How to Plan Your Hoi An: Early Morning Guided Tour of My Son Sanctuary

If you’re traveling to Hoi An, Vietnam, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to visit the historic My Son Sanctuary. However, with the crowds and heat of the daytime, it can be challenging to truly enjoy the experience. That’s why we recommend booking an early morning guided tour with a professional English-speaking guide who grew up near the sanctuary. Below, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan your unforgettable tour of My Son Sanctuary in Hoi An.

Experience

On this tour, you’ll have the chance to experience My Son Sanctuary in a truly unique way. By starting your tour in the early morning, you’ll beat the crowds and the heat, leading to a more enjoyable and less stressful experience overall. Your tour guide will also share with you the most interesting stories and cultural values of the site. With a local guide leading the way, you can be sure that you’ll learn about not only Champa culture but also local lives and traditional Vietnamese and Cham cultural practices. This is an experience that simply cannot be replicated by any other tour providers.

Highlights

Here are some of the highlights of this tour: – Beat the crowds and the heat by starting your tour in the early morning – Listen to fascinating stories about the history and cultural significance of My Son Sanctuary from a local guide – Enjoy stunning views of the temple ruins and surrounding nature – Encounter some wild animals in their natural habitat – Learn about the traditional and cultural practices of both Vietnamese and Cham people, as well as the impact of the Vietnam War on the region – Take a break in a local home restaurant for breakfast and coffee (included)

Full Description

The My Son Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just an hour’s drive from Hoi An. The temple ruins date back to the Champa Kingdom between the 4th and 14th centuries, making it a fascinating historical site to explore. Your tour will begin when your guide picks you up from your hotel in Hoi An in the early morning. From there, you’ll make your way to My Son Sanctuary, arriving just as the sun begins to rise. With fewer people around, you’ll be able to enjoy the peace and beauty of the temple ruins and surrounding nature. Your guide will lead you through the site, sharing with you the most interesting stories about the history and cultural practices of the Champa Kingdom. You’ll have the chance to take stunning photos at the temple ruins and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the sanctuary. As you explore, you may even encounter some wild animals in their natural habitat. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, squirrels, and a variety of bird species. After your tour of the My Son Sanctuary is complete, you’ll head to a local home restaurant to enjoy breakfast and coffee. This is a fantastic opportunity to sample some local cuisine and chat with your guide about the history and culture of the region.

Booking Information

To book your Hoi An: Early Morning Guided Tour of My Son Sanctuary, simply click here. We recommend booking in advance to secure your spot on the tour, as spaces can fill up quickly.

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A visit to the My Son Sanctuary is a must-do experience for anyone traveling to Hoi An, Vietnam. By booking an early morning guided tour with a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll be able to truly enjoy the beauty and history of the temple ruins without the crowds and heat of the daytime. We hope this guide has helped you plan your unforgettable tour of My Son Sanctuary. Happy travels!

FAQs About Hoi An

As one of the most charming and alluring cities in Vietnam, Hoi An is an ideal destination for those who are curious to explore Vietnamese ancient architecture, enjoy traditional cuisine, and take part in various activities. If you are planning to visit Hoi An soon, there are some frequently asked questions that you might have in mind. In this post, we are going to answer some of these questions in detail.

1. What is Hoi An famous for?

Hoi An is famous for its well-preserved architecture dating back to the 15th century. It was once a bustling port town and a major trading hub in Southeast Asia, so its architecture is a blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European styles. Along with its architecture, Hoi An is widely known for its delicious and diverse cuisine, ranging from Cao Lau, Com Ga (chicken rice), Banh Mi, Banh Xeo to Che, a Vietnamese sweet dessert. Hoi An is also famous for its traditional lanterns that light up the town at night.

2. When is the best time to visit Hoi An?

The best time to visit Hoi An is from February to May and from August to October. During these periods, the weather is generally pleasant, with moderate temperatures, low humidity, and little to no rainfall. However, keep in mind that Hoi An is a popular tourist destination, so expect crowds during peak season (June and July).

3. How to get to Hoi An?

The nearest airport to Hoi An is Danang International Airport, which is approximately 30 kilometers away from Hoi An. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to Hoi An. Another way to get to Hoi An is by taking a train to Danang Railway Station and then a taxi or shuttle bus to Hoi An.

4. Can I rent a bike or a motorbike in Hoi An?

Yes, you can rent a bike or a motorbike in Hoi An. Biking is one of the best ways to explore Hoi An since the town is quite small, and traffic is not too busy. There are plenty of bike rental shops in the town, where you can rent a bike for around 30,000 VND per day (equivalent to 1.5 USD). Motorbike rentals are also available, but it requires a driving license and costs around 150,000 VND per day (equivalent to 6 USD).

5. Do I need to pay an entrance fee to visit Hoi An?

Yes, visitors need to buy an entrance ticket to visit Hoi An. The entrance ticket costs 120,000 VND (equivalent to 5 USD) per person and is valid for ten days. This ticket allows you to visit five historical sites within the town, including Japanese Covered Bridge, Assembly Hall of the Cantonese Chinese Congregation, Quan Thang Ancient House, Museum of Trade Ceramics, and Museum of Sa Huynh Culture.

