My Son and Hoi An Full-Day Tour

Where UNESCO meets UNESCO in Vietnam; the protection of World Heritage Sites around the world has taken a primary position in preserving the ancient landmarks of times gone by. The development of Central Vietnam has contributed to what still stands the test of time because of the work done and the guidelines presented to allow visitors admire and wander around these impressive relics. We’re taking you on this full day to two amazing feats of human architecture and religion that now are placed on this list – the cultural and religious centre of My Son and the yellow-brick houses and shops of charming Hoi An.

Welcomed by your English speaking guide for the day, you will leave your hotel right after breakfast and head into the countryside of Vietnam and to My Son, the once powerful but now extinct centre Champa Kingdom and one of the most outstanding Hindu temple complexes in South East Asia. Dating back to the 4th century, the remains of this temple complex are located in the mountainous District of Duy Xuyen, also where the source of the Thu Bon River resides – this river runs like an aorta through central Vietnam and formed the main gateway that made our afternoon visit such an important trading port for merchants. Construction of My Son has taken close to 10 centuries and the design of the temple reflects the devotion to the main Hindu gods. Aside from its religious purpose, the temple and region show clear examples of the ingenuity of the Cham people and their engineering skills in this tough and rugged environment. Guests are able to walk freely among the assigned paths to capture every angle of the 70 classical monuments at My Son with their camera before moving on in direction of Hoi An.

Lunch is included at a local restaurant before we head into Hoi An for a leisurely walking afternoon, as your guide points out the numerous landmarks. Hoi An’s name and fame came from its strategic trading location with excellent access to the sea. Influences from India, Japan, France and China still are reminiscent to its current character. Blessed with being ‘cut off’ from the wars that have put a stamp on the Vietnamese history, much of the old houses and temples have remained intact. In addition to its excellent and compact design, Hoi An is an absolute jewel for walking tours along its well-preserved houses. As you gently feast your eyes on former warehouses and residents of influential people during its thriving trading eras, you will pass landmarks such as an old Chinese communal house, the 400+ year old covered Japanese bridge, the local wet market and browse through the various galleries, textile shops and cafes with ample souvenirs on display to bring back home. You’ll love the Thu Bon riverside ambiance where terraces form the perfect base to see visitors and residents pass by. At around 17:00 hrs, you will be dropped off back at your hotel after a full day of UNESCO magnificence.