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

If you’re exploring Central Vietnam, a trip to My Son Sanctuary offers a fascinating glimpse into Cham civilization’s ancient temples, combined with the lively experience of riding a bamboo basket boat through coconut forests. For around $18 per person, this half-day tour from Hoi An is packed with cultural insights, scenic waterway adventures, and delicious local food. It’s ideal if you want a well-rounded taste of Vietnam’s historical and natural charms without overloading your schedule.

What we love most about this tour is the chance to hear expert guides bring the ruins to life — their stories add depth you won’t get from guidebooks alone — and the basket boat ride offers a fun, hands-on way to experience the Bay Mau Coconut Forest. The inclusion of rice paper making at a local house makes the experience more personal and authentic. One thing to consider is that the entrance fee to My Son (around $6.50 USD) isn’t included, so budget for that.

This tour suits anyone curious about Vietnamese history, fans of scenic water activities, or travelers keen on authentic local experiences combined with an easy-paced schedule. It’s especially appreciated by those who value knowledgeable guides and a good mix of cultural and outdoor adventures.

Key Points

• Authentic insights from knowledgeable guides make history engaging.
• Scenic boat rides and basket boats create memorable water-based experiences.
• Local culinary experiences, including rice paper making and delicious lunch options, add a tasty touch.
• Flexible options allow for customization, whether you want just My Son or a combined experience.
• Good value for money, especially considering the variety of activities included.
• Small group size ensures a more personal, less rushed experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Visiting My Son Sanctuary: A Glimpse into Cham Civilizations

Your day starts with a hotel pick-up in Hoi An around 7:30-8:00 am, depending on your location. If you’re staying in Da Nang, the trip begins earlier, with a slight transfer fee. Once you arrive at My Son, you’ll meet your English-speaking guide, who will lead you through the site and share stories about its significance.

The temples themselves are impressive — the stone and brick structures are remnants of the Champa Kingdom, dating back over a thousand years. As you walk through the small valley and among the ruins, your guide will point out architectural details and explain their religious and cultural importance. Several reviews mention how engaging guides like Amy and Yen make the history come alive with lively stories and clear explanations, which is especially helpful given the site’s sprawling layout.

You’ll have time to explore independently, which visitors find refreshing. One review notes that guides “give you time to wander,” allowing personal reflection and picture-taking. The Champas’ traditional performances add a lively element, reinforcing the cultural richness of the site.

Learning About Vietnam’s Past and Present

A highlight for many is the storytelling — guides often share personal experiences, like Mindy’s guide working as a language interpreter during the Vietnam War, which adds a human touch to the historical narrative. This kind of storytelling keeps the experience engaging and memorable.

Lunch and Rice Paper Making: Tasting Local Flavors

Around midday, you’ll enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant near the site. Options include noodles with chicken, pork, shrimp, or vegetarian choices, accompanied by fruits. Multiple reviews praise the quality of the food, calling it “delicious” and “some of the best in Vietnam,” which adds great value for the price.

After lunch, your guide takes you to a local house where you’ll learn how to make rice paper — a simple yet fascinating process. Several travelers loved this part, describing it as fun and interactive, and the opportunity to make your own rice paper offers a rare personal souvenir.

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The Scenic Boat Ride in Bay Mau Coconut Forest

Post-lunch, the tour shifts gears with a boat trip along the Thu Bon River. This segment is highly praised for its relaxing pace and beautiful scenery. You’ll glide past village scenes, lush mangrove forests, and maybe spot some wildlife.

For those opting for the Basket Boat extension, this is the highlight: a 45-minute fun-filled ride in a bamboo basket boat guided by a local boatman. The reviews repeatedly mention how this activity is not to be missed — a playful, hands-on experience of navigating the coconut jungle’s small canals.

Many travelers fondly recall activities like boat spinning, singing karaoke, and crab fishing, which add local flavor and a sense of adventure. Our reviews highlight guides who entertain with traditional folk songs, making the experience lively and authentic.

Final Return and Optional Activities

By around 4 pm, the tour concludes with a transfer back to your hotel. If you choose the full experience, including My Son, rice paper making, boat trip, basket boat, and lunch, you’ll find it offers a comprehensive afternoon of cultural, historical, and natural sights.

Value and Practicalities

The price point of $18 is quite competitive, considering the transportation, guide services, activities, and lunch included. Keep in mind that the $6.50 USD entrance fee at My Son is extra, but many reviews emphasize how the guided tour enhances the experience, making it worthwhile.

The small group setting (typically 1-5 people) allows for a more personal experience, and the professional guides keep things lively and informative, often sharing personal stories that deepen your understanding.

Things to Consider

Some reviews mention that the lunch can be average or small and that the crowds at My Son can be noticeable, especially later in the day. Also, if you’re in Da Nang, the additional transfer fee might be a consideration. The weather can also influence your experience — hot days may make the outdoor activities more challenging, but guides are attentive and accommodating.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a well-balanced day exploring Vietnam’s ancient ruins and waterway scenery without feeling rushed. History buffs will enjoy the guided insights into Cham culture, while those who love water activities will appreciate the basket boat adventure. It’s also a great choice for food lovers eager to try local rice paper and Vietnamese cuisine in a relaxed setting.

If you prefer independent exploration, this tour offers enough free time and personal interaction to suit you. For families or small groups, the friendly guides and manageable pace make it particularly enjoyable. Just be prepared for some hot weather and a small additional fee for the My Son entrance.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Hoi An; if staying in Da Nang, there’s an additional fee for transfer.

How much does the entrance fee to My Son cost?
The entrance fee is approximately $6.50 USD (150,000 VND) and is not included in the tour price.

What should I wear for the temple visit?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking in the heat, plus a hat and sunscreen are recommended. Lightweight footwear is best.

Can I do just the My Son visit without the boat or rice paper making?
Yes, there’s an option to visit only My Son Sanctuary. Be sure to select that during booking.

Is the basket boat ride suitable for everyone?
Most travelers enjoy it, but if you have mobility issues or fear of water, you might find it less comfortable. Guides are friendly and accommodating.

How long is the boat trip?
The boat ride in the coconut forest lasts about 45 minutes, giving you a relaxed and scenic water experience.

What’s the quality of the food?
The lunch is generally praised as delicious, with options for meat and vegetarian diets. Some reviews mention the restaurant as being “average,” but overall, it’s satisfying.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a thoughtfully curated mix of history, culture, and nature – perfect for those wanting a deeper connection with Vietnam’s past and present. The guides’ knowledge and friendly approach make the experience engaging, while the basket boat ride adds a memorable splash of adventure.

It provides excellent value for the price, especially considering the variety of activities packed into a half-day. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a water lover, or just curious about Vietnamese traditions, this trip delivers a well-rounded, enjoyable experience. Just remember to factor in the entrance fee and prepare for some warm weather.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive, authentic day out that blends learning, fun, and local flavor, this tour is a reliable choice. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate small-group intimacy and personal stories that make the sites come alive. Pack your camera, a sense of adventure, and an appetite for local cuisine — you won’t regret it.

You can check availability for your dates here: