Hoi An: My Son Sanctuary With Basket Boat and Lunch Options

Hoi An’s My Son Sanctuary is a must-visit UNESCO World Heritage site that transports visitors back in time. This comprehensive tour provides an enriching cultural experience, allowing you to explore ancient temple towers, learn traditional crafts, and enjoy a Vietnamese lunch. Whether you opt for a relaxing boat ride or learn about local activities, the journey promises a memorable adventure. Discover the enchanting essence of this historic destination and uncover its hidden gems.

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Good To Know

Key points:

A comprehensive guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site of My Son Sanctuary, including temple towers and a Champa cultural performance.
Inclusion of a traditional Vietnamese lunch with noodles, spring rolls, and vegetarian options.
Optional bamboo boat ride through the scenic Bay Mau Coconut Forest, with an additional fee for faster boats.
Opportunities to learn about local culture, such as rice paper making at a local house.
Positive customer reviews highlighting the tour’s value, transportation, and knowledgeable guides.

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Tour Overview

This tour offers visitors a comprehensive introduction to the historic My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site located just outside Hoi An.

Priced from $18.67 per person, the 5.5-8 hour experience includes hotel pickup, transportation, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and a traditional Vietnamese lunch.

Travelers can also opt for a relaxing bamboo boat ride through the Bay Mau Coconut Forest.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour provides a convenient and immersive way to explore the ancient Cham ruins and cultural activities in the Hoi An region.

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Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with an early morning pickup, between 7:30 – 8:00 from Hoi An, or 6:30 – 7:00 from Da Nang, depending on the traveler’s location.

At the My Son Sanctuary, the guide leads a 2.5-hour exploration of the historic temple towers, providing insight into Vietnamese history and a Champa performance.

A 2.5-hour guided exploration of the historic temple towers of My Son, providing insight into Vietnamese history and a Champa performance.

Lunch is a traditional Vietnamese meal, including noodles, spring rolls, and vegetarian options.

After lunch, the group visits a local house to learn the art of rice paper making.

The tour concludes with a scenic boat trip along the Thu Bon River back to Hoi An.

Additional Activities

Along With the core tour itinerary, travelers can opt for two optional activities – a basket boat ride and engaging in traditional coconut forest activities.

The 45-minute bamboo basket boat ride in the Bay Mau Coconut Forest allows visitors to experience the tranquil waterways with a local boatman. There’s an additional fee of 100,000 VND for faster boats.

In the coconut forest, travelers can participate in activities like boat spinning, karaoke, and fishing alongside locals, providing a more immersive cultural experience.

These add-ons offer a chance to further explore the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Hoi An, air-conditioned transportation, an English-speaking guide at My Son Sanctuary, a local boatman for the bamboo boat ride, lunch, and bottled water.

Entrance fees for My Son Sanctuary (150,000 VND) and the bamboo village are also covered.

However, an additional transfer fee of 300,000 VND each way applies for pickup from Da Nang.

The tour doesn’t include the option for a faster bamboo boat ride, which costs an extra 100,000 VND.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

According to the available information, the My Son Sanctuary tour boasts an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 203 reviews.

The tour guide rating stands at an excellent 4.9/5, while the transportation and value for money ratings are also high at 4.8/5.

Travelers have highlighted positive experiences, praising the great food, enjoyable activities, and helpful guides.

The tour seems to offer a well-rounded experience, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the historic My Son Sanctuary, engage in traditional activities, and enjoy a delightful Vietnamese lunch.

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Exploring the My Son Sanctuary

Although the My Son Sanctuary dates back to the 4th century AD, visitors today can enjoy the remnants of this once-thriving religious and political center of the Champa civilization.

Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, travelers explore the ancient temple towers and learn about Vietnamese history. The highlight is a Champa performance, showcasing the cultural legacy of the region.

With 2.5 hours allotted for the site, visitors have ample time to appreciate the stunning architecture and natural setting amidst the surrounding mountains.

Rice Paper Making Experience

After exploring the historic My Son Sanctuary, travelers can participate in a hands-on rice paper making experience at a local house. Here, they learn the traditional craft of transforming rice into paper-thin sheets. The process involves:

| Step | Action |

| — | — |

| 1 | Grinding rice into a fine powder |

| 2 | Mixing the powder with water to create a batter |

| 3 | Spreading the batter onto a flat surface |

| 4 | Carefully peeling off the dried paper |

Guests can take home their handmade rice paper as a unique souvenir, gaining a deeper appreciation for this centuries-old Vietnamese tradition.

Relaxing Boat Trip Along the Thu Bon River

After exploring the historic My Son Sanctuary and learning the traditional craft of rice paper making, travelers can look forward to a relaxing boat trip along the scenic Thu Bon River.

The boat ride offers a peaceful respite, allowing visitors to take in the serene river views and lush surrounding landscapes. As the boat gently glides along the water, travelers can observe the daily life of local fishermen and spot native wildlife.

This tranquil experience provides a well-rounded tour, blending culture with a moment of relaxation before returning to Hoi An.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Time Is Needed to Explore the My Son Sanctuary?

The tour allows 2.5 hours to explore the My Son Sanctuary. This provides sufficient time to walk through the historic temple ruins and learn about the Champa civilization from the knowledgeable guide.

Can the Lunch at My Son Sanctuary Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?

The lunch at My Son Sanctuary can accommodate dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian and vegan options. Travelers should inform the tour operator of any dietary needs when booking to ensure their preferences are catered for.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Basket Boat Ride?

The cancellation policy for the optional basket boat ride is not explicitly stated. However, the overall tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, so the basket boat ride may follow the same policy.

Are There Any Discounts or Group Rates Available for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts or group rates based on the provided information. It has a standard per-person price, with an additional fee for the optional basket boat ride. The tour can be booked for individual travelers or groups.

Can the Tour Be Modified or Customized to Suit Individual Preferences?

The tour can be customized to suit individual preferences. Travelers can opt out of activities like the basket boat ride or add on extras like the Champa performance. The operator aims to tailor the experience to each group’s needs.

The Sum Up

The My Son Sanctuary tour offers a comprehensive and immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore ancient temple ruins, engage in traditional cultural activities, and enjoy a relaxing boat ride. With knowledgeable guides, delicious local cuisine, and optional enriching experiences, this tour provides an unforgettable glimpse into the rich heritage and natural beauty of the Hoi An region. It’s an opportunity to discover the enchanting wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage site.