My Son Sanctuary & Thu Bon River Cruise with Lunch

Summary

Ancient temples, river breezes and hands-on moments near Hoi An

You’ll wander ancient temple ruins at My Son Sanctuary with a local guide who brings stories to life, try your hand at making rice paper in a village home, and float down Thu Bon River back to Hoi An after lunch. It’s not just sightseeing — it’s feeling history under your feet and tasting it too.

What’s the experience like?

"You can still smell the incense," our guide said, as we ducked under the mossy archway at My Son Sanctuary. I didn’t expect the air to feel so heavy with history — or maybe it was just the early heat mixing with that earthy scent. The stones were still cool from the night; you could hear birds somewhere deep in the trees. Our group wandered quietly at first, listening to stories about Champa kings and lost rituals. Li, our guide, had this way of pointing out carvings I’d never have noticed on my own — she even showed me where to stand for a photo but honestly I just wanted to stare for a minute.

The temple ruins are tucked into a green valley about an hour from Hoi An (the drive’s not bad — I dozed off for part of it). There was a performance too: dancers in bright reds and golds moving so close you could see their bracelets catch the sun. Afterward, we sat down for lunch — My Quang noodles with fresh herbs and some fruit that tasted like nothing back home. Vegetarian options were easy, which was a relief since my friend is picky. The restaurant was simple but friendly, ceiling fans humming above us while locals chatted nearby.

Later we tried making rice paper at someone’s house — not as easy as it looks (mine tore right away; everyone laughed). The smell of steaming rice hung in the kitchen and stuck to my shirt for hours after. Then came the Thu Bon river cruise: slow boat, cool breeze finally hitting my face, water flickering silver under the sun. I leaned over the side just watching fishermen wave from their tiny boats. We drifted back toward Hoi An and I kept thinking about those quiet stone towers in the valley — how old they felt, how small I felt standing there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — My Son Sanctuary and Thu Bon River Cruise

• 7:30 am pick up from Hoi An hotel
• 6:50 am pick up from Da Nang hotel
• Depart to My Son Sanctuary
• 8:45 am explore My Son Sanctuary with guide
• Enjoy Champa traditional performances
• 11:45 am lunch with local noodles and fruit
• 12:30 pm visit local house to make rice paper
• 13:30 pm boat trip on Thu Bon River
• 14:00 pm arrive back in Hoi An
• Drop off at hotel and tour ends

Top questions

What time does the My Son Sanctuary & Thu Bon River Cruise tour start?

The tour starts with pickup in Hoi An between 7:30 am and 8:00 am. If you're coming from Da Nang, pickup is around 6:50 am.

Is hotel pickup included in Hoi An?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Hoi An are included in the tour price.

Does this day trip include lunch?

Yes, lunch is included at a local restaurant near My Son Sanctuary. Vegetarian options are available.

How long do you spend at My Son Sanctuary?

You spend about 2.5 hours exploring My Son Sanctuary with your guide.

Is there a boat ride on this tour?

Yes, after visiting My Son and making rice paper, you return to Hoi An by boat along Thu Bon River.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, children can join and infants can ride in prams or sit on an adult’s lap.

Are there performances at My Son Sanctuary?

Yes, you’ll see traditional Champa dance performances during your visit.

Do you get to make rice paper yourself?

Yes, you’ll visit a local house where you learn how to make rice paper and taste your own creation.

What language does the guide speak?

The professional tour guide speaks English throughout the day trip.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Hoi An (with Da Nang pickup available for an extra fee), all transport by air-conditioned car or minivan, bottled water along the way, entry fees to My Son Sanctuary with an English-speaking guide leading you through stories and hidden corners, a hands-on rice paper making session where you taste your own work, lunch featuring local noodles (vegetarian available) plus seasonal fruit at a restaurant near the temples, followed by a breezy boat trip down Thu Bon River back to Hoi An before being dropped off at your hotel.