Explore the rich cultural heritage of central Vietnam with a captivating tour from Da Nang or Hoi An. Journey to the UNESCO-listed My Son Sanctuary, where ancient ruins stand as a testament to the Champa civilization. Then, learn about the traditional craft of rice paper making, learning the intricate techniques from local artisans. This immersive experience offers a glimpse into the enduring traditions that have shaped the region for centuries. What else awaits on this enlightening adventure?

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Key Points

Explore the UNESCO-listed My Son Sanctuary, a well-preserved set of Hindu temple ruins, guided by an English-speaking expert.
Participate in a hands-on rice paper making session at a local house, learning about this traditional Vietnamese craft.
Enjoy a scenic boat trip on the Thu Bon River as part of the tour package.
The tour includes round-trip hotel transfers, entrance fees, and a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
The tour is priced from $42.62 per person for a 5.5-hour experience, with a group size limited to 15 participants.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour offers visitors a comprehensive experience in the Da Nang/Hoi An region, combining a visit to the historic My Son Holyland and a hands-on rice paper making session.

Priced from $42.62 per person, the 5.5-hour tour includes round-trip hotel transfers, entrance fees, a traditional Vietnamese lunch, and a scenic boat trip on the Thu Bon River.

The group size is limited to 15 participants, ensuring a personalized experience. The tour is available in English, and travelers can enjoy the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The group size is limited to 15 participants, ensuring a personalized experience. Travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Reserving now and paying later is also an option.

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Itinerary

The tour begins with hotel pickup between 7:30-8:00 am, followed by a 1.5-hour drive to the UNESCO-listed My Son Sanctuary. Once there, guests have 2 hours to explore the historic site, guided by an English-speaking expert. They’ll witness Champas traditional performances before heading to a local house for a rice paper making session. Afterward, they’ll enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at another local home. The tour concludes with a scenic boat trip on the Thu Bon River and hotel drop-off around 1:30 pm.

| Time | Activity | Location |

| — | — | — |

| 7:30-8:00 am | Hotel pickup | Da Nang/Hoi An |

| 9:30 am | Arrive at My Son Sanctuary | My Son Sanctuary |

| 11:30 am | Rice paper making session | Local house |

| 12:00 pm | Lunch with traditional Vietnamese cuisine | Another local house |

Inclusions

The tour package includes round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off, covering a total distance of 100km.

The tour package includes round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off, covering a total distance of 100km.

Admission fees to the My Son Sanctuary, including the electric car transfer, are covered. Participants will enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch and a rice paper making experience.

Plus, a boat trip on the Thu Bon River is included. Bottled water is provided throughout the tour.

The only exclusions are personal expenses, drinks, and tips for the guide and driver.

Exclusions

While the tour package covers a wide range of inclusions, there are a few exclusions to be aware of. Personal expenses not mentioned in the inclusions, such as additional drinks beyond the provided bottled water, are not covered. Tipping and gratuities for the guide and driver are also at the discretion of the participants. These minor costs are the responsibility of the travelers and are not part of the overall package price.

| Exclusion | Description |

| — | — |

| Personal Expenses | Additional costs beyond the tour inclusions |

| Drinks | Any drinks beyond the provided bottled water |

| Tips & Gratuities | For guides and drivers |

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Highlights

This tour offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the captivating My Son Sanctuary and learn the traditional craft of rice paper making.

At the UNESCO World Heritage site, guests will discover the historic temple towers and witness Chams cultural performances.

The rice paper making session at a local house provides a hands-on opportunity to understand this time-honored technique.

Complementing the cultural activities, a scenic boat trip on the Thu Bon River offers a peaceful respite.

This comprehensive itinerary blends history, tradition, and natural beauty, providing an enriching encounter with Central Vietnam’s heritage.

There's plenty more to explore in Hoi An

My Son Sanctuary

Nestled in the heart of Central Vietnam, My Son Sanctuary captivates visitors with its remarkably well-preserved temple towers, a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the ancient Champa kingdom.

Dating back to the 4th century, these red brick structures showcase exquisite architecture and intricate carvings, offering a glimpse into the past.

During the tour, an English-speaking guide leads visitors through the site, providing valuable insights into the history and significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Guests can also witness traditional Champa performances, further seeing the local culture.

The experience at My Son Sanctuary promises an enriching exploration of Vietnam’s storied past.

Rice Paper Making

After exploring the historic temples of My Son Sanctuary, visitors are invited to partake in a hands-on rice paper making experience.

The session takes place at a local house, where participants learn the traditional technique:

Mixing rice flour, water, and salt to form a batter
Spreading the batter thinly onto a heated surface, using a wooden tool
Carefully peeling off the cooked rice paper sheet

Visitors can then sample their freshly made rice paper, accompanied by traditional Vietnamese cuisine served for lunch.

This culture adds depth to the overall tour experience.

Thu Bon River Boat Trip

The boat trip on the ThuBon River provides a scenic and tranquil finale to the day’s activities. Cruising along the largest river in central Vietnam, visitors can admire the lush, verdant landscapes and charming riverside villages. The 30-minute journey offers a chance to unwind and reflect on the cultural experiences of the day.

| Boat Trip Highlights | |

|———————-|———-|

| Scenic River Views | ✓ |

| Riverside Villages | ✓ |

| Tranquil Atmosphere | ✓ |

| Duration | 30 mins |

This leisurely boat ride completes the immersive tour, leaving guests with a lasting impression of Vietnam’s natural beauty and rich heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children. It includes activities like visiting cultural sites and learning traditional crafts, which can engage kids. However, the 5.5-hour duration may be tiring for some young children.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

No, bringing your own food and drinks is not permitted on this tour. The inclusions cover lunch, a boat trip, and a bottle of water. Any personal expenses not mentioned will need to be covered separately.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

No, you don’t need to bring any special equipment. The tour provides everything you’ll need, including a guided tour, entrance fees, transportation, lunch, and the materials for the rice paper making experience.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

Yes, the tour offers a private option. Guests can request a private tour for their group at an additional cost, which allows for a more personalized experience. Private tours are subject to availability and may require an earlier booking.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour?

Yes, you can extend the duration of the tour. The tour operator offers flexible booking, allowing you to reserve now and pay later. They also provide free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The Sum Up

This captivating tour from Da Nang/Hoi An offers a unique blend of history, culture, and hands-on experiences. Explore the ancient My Son Sanctuary, learn the art of rice paper making, and enjoy a tranquil boat trip on the Thu Bon River – an unforgettable way to take in the vibrant heritage of central Vietnam.