My Son Sunset Trip with Banh Mi and Cruise from Hoi An/ Da Nang

Experience the ancient ruins of My Son on a half-day tour from Hoi An, including a scenic boat ride on the Thu Bon River. For just $19 per person, you’ll spend approximately five hours exploring the remnants of the Hindu Champa temples, learning from knowledgeable guides, and enjoying a relaxed cruise with local Vietnamese bread served on board. This tour is perfect for travelers wanting a blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty, all packed into a manageable half-day adventure.

Two aspects we especially appreciate are the convenient hotel pickup in Hoi An, which makes organizing your day much simpler, and the opportunity to capture stunning photos of the lush, green hills dotted with ancient towers. Plus, the boat trip on the Thu Bon River offers a peaceful break and a chance to reflect on what you’ve just seen.

However, one thing to keep in mind is the entrance fee of 150,000 VND (about $6.50 USD), which is paid separately and not included in the tour price. Also, since the tour ends around 5 pm, it’s best to plan your day accordingly.

This experience works best for history enthusiasts, cultural travelers, and those who enjoy scenic outings. If you’re eager to see well-preserved ruins and learn about Vietnam’s Cham civilization without a full-day commitment, this tour hits the sweet spot.

Key Points

• Convenient logistics: Hotel pickup in Hoi An makes for a smooth start.
• Rich cultural insights: Guides provide engaging stories about My Son’s significance.
• Stunning scenery: Capture photos of the temples amid lush hills, complemented by a scenic river cruise.
• Flexible timing: Around 5 hours, perfect for travelers with limited time.
• Separate entrance fee: Budget around 150,000 VND for admission.
• Authentic experience: Small group size (max 13) fosters personalized attention.

A Detailed Look at the My Son Sunset Tour

Starting Off: Easy Pickup and Transportation

From the moment we booked, the promise of hotel pickup in the Hoi An city center or from the tour operator’s office was a big plus. The minibus comfortable and air-conditioned, helping us settle into the day without fuss. The small group size of up to 13 people ensures a more intimate experience, allowing the guides to give each traveler individual attention.

First Stop: Exploring My Son Sanctuary

Once we arrived, the journey really began. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage location, home to the remains of the ancient Champa civilization. The use of a golf cart to transfer from the parking area to the main site is thoughtful, especially given the considerable heat and uneven terrain. After a brief walk, we entered the main complex, where dozens of towering Hindu temples rise amid lush green hills.

Our guide, whose name we didn’t catch but whose enthusiasm was contagious, offered a wealth of stories and explanations. We loved the way he shared insights about the different groups of ruins, such as B, C, D, G, E, and F, revealing the importance of each. His humor made the tour light-hearted, while his depth of knowledge kept us engaged. As one reviewer noted, “Ben provided an afternoon of information on the history of My Son — so much more than I expected.”

Climbing the Hill: Visiting G and Other Temples

The hilltop G group was particularly striking, offering a different perspective of the site and a chance to see the temples from above. Walking around these structures, we appreciated how well-preserved they are, despite their age. The quiet atmosphere and scenic backdrop of green hills made this part of the tour especially memorable.

Walking Back and Heading to the River

After exploring the site thoroughly, we made our way back, and the tour provided us with time to photograph the towers and soak in the surroundings. We then headed over to Cau Lau bridge for the next highlight—our boat trip on the Thu Bon River.

Scenic River Cruise: Perfect Relaxation

The boat ride was a highlight, offering two hours of slow cruising along the tranquil river. You’ll love the views of the riverbanks, with scenes of boats, local life, and floating markets if you’re lucky. It’s a peaceful time to reflect on the morning’s discoveries. Vietnamese bread is served on the boat, making for a simple but tasty meal, perfectly suited to the relaxed pace of the cruise.

The boat trip is not just about scenery; it’s also an opportunity to see a different side of Vietnam, away from the temples and ruins. As one traveler put it, “It is such a relaxing, pleasant time to gaze at the beautiful scenery of the river.”

Practical Details and Cost Breakdown

• Admission fee: 150,000 VND (~$6.50 USD) paid separately at the site.
• Inclusions: Minibus, boat cruise, English-speaking guide, Vietnamese bread.
• Exclusions: Drinks, tips, and entrance fee.
• Price: $19 USD per person offers great value, considering the transportation, guided explanations, and scenic cruise.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This tour is well-suited for those who want a balanced mix of history, culture, and scenery. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer a small-group experience with personalized attention and those eager to learn about Vietnam’s Champa past. If you’re short on time but want a meaningful glimpse of My Son and the surrounding landscape, this tour fits perfectly into a half-day plan.

Considerations and Tips

• Timing: Since My Son closes at 5 pm, note that the sunset is viewed on the boat cruise, not at the site.
• Weather: The site can get hot, so dress accordingly and bring sunscreen or hats.
• Additional costs: Remember the entrance fee, which you pay at the site.
• Lunch: It’s recommended to eat beforehand, as the Vietnamese bread served on the boat is simple but satisfying.
• Holiday charges: An extra fee applies on certain public holidays (e.g., 30 April, 1 May).

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

If you’re looking for an affordable, well-organized trip that combines cultural discovery with scenic relaxation, this tour is a strong choice. It’s perfect for those who appreciate guided insights and want to avoid the hassle of organizing transportation or admission independently. The inclusion of a boat cruise adds a soothing end to the day, making it more than just a visit to ruins.

Travelers who enjoy small groups and authentic local experiences will particularly appreciate the personalized attention and intimate setting. The knowledgeable guides, who clearly love sharing their passion, enhance the experience by making history come alive. The stunning views of the temples set against rolling hills are a bonus that you’ll want to photograph and remember.

In contrast, if you’re after a full-day adventure or more in-depth exploration, you might find this tour a bit limited in scope. Also, those who are highly sensitive to entrance fees or prefer self-guided visits might want to plan accordingly.

All in all, this tour offers a value-packed introduction to My Son, paired with scenic views and local flavor. It’s a well-rounded option for anyone wanting an authentic, informative, and relaxing half-day escape from Hoi An.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup is offered for hotels located in the Hoi An city center or from the tour operator’s office, making the start of your day seamless.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes minibus transportation, a boat cruise on the Thu Bon River, an English-speaking guide, and Vietnamese bread served on the boat.

How much is the entrance fee?
The entrance fee to My Son Sanctuary is 150,000 VND (about $6.50 USD), which you pay separately at the site.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time, receiving a full refund.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and water are recommended. It’s best to have lunch before the tour since the Vietnamse bread on the boat is simple.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 5 hours, including travel, exploration, and the boat cruise.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for most travelers, including children over 4 years old who pay a small fee. The tour size is limited, making it manageable for families.

Are tips expected?
Tips are appreciated but not obligatory. If you appreciate your guide’s effort, a small tip is customary.

What if I want to visit other sites after?
Since the tour ends around 5 pm, you have time afterward to explore or enjoy dinner in Hoi An, but plan accordingly given the early closing time of My Son.

In sum, this tour offers a practical and scenic way to experience the ancient ruins of My Son, complemented by a relaxing river cruise. It balances value, authentic insight, and comfort—ideal for travelers seeking a meaningful half-day adventure.