Hoi An: My Son Sanctuary and Thu Bon River Cruise – The Ultimate Guide

The city of Hoi An in Vietnam is a real-life postcard made of yellow-painted old towns, glittering lanterns, and endless bridges. A city of fascinating culture and lively streets, it serves as a popular tourist escape that you can make the most out of. One way to do so is by booking the My Son Sanctuary and Thu Bon River Cruise, two ultimate Hoi An experiences that you should check out when visiting this beautiful city.

What is the My Son Sanctuary?

The My Son Sanctuary is a vast park that houses well over 70 ancient Hindu temples, part of a 500 year-old complex that was built by the powerful Cham Empire. Historically, the sanctuary was dedicated to various gods, as well as to the kings of the Cham Empire, who ruled Vietnam from the fourth century until they were eventually toppled by Chinese invaders in the 13th century. Visiting My Son Sanctuary is a must for any history buff, as you get a feet-on understanding of what local life used to be like centuries ago.

Getting to the My Son Sanctuary

The My Son Sanctuary is located about 60 km away from Hoi An city center. The most convenient way to reach it is by car or bus, taking the Cua Dai Bridge and then following a scenic route until you arrive. It is highly recommended that you book your trip either with a tour guide or in a group tour, as they provide more convenience, especially if you are running short on time. Bear in mind that to get the most out of your trip, you will have to rise up early! Buses tend to leave at 8 am.

What to Expect at the My Son Sanctuary

Once you get there, you will be able to roam between various temples, perfectly preserved through the centuries. All sculptures, decorations and intricate stonework still stand strong on their own. Walking through the sanctuary gives you a feeling of awe and admiration for how well-preserved it all is. It’s an incredibly spiritual experience that speaks to how powerful this civilization was once upon a time.

The Thu Bon River Cruise Experience

After exploring the My Son Sanctuary, another great way to keep exploring Hoi An is by joining a Thu Bon River Cruise. The cruise takes you on a journey through some of Vietnam’s most famous rivers and canals, including the famous Thu Bon River. On this cruise, you can take in beautiful views of traditional fishing villages, exotic wildlife and lush vegetation of the Mangrove forests. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities for swimming and other activities depending on what sort of boat you book your tour in. Many of these boats also come with an onboard bar so that you can enjoy some drinks while taking in all the spectacular views.

Booking Your Cruise

When it comes to booking your cruise, there are plenty of options available. Most of them include an experienced guide who will be able to explain all the details about the history of each place you will go pass through, creating an incredibly immersive experience. There are also several packages that combine both the My Son Sanctuary and the Thu Bon River Cruise into a single day trip, which makes sense if you want to maximize your time in Hoi An without missing out on any of its exciting attractions.

Where to Book

If you’re looking for an easy and reliable way to book your Thu Bon River Cruise tour and My Son Sanctuary excursions, we recommend visiting GetYourGuide, a website with thousands of user reviews and 100% secure transactions. This way, you’ll be able to pick tours according to your budget and also read up on reviews from people who have actually gone on these trips before. Plus, their customer service is top-notch, so you can always contact them with any questions or concerns you might have.

We can safely recommend the My Son Sactuary and Thu Bon River Cruise for those looking for a unique experience in Hoi An in Vietnam. Both activities offer a unique experience and provide unlimited opportunities to learn more about Vietnamese culture and history, plus stunning views of nature that are hard to forget. Plus, with GetYourGuide it’s easy and secure to book both experiences online! So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Hoi An today!