Da Nang, Hoi An & My Son: Private Day Tour with Lunch

Summary

Hoi An lanterns, Marble Mountains caves & ancient My Son temples in one private day

You’ll climb cool caves in Da Nang’s Marble Mountains, listen for temple bells at Linh Ung Pagoda, wander ancient ruins at My Son Sanctuary with your guide sharing stories, then finish among glowing lanterns in Hoi An Ancient Town. Includes pickup, lunch and all entrance fees—plus those small moments you’ll remember after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We started moving before the city really woke up, the van windows foggy from the early Da Nang air. Our guide, Minh, waved us in with a grin and handed out cold water — I liked him right away. The first stop was Marble Mountains. There’s this earthy smell inside the caves, kind of cool and damp, incense lingering from someone’s prayer. Minh pointed at carvings I’d have missed on my own; he told us how locals come here for both worship and shade when it gets too hot. I tried to imagine that — hiding from the sun under all that stone.

Linh Ung Pagoda was next. The giant Lady Buddha statue stood so tall it almost felt like she was keeping an eye on the whole coast (Minh joked she probably sees who skips their morning prayers). We heard bells somewhere far off — or maybe it was just wind through the trees? After that we crossed Dragon Bridge (I didn’t realize it actually spits fire at night — Minh showed us a video on his phone), then drove out toward My Son Sanctuary.

The ruins at My Son are older than anything I’ve ever touched before. The bricks are warm from the sun and you can still see bits of moss clinging to carvings of gods whose names I can’t pronounce (Li laughed when I tried to say one in Vietnamese). It’s quiet there except for cicadas buzzing and our footsteps crunching old leaves. Lunch was simple but good — rice, grilled pork, some kind of sweet chili sauce that I wish I could find back home. By late afternoon we reached Hoi An Ancient Town; lanterns already starting to glow even though it wasn’t dark yet. That color — yellow walls against blue sky — sticks with me.

I didn’t expect to feel so tired but not want the day to end either. Maybe it’s something about seeing centuries pressed together in one place: pagodas, bridges shaped like dragons, Champa temples half-swallowed by jungle. Or maybe just that feeling of being shown around by someone who knows every shortcut and story. Anyway — if you’re thinking about a private tour in Da Nang with all these stops, this is how it feels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Da Nang and nearby attractions

• Visit Marble Mountains
• Visit Linh Ung Pagoda
• Pass by Dragon Bridge
• Visit My Son Sanctuary
• Pass by Hoi An Ancient Town
• Visit Han Market Da Nang

Top questions

How long does this Da Nang private tour last?

The tour covers a full day including stops at Marble Mountains, Linh Ung Pagoda, Dragon Bridge, My Son Sanctuary and Hoi An Ancient Town.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, free pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Da Nang city; there is a surcharge for Hoi An hotels.

What attractions are visited on this private tour?

You’ll visit Marble Mountains, Linh Ung Pagoda, Dragon Bridge, My Son Sanctuary and Hoi An Ancient Town.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, lunch is included along with fruit or a drink (beer/soft drink) and bottled water.

Are entrance fees covered in the price?

All entrance fees for sites like Marble Mountain and My Son Sanctuary are included.

Can infants join this Da Nang day trip?

Yes; infants can ride in a stroller or sit on an adult’s lap. Specialized infant seats are available.

Is this private tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but includes some walking and steps at certain sites.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Da Nang city (with a small surcharge if you’re staying in Hoi An), all entrance fees for places like Marble Mountain and My Son Sanctuary, an English-speaking local guide who brings each stop to life, plus lunch with drinks before heading back as evening falls over the river lanterns.