6. What are the must-visit attractions in Hoi An?

Some of the must-visit attractions in Hoi An include:

• Japanese Covered Bridge
• Assembly Hall of the Cantonese Chinese Congregation
• Tra Que Vegetable Village
• Hoi An Ancient Town
• Quan Thang Ancient House
• An Bang Beach
• Museum of Trade Ceramics
• Museum of Sa Huynh Culture

7. What are the best things to do in Hoi An?

There are plenty of things to do in Hoi An, including:

• Taking a cooking class to learn to make traditional Vietnamese dishes
• Riding a bike or motorbike around the town and its surroundings
• Shopping for souvenirs at the Hoi An Night Market
• Taking a boat ride on the Thu Bon River and enjoying the sunset
• Going to the beach and having a relaxing time
• Exploring the ancient town and its architecture

8. What is the local currency in Hoi An?

The local currency in Hoi An is Vietnamese Dong (VND). However, some shops and restaurants in tourist areas accept US dollars or credit cards. It’s recommended to bring a mix of Vietnamese Dong and US Dollars while visiting Hoi An.

9. Is it safe to travel to Hoi An?

Yes, Hoi An is generally a safe place to travel. However, tourists should take precautions against petty theft and be aware of their surroundings, especially at night. It’s also recommended to avoid unlicensed tour guides or taxi drivers and only buy tickets from authorized ticket booths.

10. What is the traditional dress in Hoi An?

The traditional dress in Hoi An is called Ao Dai. Ao Dai is a long dress consisting of a fitted top and a flowing skirt, often worn for special occasions such as weddings or festivals. Many tourists rent Ao Dai for a day and take pictures around the ancient town, which is a popular activity in Hoi An.

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Hoi An is a fascinating town that offers visitors unique experiences of Vietnamese culture, history, and tradition. Hopefully, this FAQ has provided helpful information for those planning to visit or curious about this enchanting city. With its serene atmosphere, delicious cuisine, and ancient architecture, Hoi An is undeniably one of the most charming destinations in Vietnam.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Hoi An

Hoi An is a quaint and charming city located in central Vietnam famous for its well-preserved ancient town, colorful lanterns, beautiful beaches, and mouthwatering local cuisine. Not only is it a UNESCO World Heritage site but also one of the top tourist destinations in Vietnam. If you are planning to visit Hoi An, here are some things you can do to make the most of your time in this captivating city.

1. Explore the Ancient Town

The Ancient Town of Hoi An is a must-visit destination with its beautiful historical buildings, museums, and temples. Walk along the narrow alleys where you will witness beautiful yellow buildings adorned with vibrant bougainvillea, unique artworks, and hand-painted lanterns hanging at every corner. You can buy a ticket which will allow you to visit multiple attractions within the old town such as the Japanese Bridge, Fukian Assembly Hall, Tan Ky Old House, and Quang Trieu Assembly Hall.

2. Take a Cooking Class

Vietnamese cuisine is known worldwide for its fresh ingredients and the balance of flavors in dishes. Taking a cooking class in Hoi An will not only give you the chance to learn how to make some of the dishes but also provide a great insight into the country’s culinary culture. Visit a local market where you can learn about the ingredients and taste some goodies, then attend the cooking class where you will learn how to make dishes such as banh xeo (Vietnamese pancake), goi cuon (spring roll), and pho (noodle soup).

3. Relax on the Beaches

Hoi An is also famous for its stunning beaches, where tourists can relax or take part in some water activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing. An Bang Beach and Cua Dai Beach, located within a short distance from the Old Town, are some of the popular options. You can rent a sun lounger or a beach umbrella to relax and soak up the sun or book a boat tour to explore the nearby islands.

4. Admire the Lanterns

The lanterns of Hoi An create a unique atmosphere at night, and the city is particularly known for its Lantern Festival that takes place on the 14th day of every lunar month. The festival is a celebration of the full moon, and you’ll enjoy seeing the colorful lanterns floating on the river while marveling at the city’s skyline. Strolling through the Old Town’s streets at night, covered in a sea of paper lanterns, is undoubtedly one of the most memorable experiences in Hoi An.

5. Visit the Local Villages

Hoi An has a few villages that provide visitors with a glimpse into the daily life of the locals. A bike ride through these villages will show you lush fields, tall bamboo groves, and waterways. You can visit Tra Que village to see how local farmers grow organic vegetables or Cam Thanh village to learn traditional fishing techniques on bamboo basket boats.

6. Shop for Souvenirs

Hoi An is a shopper’s paradise, with an abundance of shops selling everything from tailor-made clothes to handicrafts. Take a stroll down the streets and alleys of the Ancient Town, and you’ll find a plethora of shops selling exquisite silk products, artistic pottery, and beautiful paintings. Don’t forget to bargain with the vendors to get the best deals.

7. Attend a Traditional Show

You can finish your day by attending a traditional show at one of the many theaters in Hoi An. You’ll be mesmerized by the dancers in their colorful outfits as they perform traditional Vietnamese dances to the sound of live music. You’ll also get to see an Ao Dai fashion show, which is a traditional Vietnamese dress worn by women.

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Hoi An is a place of distinct beauty, culture, and history. Whether you’re exploring the Ancient Town, relaxing on the beaches, learning to cook Vietnamese food, or shopping for souvenirs, you’ll find something that will make your visit to Hoi An memorable. Use this guide to plan your itinerary and make every moment of your trip worthwhile.