My Son Private Tour and Come Back to Hoi An by Private Boat

A detailed look at the My Son Private Tour and Return by Private Boat

If you’re visiting Da Nang or Hoi An and craving a personalized, culturally rich experience, this private tour offers a fantastic way to explore some of Vietnam’s most iconic sites. It’s especially suited for travelers who value private, flexible itineraries, insightful guides, and a combination of history and local craftsmanship.

What draws many to this tour are three key aspects: the intimate visit to the ancient My Son sanctuary, the chance to learn about traditional Vietnamese carpentry, and the unique boat journey back to Hoi An. However, some might find the 5-hour duration a bit compact, especially if they prefer more leisurely exploration or additional stops. This tour shines brightest for those eager to combine history, culture, and scenic travel in one seamless experience.

This tour has earned a perfect 5-star rating from five reviews, which speaks volumes about its quality and consistency. It’s clear that guides like Mr. Ken and Ms. Vy make the journey memorable, sharing personal stories alongside historical facts. Perfect for history buffs, culture aficionados, or anyone wanting an authentic glimpse into Vietnam’s artistry and ancient sites.

Key Points

Private Experience: Only your group participates, offering a personalized touch.
Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Mr. Ken and Ms. Vy enrich the visit with stories and insights.
Cultural Highlights: Visit My Son’s ancient temples and Kim Bong Carpentry Village for hands-on craftsmanship.
Scenic Journey: A boat ride offers a relaxing and picturesque way to return to Hoi An.
Value for Money: At $79 per person, you get a comprehensive itinerary with local guides, boat ride, and entrance tickets included.
Flexible and Convenient: Hotel pickup and private transportation make the day smooth.

Introduction: Why This Tour Stands Out

We love how this private tour combines history, craftsmanship, and scenic travel into one well-organized package. The experience begins with a comfortable hotel pickup, setting the stage for a day that’s both engaging and relaxing. What really appeals is the private nature of the tour—there’s no need to navigate crowds or stick to a rigid schedule.

Three features particularly excite us: the opportunity to explore My Son’s ancient Cham temples, the chance to visit Kim Bong Carpentry Village, and the beautiful boat ride that wraps up the day. While the price of around $79 sounds reasonable for such a tailored experience, travelers should consider whether they want a slightly longer or more leisurely visit to these sites.

This experience is ideal for those who prefer a curated, informative, and visually stunning day. Whether you’re a history lover, a craft enthusiast, or simply seeking a hassle-free way to see key attractions, this tour offers a well-rounded taste of central Vietnam.

Exploring the Itinerary

Visiting My Son Sanctuary

The tour kicks off at 8:00 a.m. with a hotel pickup, followed by a roughly 1-hour drive to My Son. This site is one of Vietnam’s most significant Cham relics, dating from the 2nd century to the 15th century. The temples, built without mortar, showcase incredible craftsmanship and architectural ingenuity that visitors find fascinating.

Once on site, you’ll take a buggy and enjoy a short walk to the temples. The guide will lead you through the various groups—A, B, C, D, E, F, G—each with its story and significance. Expect to spend about 1.5 hours exploring, where the guide shares details about the Cham people, their unique culture, and their impressive temple-building skills.

One reviewer mentions that this site “comes from 2nd century to 15th century and learn about Cham culture,” emphasizing its importance in Vietnamese heritage. The surrounding jungle and mountain views also add a dramatic backdrop to the ancient ruins, making for excellent photo opportunities.

Kim Bong Carpentry Village

Next, you’ll visit Kim Bong Carpentry Village, a 30-minute stop where you get to see traditional Vietnamese woodworking craftsmanship. The village is famed for its skilled artisans, and you might find yourself admiring intricate carvings or watching master carpenters at work.

Visitors often find this stop surprisingly insightful. As one reviewer notes, the visit to the village was “short but worth it,” giving a glimpse into Vietnam’s artisanal traditions. It’s an authentic experience that enriches your understanding of local livelihoods. The entrance fee is included, and guides often share stories about the village’s history and its importance in Vietnam’s furniture and boat-making industries.

