Hoi An : My Son Holyland & Hoi An CiTy Full Day Trip

Hoi An, a UNESCO-listed gem in central Vietnam, enchants with its well-preserved historic charm. Nestled along the Thu Bon River, this ancient trading port invites visitors to enjoy its captivating cultural tapestry. Beyond the alluring streets of Hoi An, lies the enigmatic My Son Sanctuary – a once-thriving Cham civilization now reduced to a haunting set of ruins. Exploring these two distinct destinations offers a thorough glimpse into Vietnam’s rich heritage, from the mesmerizing Cham dance performances to the serene boat rides along the river. But the true magic lies in the untold stories that await those willing to uncover them.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Hoi An.

Key Points

• This comprehensive day trip explores the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Hoi An Ancient Town and My Son Sanctuary in Central Vietnam.
• Highlights include a guided tour of My Son Sanctuary, a Cham traditional performance, a boat trip on the Thu Bon River, and immersion in the historic Hoi An Old Town.
• Lunch at a local house and a boat ride along the Hoai River with the release of flower lanterns offer a culturally authentic experience.
• The tour provides insights into the architectural and cultural significance of the Champa Kingdom at My Son Sanctuary and the centuries-old trading port of Hoi An.
• With a duration of 9 hours and the option for hotel pick-up, this tour offers a well-rounded introduction to the region’s UNESCO-listed heritage sites.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Description

The full-day tour explores two UNESCO World Heritage sites in Central Vietnam: Hoi An Ancient Town and My Son Sanctuary. It lasts 9 hours and is available in English.

Guests can choose to be picked up from hotels in Da Nang, Hoi An, or Dien Duong.

The itinerary includes a 2-hour guided tour and a Cham traditional performance at My Son Sanctuary, followed by a boat trip on the Thu Bon River and lunch at a local house.

Afterward, visitors will explore Hoi An Ancient Town, including the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, ancient houses, and the iconic Japanese Bridge.

The tour ends with a boat ride on the Hoai River, releasing flower lanterns, and visiting the night market before returning to the hotel.

Itinerary Highlights

Commencing the tour at 7:30-8:00 AM, guests are picked up from their hotels for the day’s adventures.

Upon arriving at My Son Sanctuary around 9:30 AM, they commence on a 2-hour guided tour and witness an enthralling Cham traditional performance.

Afterward, travelers enjoy a delightful lunch at a local house, complemented by a tranquil boat trip on the Thu Bon River.

The next stop is the well-preserved Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, visitors explore Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, ancient houses, and the iconic Japanese Bridge.

As the day draws to a close, guests take a boat ride on the Hoai River and release flower lanterns before visiting the lively night market.

My Son Sanctuary

After visiting the charming Hoi An Ancient Town, the tour heads to the archaeological site of My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was once the capital of the Champa Kingdom.

Situated in a lush valley surrounded by mountains, My Son Sanctuary features the remains of numerous Hindu temples and towers, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Cham people.

During the tour, visitors will explore the site’s well-preserved ruins and witness a traditional Cham Apsara dance performance, providing an authentic cultural experience.

The guide will share insights into the site’s history and architectural significance, making the visit both educational and engaging for history enthusiasts.

Cham Traditional Performance

Witnessing a traditional Cham Apsara dance performance is a highlight of the tour, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the cultural heritage of the Champa Kingdom.

During the 2-hour guided tour of the My Son Sanctuary, travelers are treated to this mesmerizing display of ancient dance and music.

The Apsara dancers, dressed in intricate costumes, gracefully move to the rhythmic beats of traditional instruments, reenacting the religious and ceremonial dances that were once performed in the sacred temples of My Son.

This cultural performance provides a deeper understanding of the Cham civilization and its enduring influence in the region, adding an enriching layer to the overall tour experience.

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Lunch and Boat Trip

Following the guided tour of the My Son Sanctuary, travelers enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local house along the Thu Bon River. The meal features an array of authentic regional dishes, providing an opportunity to savor the flavors of central Vietnamese cuisine.

After lunch, guests commence a relaxing boat trip down the Thu Bon River, offering a serene and picturesque perspective of the surrounding landscape. The boat ride allows visitors to take in the idyllic riverbanks, with lush greenery and traditional fishing vessels dotting the waterway.

This interlude provides a peaceful respite before the next leg of the journey to the historic Hoi An Ancient Town.

Hoi An Ancient Town

The tour then shifts to the UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town, where travelers explore the well-preserved historic district.

They visit the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, a prominent landmark showcasing the town’s architectural heritage and cultural influences.

Guests also wander through charming ancient houses, taking in the unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese design elements that characterize Hoi An’s architectural landscape.

The iconic Japanese Bridge, a renowned symbol of the town, is another key highlight of this portion of the excursion.

Visitors enjoy the enthralling ambiance of Hoi An, a living document to the region’s vibrant history and diverse cultural exchanges.

Boat Ride and Lanterns

Towards the end of the day, visitors commence on a serene boat ride along the Hoai River, where they release colorful flower lanterns onto the tranquil waters, a time-honored tradition that adds to the enchanting ambiance of Hoi An.

This experience allows them to witness the illumination of the lanterns gliding along the river, creating a mesmerizing display. The boat ride also provides an opportunity to admire the charming riverside scenery and the vibrant night market that lines the streets of the ancient town.

The flower lantern release is a symbolic gesture that’s deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture, representing:

1. Letting go of the past
2. Welcoming new beginnings
3. Sending wishes and prayers into the universe.

Inclusions and Booking

This tour typically includes:

• Round-trip hotel transfers within a 100km radius
• Entrance fees and electric car transfers
• A Vietnamese-style lunch
• A rice paper making experience
• An English-speaking guide
• A boat trip on the Thu Bon River

The tour also includes:

• A dinner featuring Hoi An local cuisine
• A boat ride with a flower lantern release

The tour is priced at $61.38 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, making it a convenient option.

With a full-day itinerary exploring two UNESCO World Heritage sites, this tour provides a thorough and immersive experience of Central Vietnam’s cultural and historical highlights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tour Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?

The tour can accommodate various dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets. Guests should notify the tour provider of any special dietary needs upon booking so they can make the necessary arrangements.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a maximum group size. However, it’s a shared group tour, so the size can vary. Travelers should check with the tour provider for the current group size before booking to verify it meets their preferences.

Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary?

While the tour has a set itinerary, customers can often customize it to their preferences. Most tour providers allow flexibility in the schedule and activities, depending on the group’s interests and needs.

Can the Tour Be Rescheduled in Case of Bad Weather?

Yes, the tour can typically be rescheduled in case of bad weather. Most tour providers offer flexible booking policies that allow customers to change their tour date without penalty if the original date is affected by inclement conditions.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

Yes, the tour offers discounts for children and seniors. Children under 11 receive a 25% discount, while seniors 65 and older get a 10% discount. These reduced rates can be requested at the time of booking.

Recap

This full-day tour provides a detailed introduction to the UNESCO-listed cultural heritage of Central Vietnam.

Visitors will explore the Cham ruins of My Son, witness a traditional performance, and enjoy a boat trip and local lunch.

The experience culminates in the charming old town of Hoi An, where guests can enjoy the historic landmarks and release colorful lanterns on the river, offering an enthralling glimpse into the region’s rich cultural tapestry.

You can check if your dates are available here: