My Son Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do in My Son, including hiking routes, cultural attractions, food scene, and where to stay. Our guide includes a week-long itinerary, do's and don'ts, and transportation options.


My Son Travel Guide: A Comprehensive Tour Guide

My Son, located in Central Coast, Vietnam, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its rich history and cultural heritage. Nestled amidst the lush mountains and tranquil river streams, My Son offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Our comprehensive tour guide to My Son covers everything you need to know about the best things to do, places to visit, hiking routes, food, and culture in this beautiful region of Vietnam.

Introduction to My Son

My Son was the capital of the Champa Kingdom from the 4th to the 14th century AD and was an important center of Hinduism and Buddhism in Southeast Asia. Today, its ruins are the most significant heritage of the ancient Champa civilization. My Son is a collection of over 70 Hindu temples, which were built by Cham kings as a place of worship and offering for their gods.

List of Places to Visit in My Son

My Son is a treasure trove of historical landmarks, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. Here’s a list of the must-visit places in My Son.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. My Son Sanctuary: Explore the remains of over 70 temples in My Son.
  2. Museum of Cham Sculpture: Discover the rich history and art of the Champa civilization.
  3. Tra Kieu Ancient Citadel: Visit the former political capital of the Champa Kingdom.
  4. Dong Duong Buddhist Monastery: Marvel at the beautiful architecture of this ancient Buddhist temple.

Natural Attractions of My Son: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Waterfall of Love: Take a dip in the refreshing waters of this beautiful waterfall.
  2. Cao Dai Temple: Discover the unique blend of Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism, and Christianity.
  3. Hon Chong Beach: Relax on the stunning sandy beaches and enjoy the scenic views.
  4. Ba Na Hills: Take a cable car ride and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Hiking/Biking Routes of My Son

The mountains and forests surrounding My Son offer numerous hiking and biking opportunities. Here are some of the popular routes:

  1. Que Son Valley hike: Trek through lush forests and scenic waterfalls.
  2. Ho Chi Minh Trail bike ride: Follow the famous trail which was used during the Vietnam war.
  3. My Son Happy Trails: Explore the rural countryside and interact with the locals.

Best Things to Do in My Son: Activities and Tours

My Son offers a host of activities and tours to keep you entertained.

  1. My Son Sunrise Tour: Experience the beauty of My Son in the early morning hours.
  2. Cham Island Snorkeling Tour: Take a boat tour to nearby Cham Island and go snorkeling.
  3. Cooking Class: Learn to cook traditional Cham dishes and savor the flavors of Vietnam.
  4. Traditional Dance Show: Enjoy a live performance of traditional Cham dances.

Week-Long Itinerary for My Son

Day 1-2: Visit the My Son Sanctuary and explore the Cham Museum in Danang.

Day 3: Take a bike ride on the Ho Chi Minh trail and stop at Tra Kieu Citadel.

Day 4: Relax on the beautiful sandy beaches of Hon Chong and discover the Cao Dai temple.

Day 5-6: Trek through the forests of Que Son Valley and swim in the waterfall of love.

Day 7: Enjoy a cooking class, traditional dance show, and get your fortune told by a local.

Food and Drink Scene of My Son

Vietnamese cuisine is known for its delicate balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors. The food in My Son is no exception. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Com hen: A delicious rice dish with clams and herbs.
  2. Mi Quang: A rice noodle dish with pork, shrimp, and fresh herbs.
  3. Banh Xeo: A savory pancake filled with pork, beansprouts, and herbs.
  4. Canh mì: A light and flavorful soup made with vegetables, chicken, and rice noodles.

Local Beverages

  1. Tra Quang Tea: A fragrant tea made from tea leaves grown in My Son.
  2. Che: A sweet dessert soup made from beans, fruit and coconut milk.

Where to Stay in My Son: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

My Son offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are some recommendations:

  1. Vinpearl Resort & Spa Hoi An: A luxurious resort with stunning views.
  2. Victoria Hoi An Resort & Spa: A beachfront resort with a relaxing vibe.
  3. Hoi An Backpackers: A budget-friendly hostel with a great atmosphere.
  4. Homestay in My Son: Experience the local culture by staying with a local family.

What to Buy in My Son: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

My Son is known for its handicrafts and traditional products. Here are some of the best things to buy:

  1. Cham pottery: Handmade pottery in traditional shapes and designs.
  2. Silk products: High-quality silk products made by local artisans.
  3. Wood carvings: Intricate carvings made from local wood.
  4. Spices and herbs: Discover a range of locally grown spices and herbs.

Local Culture and Customs of My Son

My Son is home to the Cham people, who have a rich cultural heritage. Here are some customs to keep in mind:

  1. Dress respectfully while entering temples and other religious sites.
  2. Remove your shoes before entering someone’s home.
  3. Greet people with a nod or slight bow.
  4. Avoid touching someone’s head, as it’s considered disrespectful.

Best Time to Visit My Son

The best time to visit My Son is between February and August when the weather is dry and sunny. March and April are ideal months to explore the mountains and forests around My Son.

Do’s and Don’ts of My Son

Do:

  1. Respect the local culture and customs.
  2. Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  3. Take part in local festivals and events.
  4. Learn some basic Vietnamese phrases.

Don’t:

  1. Overstay your visa.
  2. Use drugs or engage in any illegal activities.
  3. Disrespect the local religious sites or customs.
  4. Litter and pollute the environment.

Safety and Health

Safety in My Son

My Son is a safe place to visit, but it’s always best to take necessary precautions.

  1. Avoid walking alone at night.
  2. Keep your valuables in a safe place.
  3. Use a reputable tour guide company.
  4. Follow local laws and regulations.

Health in My Son

It’s essential to take precautions against common health issues like Dengue fever and Malaria.

  1. Get vaccinated before visiting.
  2. Use mosquito repellent.
  3. Drink bottled water.
  4. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing.

Getting to My Son: Transportation Options and Logistics

My Son is located about 40 km from Hoi An and 70 km from Da Nang. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near My Son

  1. Da Nang International Airport: The closest airport to My Son.

Bus Stations Near My Son

  1. Hoi An Bus Station: Frequent buses from Hoi An to My Son.

Other Options

  1. Private Car or Taxi: The most convenient way to get to My Son.

How to Get Around in My Son

The best way to explore My Son is by hiring a bike or taking a guided tour.

Where to Go Next from My Son: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Hoi An: A picturesque town famous for its historic temples and beaches.
  2. Hue: Discover the Imperial City of Hue and its stunning temples and palaces.
  3. Danang: A bustling city famous for its bridges, beaches, and mountains.
  4. Quang Nam Province: A beautiful province famous for its scenic countryside, beaches, and villages.

Conclusion

My Son is a cultural and historical gem of Vietnam, and we hope our comprehensive tour guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan your trip. From exploring ancient temples and hiking through lush forests to savoring traditional dishes and relaxing on sandy beaches, My Son has something to offer everyone. Plan your trip today and immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of this enchanting land.

My Son My Son Bridge after the ticket office, My Son Bridge after the ticket office, My Son Kayaking on My Son lake Kayaking on My Son lake Impression of the ruins of My Son temple complex Impression of the ruins of My Son temple complex Bang An Tower Bang An Tower