Scenic Boat Ride and Hoi An

After the cultural stops, you’ll head to the Cau Lau Boat Station, where you’ll board a covered wooden boat for a 40-minute ride back to Hoi An. This part of the tour provides a relaxing and scenic transition from historical exploration to leisure. Expect to glide past local fishing boats and riverside scenery—an ideal opportunity for photos and savoring the peaceful atmosphere.

When you arrive at Hoi An dock, your driver will meet you for a private transfer back to your hotel, finishing the day comfortably and conveniently. Many reviewers highlight how smooth and punctual this part of the journey is, with one describing the boat ride as “very pleasant and a lovely way to finish the day.”

What the Tour Includes and What to Keep in Mind

Included in the Price:

• Modern air-conditioned vehicle or minivan for pick-up and transfers
• Knowledgeable English-speaking guide
• Private covered wooden boat for the river journey
• Entrance tickets to My Son and Kim Bong Village
• Cold bottled water and tissues

Not Included:

• Personal expenses and drinks

The price of $79 per person offers good value, especially considering the private nature of the tour, the guided insights, and all entrance fees. It’s a hassle-free package, meaning no need to worry about tickets or transportation logistics—your group is the sole focus.

Timing and Group Size: The tour is approximately five hours, starting at 8:00 a.m. This timing allows for a cool start to the day before the heat of midday. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer a half-day adventure without feeling rushed or exhausted.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

Multiple reviews praise the guides, especially mentioning Mr. Ken and Ms. Vy. One reviewer states, “Wonderful tour with Mr. Ken,” highlighting his storytelling skills and personal anecdotes, which give the tour a warm, engaging atmosphere. Another mentions Ms. Vy’s leadership, noting that the tour “lived up expectations” and was “well worth it for a private group.”

Travelers also appreciate the balance of history, scenery, and craftsmanship. One reviewer describes the day as “very enjoyable,” with a “pleasing driver and very informative guide,” emphasizing the smooth logistics and friendly service. The boat ride, in particular, gets praise, with comments on its peaceful, scenic quality that caps off the experience nicely.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This private tour is a stellar choice for visitors who want a personalized, culturally rich experience without the hassle of large group tours. If you’re passionate about history, architecture, or Vietnamese craftsmanship, you’ll appreciate the depth of storytelling and the authentic sites visited.

Travelers who enjoy scenic, leisurely journeys will find the boat ride a delightful highlight, adding a touch of tranquility to the day. The inclusion of knowledgeable guides ensures that you’ll leave with a better understanding of Vietnam’s Cham culture and local artisans.

While the schedule is fairly tight, it offers a comprehensive glimpse of central Vietnam’s highlights in a manageable half-day format. It’s particularly suited to those who prefer private, flexible arrangements — perfect for couples, small groups, or even solo travelers seeking a tailored experience.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour offers pickup from your hotel in both Hoi An and Da Nang, starting at 8:00 a.m.

How long is the entire tour? The tour lasts about 5 hours, including transportation, site visits, and the boat ride.

Are entrance tickets included? Yes, all entrance fees for My Son and Kim Bong Carpentry Village are covered.

What should I bring? It’s advisable to bring bottled water, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes. The boat provides some shade, but extra sun protection is recommended.

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What if I want to cancel? Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund.

How private is this tour? It’s a private experience, so only your group will participate, providing flexibility and personalized attention.

In summary, this tour offers a thoughtfully curated experience for those wanting to explore Vietnam’s ancient Cham temples, traditional craftsmanship, and scenic waterways all in one day. With expert guides, private transport, and a peaceful boat ride, it’s a practical choice for travelers seeking a meaningful and comfortable cultural outing. It’s best suited for history enthusiasts, craft lovers, or anyone looking for a well-organized, immersive half-day adventure.