Hoi An & My Son: Ancient Ruins, Dance & Night Market Tour

Summary

Explore My Son ruins then wander lantern-lit Hoi An streets

You’ll walk ancient My Son Sanctuary with a local guide, watch traditional Apsara dance among centuries-old towers, enjoy lunch in Hoi An, and wander its lantern-lit streets by night market along the Hoai river. Expect moments of quiet awe, unexpected flavors, and stories you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder what it feels like to stand in the middle of ancient ruins while the morning air still smells faintly of woodsmoke? That’s how our day started at My Son Sanctuary. Our guide, Minh, had this quiet way of pointing out details — like the mossy brickwork or carvings that looked almost alive in the soft light. I tried to imagine the Champa kings here centuries ago. The only sound was a bird somewhere up in the trees and Minh’s voice explaining how these towers survived so much history. I caught myself touching one of the stones — warm from the sun already.

After that, we watched an Apsara dance right there among the ruins. The dancers’ hands moved so slowly it almost made me hold my breath. There was this moment when one of them smiled at a little kid in our group — just for a second — and everyone relaxed. Then we piled back into the van (air conditioning felt like a small miracle) and headed towards Hoi An for lunch. I didn’t expect to love the food as much as I did; something about eating noodles with fresh herbs after walking through history just hits different.

Hoi An itself is... well, it’s hard to describe without sounding dramatic. We wandered under those yellow walls and wooden beams, following Minh past silk shops and old houses. He told us stories about Japanese traders and Chinese families who’d lived here for generations. The Japanese covered bridge was smaller than I pictured but somehow more beautiful because of it — people stopped to take photos but mostly just stood quietly for a minute or two. By dusk, lanterns started glowing everywhere along the Hoai river and suddenly everything felt softer, like someone turned down the volume on real life for a bit. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit My Son Sanctuary and Hoi An Town

• Depart hotel to My Son Sanctuary
• Explore My Son Sanctuary temples
• Watch traditional Apsara dance
• Drive to Hoi An for lunch
• Walk around Hoi An Ancient Town
• Visit Japanese Covered Bridge
• Visit Chinese Assembly Hall
• Explore Hoi An night market
• Enjoy lantern-lit city view
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long does it take to travel from Hoi An to My Son Sanctuary?

The drive from Hoi An to My Son Sanctuary typically takes about 1 hour each way.

Is lunch included on this day trip from Hoi An?

Yes, lunch at a restaurant in Hoi An is included during the tour.

Are there cultural performances at My Son Sanctuary?

Yes, you can enjoy a traditional Apsara dance performed by Cham ladies at My Son Sanctuary.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What are some highlights of Hoi An Ancient Town on this tour?

You’ll visit the Japanese covered bridge, Chinese assembly hall, night market along Hoai river, and explore historic streets.

Does this private tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, private transportation with hotel pickup is included in your day trip.

Will there be a professional guide during the tour?

A private professional local guide accompanies you throughout the experience.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water provided along the way. You’ll have a local professional guide throughout your visit to both My Son Sanctuary and Hoi An Ancient Town. Lunch at a restaurant in Hoi An is part of your experience before returning comfortably to your hotel in the evening.