My Son Sanctuary: Day Trips and Tours from Hội An

The abandoned and partly ruined Hindu Temples of My Son Sanctuary are an important religious relic in central Vietnam. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a memorable landmark, attracting visitors from around the world.

The uniqueness of each temple in the complex reflects the historical development of the Champa Kingdom.

A day trip to My Son Sanctuary from Hội An is a perfect way to explore the Vietnamese countryside and learn about the country's rich history and culture.

Here's all you need to know about My Son Sanctuary, one of the most exciting day trips from Hội An.

How to get to My Son Sanctuary from Hội An?

Located in the Quang Nam province, the My Son Sanctuary lies in a valley surrounded by mountains and hills.

From Hội An to My Son Sanctuary by car or scooter

There are no car rental companies in Hội An and you would need to hire a car from Da Nang Airport. Alternatively, you can rent a scooter and travel using this popular form of Vietnamese transport.

From Hội An to My Son Sanctuary by shuttle bus

Although there are public buses, they do not stop at the sanctuary gates. It is recommended that you reserve a shuttle bus seat that departs Hội An at 8:30 AM and returns at 1:45 PM instead.

Guided tour to My Son Sanctuary from Hội An

The best part of a guided tour to the My Son Sanctuary is the services of a knowledgeable local guide. With transport, and entrance fees included, guided tours are convenient and hassle-free.

Some tours include hotel pickups, while others commence at meeting points in Hội An. Day trips can last between 4 and 9 hours.

How much does the entrance ticket to My Son Sanctuary cost?

Entry tickets for adults and teenagers cost 150,000 VND (US$ 7). On some memorial days, entrance is free for all visitors. The ticket includes the short transfer by electric vehicle from the gates to the temple complex.

Make sure to bring cash in Vietnamese currency for your entrance and personal expenses.

What is the typical itinerary?

Itineraries will differ based on the mode of transport. If you have booked a private transfer, you will be collected from your hotel and returned after your tour. Small group and private tours include collection at your hotel or a central meeting point.

Travel is usually by minivan or private vehicle. On arrival, you will purchase your tickets at the entrance and be able to walk through the museum that gives a good overview of the sanctuary and its history.

An electric vehicle transfer drops you close to the temple complex, where you will have time to wander through and admire the ancient temple towers. If you have a fully guided tour, your guide will inform you about the towers as well as some of the natural disasters and wars that led to the area being damaged or ruined.

What kinds of tours are available to go to My Son Sanctuary?

There are half-day and full-day tours to My Son Sanctuary. You can book a private transfer and explore the sanctuary on your own, or select a day trip from Hội An on a scheduled or private basis.

These are some of the day trips you can choose between when visiting My Son Sanctuary from Hội An:

Small-group guided tours to My Son Sanctuary from Hội An

Several small group trips to My Son Sanctuary are available. Half-day and full-day tours are possible, while some tours include stops at other local attractions. Transport is usually my minibus, but there are also tours that include a boat transfer one-way.

Private transfer without guide to My Son Sanctuary from Hội An

If you prefer the idea of wandering through the temple complex alone or on a scheduled tour offered by the sanctuary, you can opt for private return transfers to My Son Sanctuary.

Private tour to My Son Sanctuary from Hội An

On a private tour from Hội An, you will be collected from your hotel and driven by your guide to My Son Sanctuary. Your guide will assist you in purchasing tickets and will enlighten you as to the fascinating history and cultural of this World Heritage Site.

Multi-day tour including My Son Sanctuary from Hội An

A 5-day tour of the Quang Nam province includes tours of Da Nang City, Hội An City, a morning tour of My Son Sanctuary, the Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge. Lunches are included on the tour days, as are entrance fees. You are free to choose your own accommodation for each night of your tour.

How much does a day trip to My Son Sanctuary from Hội An cost?

Small-group guided tours to My Son Sanctuary from Hội An start from as little as US$40 per person.

Half-day tours that include lunch cost from US$50 per person. Less expensive tours typically do not include entrance fees or meals. Full-day small group day trips cost from US$70 per adult.

A private transfer without guide to My Son Sanctuary from Hội An start from US$35 per person. This includes return transport from Hội An.

Private tours to My Son Sanctuary from Hội An cost from US$70 per person. If you choose a motorbike tour, the cost increases to around US$120 per person. Tours that include other attractions or activities can cost up to US$150 per person.

A multi-day tour including My Son Sanctuary from Hội An costs around US$400 per person. This includes transport, a guide, entrance fees and lunches but excludes accommodation and other meals and expenses.

What will you see and do?

The captivating Cham style architecture of the My Son Sanctuary is one of the aspects that makes a visit here so special.

Each of the towers is unique but constructed using the same principles: a sturdy foundation that represents the mortal world, a tower representing the spiritual world and a tower cap representing the closeness of humans and spirits.

There is a museum close to the entrance that describes the site’s history. If you are there in the afternoon, you can witness traditional Cham dances that date back centuries.

Longer day trips may include a boat trip, a visit to Marble Mountain or the Ba Na Hills cable car and Golden Bridge.

What are the opening times?

My Son Sanctuary is open daily from 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The sanctuary is open on holidays and Tet.

When is the best time to visit My Son Sanctuary?

The best time for a visit to My Son Sanctuary is during sunrise, which is the perfect opportunity for photography. Sunset is also a good time to capture the atmosphere in this holy place. The temperatures in March and April are the most temperate and least humid.

Are there any tours to My Son Sanctuary from other cities in Vietnam?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Vietnam:

• Trips to Hội An from Da Nang City

Travel tips

• Carry enough cash, as you will need this for entrance fees and refreshments.
• Choose an early morning trip to snap the best photos.
• Bring bottled water to drink.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes.