Discover how to spend your time at My Son Sanctuary in Da Nang City with our guide to activities, ticket prices, festivals, and sustainable tours. Plan your UNESCO adventure with Legend Travel Group’s eco-tours!
My Son Sanctuary, located in Duy Xuyen Ward, Da Nang City, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, celebrated for its ancient Cham temples built between the 4th and 14th centuries. Nestled in a lush valley 40 km from Hoi An’s Minh An Ward and 69 km from Da Nang’s city center, this sacred site showcases over 32 red-brick towers dedicated to Hindu deities, primarily Shiva, reflecting the Champa Kingdom’s spiritual and architectural brilliance. Drawing thousands of Da Nang’s 8 million annual visitors, My Son offers a profound journey into Vietnam’s cultural heritage through its intricate carvings, traditional Apsara dances, and vibrant festivals like Katê. With sustainable tourism initiatives, it’s an ideal destination for history buffs and eco-conscious travelers. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, offers eco-friendly tours to immerse you in My Son’s mystique, bookable via links throughout this guide. Explore this ancient marvel—reserve your tour now!
Legend Travel Group delivers authentic Southeast Asia experiences, prioritizing sustainability and cultural immersion. Our My Son tours use low-impact transport like electric shuttles and bicycles, guided by local experts who unravel the Cham Kingdom’s history. We support Duy Phu’s community and align with Da Nang City’s “Green Heritage” initiative to preserve cultural sites. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless adventure. Discover My Son responsibly with our curated tours—book via the links on this page!
Quang Nam Province has merged into Da Nang City, making Hoi An Minh An Ward and My Son Sanctuary part of Duy Xuyen Ward. This restructuring eliminates the district level, but My Son’s UNESCO status remains robust. Da Nang City enhances sustainable tourism with improved roads, electric transport, and a VND500 billion flood mitigation project (2023), ensuring reliable access to My Son year-round.
My Son Sanctuary offers a rich tapestry of activities, from exploring ancient ruins to engaging with Cham cultural traditions. Below are the top ways to spend your time, with updated costs, schedules, and sustainable tips for a memorable visit.
Overview: Wander through My Son’s 32 temples, divided into groups (A–G), showcasing Cham architecture with pyramidal towers symbolizing Mount Meru. Key sites include Group B’s B1 tower with intricate Shiva carvings and Group A’s restored A1 temple, partially damaged during the Vietnam War. The site spans 2 km², with well-maintained paths and informational boards in English and Vietnamese.
Cost: Entry ticket $6 (150,000 VND, foreigners); $4 (100,000 VND, Vietnamese); free for children under 15 ($1.20 or 30,000 VND shuttle fee for kids). Includes 2-km electric shuttle from entrance to ruins.
Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours for a self-guided tour; 2–3 hours for deeper exploration.
Sustainable Tips: Use the electric shuttle to reduce emissions; stick to paths to protect ruins; carry a reusable water bottle to minimize plastic waste.
Highlights: “The carvings are breathtaking, like stepping into history” (Tripadvisor, 4.5/5 stars).
Tip: Visit early morning (6:30–8:30 AM) for cooler weather (24–28°C or 75.2–82.4°F) and fewer crowds. Included in our My Son Sanctuary Sunrise Tour ($75–$95).
Overview: Witness traditional Cham Apsara dances, featuring women in sparkling costumes performing graceful movements to Paranung drums and Saranai flutes. These daily performances (weather permitting) at Group G temple highlight Cham artistry, evoking ancient rituals.
Cost: Included in entry ticket ($6 or 150,000 VND).
Schedule: 10:00 AM and 2:45 PM daily, except during rain or special events (check locally).
Time Needed: 20–30 minutes per performance.
Sustainable Tips: Arrive early to secure a spot; avoid plastic waste by using reusable containers for snacks.
Highlights: “The Apsara dance brought Cham culture to life” (Tripadvisor, 4.6/5 stars).
Tip: Combine with a temple tour; photograph respectfully without flash. Included in our My Son Cultural Tour ($80–$120).
Overview: The Katê Festival, held annually in late September or early October (7th lunar month), is a vibrant Cham celebration honoring ancestors with rituals, dances, and music at My Son’s temples. Cham dignitaries perform sacred prayers, and locals showcase traditional crafts, offering insights into Cham spirituality.
Cost: Free with entry ticket ($6 or 150,000 VND); donations ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND) appreciated.
Schedule: Typically 2–3 days; check lunar calendar or contact Hoi An Center for Cultural Heritage Management (+84 235 386 2719).
Time Needed: 2–4 hours to experience rituals and activities.
Sustainable Tips: Use group tours or electric shuttles to reduce emissions; support Cham artisans by purchasing eco-friendly crafts.
Highlights: “Katê’s rituals were a cultural revelation” (Tripadvisor, 4.7/5 stars).
Tip: Book tours 3–4 weeks ahead for Katê; dress modestly (covered shoulders, knees). Included in our My Son Festival Tour ($65–$85).
Overview: The onsite museum near the entrance displays Cham artifacts, including sculptures and inscriptions, with English translations explaining My Son’s history. Informational boards along paths detail temple architecture and restoration efforts led by Polish architect Kazimierz Kwiatkowski.
Cost: Included in entry ticket ($6 or 150,000 VND).
Time Needed: 20–30 minutes for the museum; 10–15 minutes for boards during the tour.
Sustainable Tips: Use QR-coded digital guides (2023) to reduce paper waste; avoid touching artifacts.
Highlights: “The museum added depth to the ruins” (Tripadvisor, 4.5/5 stars).
Tip: Visit the museum before the ruins for context; pair with a Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture visit ($2.50 or 60,000 VND) for deeper insights.
Overview: Guided tours with local experts provide in-depth knowledge about Cham architecture, Hindu symbolism, and restoration challenges, including war damage and ongoing UNESCO efforts. Tours often include shuttle, entry, and Apsara performance access.
Cost: Group tours $10–$45 (250,000–1,125,000 VND); private tours $80–$120 (2,000,000–3,000,000 VND, up to 4 people).
Time Needed: 4–6 hours (half-day); 8–10 hours (full-day with Hoi An or Marble Mountains).
Sustainable Tips: Choose tours with electric vehicles or shared shuttles; Legend Travel Group employs local guides, boosting Duy Phu’s economy.
Highlights: “Our guide’s stories made the ruins come alive” (Tripadvisor, 4.6/5 stars).
Tip: Opt for small-group tours for personalized insights; book via Klook for sunrise options. Included in our My Son Private Cultural Tour ($80–$120).
Foreign Tourists (Adults and Children Over 15): $6 (150,000 VND) per person.
Vietnamese Tourists (Adults and Children Over 15): $4 (100,000 VND) per person.
Children (Under 15): Free entry; $1.20 (30,000 VND) per child for shuttle.
Includes: Entry, 2-km electric shuttle, Cham Museum access, Apsara performances (10:00 AM, 2:45 PM, weather permitting).
Where to Buy: Entrance gate in Duy Phu Commune or included in Legend Travel Group tours.
Tip: Carry exact VND; prices stable but may rise slightly in peak seasons (March–May).
Hours: 6:30 AM–5:30 PM daily, including holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year).
Best Times:
Early Morning (6:30–8:30 AM): Cooler (24–28°C or 75.2–82.4°F), fewer crowds, ideal for sunrise tours.
Late Afternoon (2:00–4:00 PM): Avoid midday heat (up to 35°C or 95°F); great for sunset hues.
Dry Season (February–April): Optimal weather; avoid September–November due to flooding risks.
Note: Apsara performances may be canceled during rain; check locally.
My Son is 40 km from Hoi An (60–75 minutes) and 69 km from Da Nang (1–1.5 hours). Sustainable travel options include:
Guided Tours (Recommended):
Cost: Group tours $10–$45 (250,000–1,125,000 VND); private tours $80–$120 (2,000,000–3,000,000 VND).
Duration: Half-day (4–6 hours) or full-day (8–10 hours).
Sustainable: Electric shuttles or shared vans; Legend Travel Group supports local guides.
Tip: Book sunrise tours for serene visits. Included in our My Son Sanctuary Sunrise Tour ($75–$95).
Private Car/Taxi:
Cost: One-way $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND); round-trip $30–$45 (750,000–1,125,000 VND). Xanh SM electric taxis $20–$30.
Duration: 60–75 minutes from Hoi An; 1–1.5 hours from Da Nang.
Sustainable: Xanh SM reduces CO2 by 30%; share rides for efficiency.
Tip: Book via Grab for transparent pricing.
Public Bus:
Cost: Da Nang to My Son (bus #06) $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND); Hoi An to Da Nang (bus #1) $0.80–$1.20; total ~$3–$5 round-trip.
Duration: 2–2.5 hours total (transfer in Da Nang).
Sustainable: Low-emission public buses; use DanaBus app for schedules.
Tip: Catch early buses (5:30–7:00 AM) to avoid crowds.
Motorbike:
Cost: Rental $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND); fuel $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND); parking $0.40 (10,000 VND).
Duration: 60–75 minutes from Hoi An; 1–1.5 hours from Da Nang.
Sustainable: Use fuel-efficient scooters (e.g., Honda Wave).
Tip: Requires International Driving Permit or Vietnamese A1 license; wear helmets (mandatory, $200 fine).
Plan Ahead: Book tours 2–3 weeks in advance via Legend Travel Group or Klook (+84 938 987 654), especially for Katê Festival (late September–early October) or sunrise tours. Check lunar calendar for festival dates.
Dress Code: Modest attire (covered shoulders, knees) to respect Hindu temples; comfortable shoes for uneven trails; conical hat ($1–$2) for sun protection.
Pack Smart: Reusable water bottle, sunscreen, mosquito repellent (September–January), small VND for tickets/donations, camera (no flash in shrines).
Budget Wisely: Expect $20–$120/day in Hoi An (budget: $20–$50; mid-range: $50–$80; luxury: $80–$120). Entry $6; tours $10–$120; dining $1–$15 (25,000–375,000 VND).
Stay Safe: Watch for muddy trails in rainy season; secure valuables during festivals; avoid touching ruins. Check flood risks in November via Vietnam News.
Sustainability: Use electric shuttles or bikes; support local artisans at Katê; avoid plastic waste with reusable containers. Our tours promote eco-conscious travel.
Cultural Respect: Maintain silence in temple areas; don’t climb ruins; tip guides ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND).
Navigation: Allow 2–3 hours at My Son; combine with Thanh Ha Pottery Village (25 km) or Hoi An Old Town (40 km) for a full day. Offline maps (e.g., Maps.me) essential.
Our sustainable tours offer immersive experiences at My Son Sanctuary, tailored for eco-conscious travelers:
My Son Sanctuary Sunrise Tour ($75–$95/person): Early morning visit, Apsara dance, Cham Museum, Tra Que Village stop. Includes entry ($6), eco-transfers, and lunch.
My Son & Hoi An Full-Day Tour ($80–$120/person): My Son ruins, Hoi An Old Town, Japanese Covered Bridge, Bánh Mì Phượng tasting. Includes Old Town ticket ($6), eco-transfers, and meals.
My Son Private Cultural Tour ($80–$120/group, up to 4): Private Xanh SM electric car, guided My Son visit, flexible itinerary. Includes entry and guide.
My Son Festival Tour ($65–$85/person): Katê Festival rituals, Cham crafts, Apsara dance. Includes eco-transfers and festival access.
Central Vietnam Explorer ($350–$550/person, 3–4 days): My Son, Hoi An, Da Nang, homestays ($15–$50/night), Cham Islands. Includes all activities, meals, eco-transfers.
Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, entrance fees ($6), and meals/snacks. Group discounts (10% off for 10+ travelers) and seasonal promotions available. Book now via links around this page!
My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Da Nang City’s Duy Xuyen Ward, captivates with its ancient Cham temples, intricate carvings, and vibrant cultural offerings like Apsara dances and the Katê Festival. With a $6 entry ticket, daily access from 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and sustainable activities like guided tours and eco-friendly transport, it’s a must-visit for cultural explorers. Da Nang’s green initiatives, including flood mitigation and local sourcing, ensure a responsible travel experience. Legend Travel Group’s Da Nang Tours guide you through this historic gem, ensuring a sustainable Da Nang Travel experience that supports Duy Phu’s community and UNESCO preservation efforts. Don’t miss My Son’s timeless allure—browse our featured tours and book your cultural adventure today!
Ready to immerse in My Son Sanctuary’s ancient wonders? Reserve your tour with Legend Travel Group and discover Vietnam’s Cham heritage sustainably!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
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