My Son Sanctuary Day Trip from Hoi An with Boat & Lunch

Summary

Walk temple ruins taste fresh rice paper float back to Hoi An

You’ll wander ancient temple ruins at My Son Sanctuary with a local guide who brings history alive, try your hand at making rice paper in a family home (and eat your creation), share lunch with locals over cold herbal tea, then float down the Thu Bon River back toward Hoi An—all in one day that feels both packed and peaceful.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was mostly curious about My Son Sanctuary because I’d seen those mossy red brick towers in photos, and they looked almost otherworldly. But standing there early in the morning, with dew still clinging to the grass and our guide Minh quietly sharing stories about Champa kings and lost rituals—it felt heavier somehow. The air smelled faintly of incense (someone must’ve left an offering), and you could hear cicadas buzzing above all the chatter. Minh pointed out carvings I would’ve missed—tiny figures worn soft by centuries of rain. He laughed when I tried to pronounce “Apsara”—I probably butchered it, but he was patient.

After wandering through the ruins for a couple hours (I lost track of time, honestly), we piled back into the minivan and drove to a small house nearby. It was one of those places where you can tell people actually live—plastic chairs out front, chickens pecking around. We learned how to make rice paper from scratch. My first attempt stuck to everything except my plate, but the woman showing us just smiled and peeled it off for me. Eating something you made yourself, even if it’s lopsided, just hits different. The herbal tea they served was cold and sweet—perfect after walking under that sticky sun.

Lunch came next at another local house—simple food but so fresh: fish with lemongrass, crispy vegetables, rice that tasted like it had just come off the field. There was this moment when everyone went quiet for a bit—not awkward silence, more like everyone settling into their own thoughts or maybe just enjoying not having to talk. I still think about that view from their porch; banana trees swaying, someone’s radio playing old Vietnamese pop songs in the distance.

The boat ride back along the Thu Bon River was slower than I expected—in a good way. Cool breeze on my face, water slapping gently against the hull, Hoi An coming into focus as we drifted closer. Minh pointed out fishermen casting nets; one waved at us and grinned like he knew a secret. It’s funny what sticks with you from a day trip to My Son Sanctuary—sometimes it’s not even the temples themselves but all these smaller moments stitched together.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — My Son Sanctuary and Hoi An tour

• 7:00 - 7:30 Guide picks you up
• Depart to My Son Sanctuary
• 9:00 Arrive at My Son Sanctuary
• Explore site with local guide
• Enjoy Champa traditional performances
• 11:45 Visit local house to make rice paper
• 12:00 Lunch at local house
• Relax with herbal tea
• 13:00 Boat trip on Thu Bon River
• 13:30 Arrive in Hoi An and tour ends

Top questions

How long does the My Son Sanctuary day trip from Hoi An take?

The tour lasts about 6-7 hours including transfers, sightseeing at My Son Sanctuary, rice paper making, lunch, and a boat ride back to Hoi An.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup in Hoi An is included at the start of your tour.

Do you get to make rice paper yourself on this tour?

Yes, you'll visit a local house where you can make rice paper by hand and taste your own creation.

Is lunch provided during this My Son Sanctuary tour?

Lunch is included at a local house with Vietnamese dishes and herbal tea.

Is there an English-speaking guide on this trip?

Yes, an English-speaking guide accompanies you throughout the tour.

Does this tour include entrance fees to My Son Sanctuary?

Entrance fees are included if you select that option during booking.

How do you return to Hoi An after visiting My Son?

You return by boat along the Thu Bon River with views of local scenery.

Are vegetarian meal options available?

Vegetarian options are available if requested at booking time.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Hoi An by air-conditioned vehicle, entrance fees for My Son Sanctuary (if selected), guided walking tour of the temple site with an English-speaking guide, hands-on rice paper making experience at a local house (with tasting), traditional Vietnamese lunch with cold herbal tea at another family home, mineral water throughout the journey, and finally a scenic boat ride down the Thu Bon River before drop-off back at your hotel.