visitor facilities for lunch at a local restaurant near the sanctuary. The meal typically includes Vietnamese dishes.

Soft drinks, water, and coffee are available. Lunch duration is one hour, giving you time to rest before the afternoon portion of the day trip.

01:00–02:00 pm: Afternoon temple visit

Resume the tour with a focus on temple groups you may have missed during the morning session.

Afternoon light creates different photo opportunities than morning light.

Your guide may highlight architectural details that are more visible at a later sun angle, such as decorative carvings and structural patterns.

02:00–02:30 pm: Thu Bon river boat ride (Optional)

Leave My Son Sanctuary and travel to the Thu Bon River boat dock.

Your group boards a traditional boat for a scenic return journey to Hoi An.

The boat ride takes approximately 2–2.5 hours, depending on water conditions and weather.

This portion is entirely optional; if you prefer direct transportation back by car that arrangement can be made instead.

02:30–03:00 pm: Thanh Ha pottery village

While traveling by boat along the Thu Bon River, the boat stops at Thanh Ha Pottery Village.

Artisans there create pottery using methods inherited from previous generations.

You can observe potters at their wheels, see finished ceramics on display and purchase items if desired.

This stop provides insight into traditional craftsmanship in the Hoi An area and breaks up the boat journey.

04:30–05:00 pm: Arrival back in Hoi An

The boat docks in Hoi An. Your guide transfers you back to your hotel in Hoi An Ancient Town or arranges onward transportation as needed.

If you selected the car return option instead of the boat, you’ll be dropped at your hotel by 16:00.

01:00 pm: Hotel Pickup

Afternoon departures follow the same structure but run later in the day.

Your guide picks you up from your Danang or Hoi An hotel and drives toward My Son Sanctuary.

02:30 pm: Arrival & afternoon exploration

You spend the afternoon and early evening exploring the temple complex without the Champa dance performance (which occurs in the morning).

Your guide still provides detailed historical and architectural context.

This schedule works well if you prefer to sleep in or have morning commitments in your hotel area.

04:30 pm: Sunset at My Son

The late afternoon light at My Son sanctuary creates distinctive shadows and atmospheric conditions ideal for photography.

Your guide continues explaining the heritage site and may point out details more visible under different lighting.

05:30 pm: Departure & return

Leave the sanctuary and begin the return journey by vehicle (boat option is not available on the afternoon schedule).

The 60–80 kilometer drive back to Danang or Hoi An takes approximately 1.5–2 hours.

Your guide may narrate aspects of the landscape and towns you pass through.

07:00–07:30 pm: Hotel drop-off

Arrive back at your hotel in Hoi An Ancient Town. The day tour concludes with confirmation of your return and any additional travel recommendations from your guide.

Travel tips:

• Clothing: Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) as it is a sacred religious site.

• Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the site covers a large area with uneven terrain.

• Sun Protection: Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen since parts of the ruins have little shade.

• Hydration: Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the walking tour.

• Best Time for Photos: Morning tours are great for catching the cultural dance, while afternoon tours offer beautiful sunset lighting.