Da Nang/Hoi An: My Son Holyland & Rice Paper Making/Morning

Uncover the cultural gems of central Vietnam on this half-day adventure from Da Nang. Explore the ancient ruins of the My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and witness traditional Champas performances. Then, try your hand at the age-old craft of rice paper making, guided by a local expert. As you explore the lush landscapes and riverside scenery, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s rich heritage.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 5.5-hour tour covering the highlights of the Da Nang/Hoi An region, including a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of My Son Sanctuary.
• Hands-on experience in traditional Vietnamese rice paper making, guided by a local expert, followed by a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
• Scenic boat ride on the Thu Bon River to the historic town of Hoi An, arriving at 1:30 pm.
• Guided exploration of the ancient Cham ruins and temple-towers at My Son, with insights into the Cham civilization and culture.
• Opportunity to witness traditional Cham cultural performances, including dances, music, and ceremonial rituals, during the My Son Sanctuary visit.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This tour offers visitors a comprehensive experience exploring the historical and cultural highlights of the Da Nang/Hoi An region.

Priced from $42.70 per person, the 5.5-hour excursion includes round-trip hotel transportation, entrance fees, a traditional Vietnamese lunch, and a hands-on rice paper making session.

For a day of culture, this 5.5-hour tour includes transportation, fees, lunch, and a rice paper making session at $42.70 per person.

Guests will discover the World Cultural Heritage site of My Son Sanctuary, learning about its history and culture from an English-speaking guide, and enjoying Champas performances.

The tour also features a scenic boat ride on the Thu Bon River before returning to the hotels in Hoi An.

Free cancellation and pay-later options are available.

Itinerary Schedule

The tour begins with hotel pickup and departure to the My Son Sanctuary (a World Cultural Heritage site) between 7:30-8:00 am.

Guests arrive at My Son around 9:30 am and spend 2 hours exploring the site with an English-speaking guide, enjoying traditional Champas performances.

• Transfer to a local house for a hands-on rice paper making experience at 11:45 am.

• Savor a traditional Vietnamese lunch with cold herbal tea at 12:30 pm.

• Board a boat for a scenic trip on the Thu Bon River to Hoi An, arriving at 1:30 pm.

• Get dropped off at your hotel in Hoi An.

My Son Sanctuary Exploration

Guests arrive at the renowned My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site, around 9:30 am. An English-speaking guide leads them through the ancient ruins and temple-towers, providing insights into the rich history and culture of the Cham civilization. Visitors enjoy traditional Champas performances, seeing the captivating atmosphere. To highlight the key highlights, the following table outlines the top attractions within the My Son Sanctuary:

| Attraction | Description |

| — | — |

| Temple-Towers | Intricate brick structures dating back to the 4th-13th centuries |

| Cham Inscriptions | Ancient writings that reveal historical insights |

| Cham Statues | Detailed stone sculptures depicting deities and figures |

| Cham Architectural Style | Unique blend of local and Indian influences |

After two hours of exploration, guests depart the site, eager to continue their cultural journey.

Traditional Champas Performances

As visitors explore the ancient My Son Sanctuary, they’re treated to captivating traditional Champas performances.

Visitors to the ancient My Son Sanctuary are treated to captivating traditional Champas performances.

These cultural displays showcase the rich heritage of the Cham people, who once inhabited the region. The performances include:

• Graceful dances with elaborate costumes and headdresses

• Skilled demonstrations of traditional Cham musical instruments

• Enactments of historical stories and legends

• Ceremonial rituals and rites honoring the Cham’s spiritual beliefs

These immersive experiences enhance the visit, providing deeper insights into the Cham civilization that flourished at My Son centuries ago.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Rice Paper Making Experience

After exploring the grandeur of My Son Sanctuary, visitors venture to a local house to enjoy the age-old craft of rice paper making.

Guided by a local expert, they learn the intricate process of transforming rice flour, water, and heat into delicate, translucent sheets.

Participants actively participate, scooping the rice batter onto a mold, then gently lifting and transferring the paper to a drying rack.

This hands-on experience provides a deeper appreciation for the traditional Vietnamese cuisine and culture.

Visitors leave with a newfound respect for the skill and patience required to create this essential ingredient.

Lunch at a Local House

Lunchtime arrives at a local house, where visitors savor traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

The meal features:

• Fresh spring rolls wrapped in translucent rice paper, filled with shrimp, pork, and crisp vegetables

• Fragrant beef pho, a steaming bowl of rice noodles in a savory broth

• Sizzling grilled chicken skewers, marinated in aromatic lemongrass and spices

• Cool, herbal iced tea to refresh the palate

Diners enjoy the authentic flavors and warm hospitality of this intimate dining experience, immersed in the local way of life.

Boat Trip on Thu Bon River

Following the lunchtime feast, visitors embark on a serene boat trip along the Thu Bon River. Gliding peacefully, they take in the picturesque scenery of Central Vietnam’s largest river. The boat ride offers a tranquil respite after the morning’s activities.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Duration | 30 minutes |

| Highlights | Scenic riverside vistas, glimpse of local life |

| Experience | Relaxing, culture |

| Included | As part of the tour package |

The boat trip provides a fitting conclusion to the day’s exploration of Da Nang and Hoi An, connecting the historical and cultural elements in a seamless experience.

Recap

The tour of Da Nang and Hoi An provides visitors with a comprehensive exploration of the region’s history, culture, and natural beauty.

From the awe-inspiring My Son Sanctuary to the hands-on experience of traditional rice paper making, this tour offers a well-rounded and immersive experience.

Highlights include:

• Discovering the ancient Cham temple-towers and learning about Vietnamese history from an expert guide

• Witnessing captivating Champas performances that showcase the region’s cultural heritage

• Crafting authentic Vietnamese rice paper in a local household

• Enjoying a scenic boat ride along the tranquil Thu Bon River

This tour showcases the best of Central Vietnam in a convenient and well-organized package.

Since You Asked

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?

The tour may be suitable for some people with disabilities, but specific accessibility details are not provided. Travelers with disabilities should inquire about accommodations and accessibility when booking to ensure the tour meets their needs.

What Should I Bring for the Rice Paper Making Experience?

Participants should bring an apron or comfortable clothing as they’ll get their hands messy during the hands-on rice paper making experience. The tour provides all necessary materials and tools for this traditional Vietnamese activity.

Is Vegetarian/Halal Food Available for the Lunch?

Yes, vegetarian and halal food options are available for the lunch. The tour provider can accommodate special dietary requirements with advance notice. Guests should inform the tour staff of any dietary restrictions when booking the tour.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs During the Tour?

Yes, there are opportunities to purchase souvenirs during the tour. The itinerary includes a visit to Hoi An, a popular destination for shopping local handicrafts and souvenirs. Travelers can browse and buy items at their own discretion.

Is There an Opportunity to Interact With the Local Community?

Yes, there is an opportunity to interact with the local community. The tour includes a hands-on rice paper making experience at a local house and a lunch featuring traditional Vietnamese cuisine, allowing for cultural exchange and engagement with the local people.

Final Words

This half-day tour from Da Nang provides a captivating glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors explore the ancient Cham ruins at My Son Sanctuary, witness traditional performances, and participate in a hands-on rice paper-making workshop. The scenic boat ride on the Thu Bon River completes this immersive cultural experience, leaving travelers with a deeper appreciation for Vietnamese traditions.

You can check if your dates are available here: