🛕 Journey from Hoi An to My Son Sanctuary: A Step into Ancient Vietnam
Looking to escape Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets for a taste of ancient mystery? Just over an hour away, My Son Sanctuary awaits with moss-covered temple ruins and tales of a forgotten empire. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, once a spiritual heartland of the Champa Kingdom, offers a powerful contrast to the lively charm of Hoi An.
Whether you’re a solo explorer, traveling with friends, or on a family adventure, here’s your complete guide to planning a smooth, enriching trip from Hoi An to My Son Sanctuary.
🗺️ Introduction: A Sacred Journey Back in Time
Nestled in a peaceful valley surrounded by mountains, My Son Sanctuary holds over 70 ancient Hindu temples and towers dating from the 4th to 13th centuries. Despite damage from wars and time, the surviving structures still whisper the grandeur of the Champa civilization.
Distance: ~40–45 km from Hoi An
Travel time: ~1–1.5 hours
Recommended visit duration: Half-day (3–4 hours)
🚗 Transportation Options from Hoi An to My Son Sanctuary
Choose the method that best suits your travel style and budget:
✅ 1. Private Car (Most Convenient)
- Time: ~1 hour
- Price: From 650,000 VND (4-seat) or 750,000 VND (7-seat round-trip)
- Ideal for: Comfort seekers, families, small groups
- Perks: Flexible schedule, hotel pick-up, optional English-speaking driver-guide
- 📍 Book via hotel, online platforms, or local travel agents
✅ 2. Taxi
- Price: 600,000–1,100,000 VND round-trip
- Tip: Confirm pricing in advance or use the meter
- ⚠️ Less flexible and reliable than a private car but widely available
✅ 3. Motorbike (For the Adventurous!)
- Price: 150,000–200,000 VND/day
- Perks: Freedom to explore scenic routes through countryside and rice fields
- 🛡️ Bring a valid license, wear a helmet, and be confident on Vietnamese roads
✅ 4. Guided Tour
- Price: 500,000–800,000 VND per person
- Includes: Transport, entrance fee, local guide, and often water/snacks
- 💡 Great for learning the history without having to plan logistics
- 📍 Book online, at travel agencies in Hoi An, or through your accommodation
🚦 Best Route from Hoi An to My Son Sanctuary (For Cars & Motorbikes)
Suggested Driving Route:
- Start from Tran Hung Dao Street, head west
- Cross Cam Kim Bridge and Duy Phuoc Bridge
- Follow Truong Sa Street → Hung Vuong Street → Provincial Road 610
- Arrive at Duy Phu, then follow signs to My Son Sanctuary
🕐 Travel time: ~1 hour
📸 Tip: Stop for photos in rural villages and scenic rice paddies along the way
📅 Trip Planning Tips
To make the most of your My Son Sanctuary visit:
✅ Best Time to Visit
- Season: February to August (dry season)
- Best hours: Early morning (before 9 AM) to avoid heat and crowds
✅ What to Wear
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Lightweight, breathable clothes
- Modest attire (shoulders/knees covered) out of respect for the sacred site
✅ Entrance Fees
- Foreigners: 150,000 VND
- Vietnamese citizens: 100,000 VND
✅ Add-Ons to Consider
- Combine your trip with nearby attractions:
- Tra Kieu Ancient Capital
- Marble Mountains
- Hoi An Countryside bike tour
✅ Pack Essentials
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen and hat
- Insect repellent
- Camera for amazing shots!
🏛️ What to See at My Son Sanctuary
- Temple Ruins: Intricately carved red-brick towers dedicated to Hindu gods, especially Shiva
- Cham Architecture: Ancient construction methods using bricks without visible mortar
- Cultural Shows: Traditional Apsara dances (check schedule)
- Ancient Pathway: A rediscovered ceremonial road once used by Cham royalty
