Hoi An: My Son Sanctuary tour with guide & lunch

Summary

Walk through lost temples & taste real Vietnam at My Son

You’ll wander ancient ruins at My Son Sanctuary with a local guide who brings history to life, watch a live Cham music performance, and share an authentic Vietnamese lunch in a family restaurant. With pickup from Hoi An included, you’ll feel both transported and welcomed — moments you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the grass had crept up the old stones at My Son Sanctuary — bright green against dark, weathered brick. Our guide, Minh, pointed out carvings I’d have missed on my own, explaining how these towers once echoed with prayers for kings and heroes. It’s about an hour’s drive from Hoi An, but honestly, it felt like we’d slipped into another century by the time we stepped out of the van. The air was thick and warm, carrying this faint scent of wet earth after last night’s rain.

I didn’t expect to get caught up in the Cham folklore music show — but there was something about the rhythm that just got under my skin. Minh grinned when he saw me tapping my foot (I’m not usually that person). He told us how these performances keep old stories alive for locals too, not just tourists. There were only a handful of other visitors around, so it never felt crowded or rushed. Sometimes I’d just stand there quietly, running my hand along a stone pillar and wondering what it must’ve looked like before time and war left their marks.

Lunch was at a family-run spot back near Hoi An — nothing fancy, just tables under a tin roof and bowls of noodles that tasted like someone’s grandmother made them. Minh helped us order; I tried to say “cao lầu” properly but probably butchered it (he laughed anyway). The drive back was sleepy and quiet — everyone full and a little sun-dazed. I still think about that view of mossy towers against jungle hills whenever someone mentions Vietnam.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit My Son Sanctuary

• Explore My Son sanctuary ruins

Top questions

How far is My Son Sanctuary from Hoi An?

It’s about 50 km from Hoi An to My Son Sanctuary, roughly an hour by car.

Is lunch included in this tour?

Yes, an authentic Vietnamese lunch is included at a local home restaurant.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, private transportation with hotel pickup is provided from Hoi An.

Will we see a Cham music performance?

Yes, there is an opportunity to watch a Cham folklore music show during your visit.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and offers specialized infant seats if needed.

How long does the day trip to My Son Sanctuary last?

The tour lasts approximately 5.5 to 6 hours before returning to your hotel in Hoi An.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with hotel pickup from Hoi An, bottled water for the journey, admission tickets to My Son Sanctuary (150,000 VND), an English-speaking local guide throughout the experience, travel insurance for peace of mind, plus a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a family-run restaurant before heading back in comfort.