My Son Sanctuary Day Trip: Is it Worth It?
Thinking about going on a day trip to My Son Sanctuary from Hoi An? You know, I was too. It’s something that you see pop up on every “things to do in Hoi An” list, so you feel like you have to visit. Let’s have a closer look at my adventure. Plus, let’s talk about whether it is actually worth giving up a day of your precious vacation time for this. What I’m hoping to do is give you an insider’s peek into what the tour entails, you know, highlighting the good bits and, honestly, the less thrilling aspects. This way, you are able to see whether a day trip is a good idea for you or not.
What is My Son Sanctuary Anyway?
My Son, you see, that’s not your average pile of old stones. No, no, it is an old temple city. Think of it like this, Angkor Wat, but a just little version. What is there to see dates all the way back to the Champa kingdom, which existed from, like, the 4th to the 13th centuries. I suppose you could say they had their own amazing civilization. The sanctuary was, that, an important place of worship, kind of a religious and political center. That is to say that it is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
You’ll locate it, what is left of it anyway, in a valley surrounded by jungle-type mountains. So, that alone makes it kind of scenic. Truth be told, time and wars have had quite a toll, yet it is that place that oozes history and mystery. What’s super interesting, you see, that is that the architecture actually shows a good bit of Indian influence, reflecting the historical connection between the Champa kingdom and India.
Booking the Day Trip: So Many Options!
When I made the choice to book a day trip, I felt really overwhelmed by all the choices. Travel agencies in Hoi An, they are everywhere! Then, there are, very, online options too. I chose to do it the old way. That is to say that I booked with a neighborhood agency just because I wanted to speak to someone, you know? But, you could book through your hotel, or even through websites such as GetYourGuide or Viator. But honestly, don’t sweat it a lot because I think the actual trips end up being pretty comparable.
The price ranges, that they can change quite a bit. What I would do is check a few of them to get a feel. Bear in mind, some of the cheapest options might cut corners. For example, the quality of the transport is really important, particularly when it is hot. I wanted air-con so I was willing to spend a bit more.
I also wanted to make sure the tour had an English-speaking guide. Like your history comes alive when you actually have somebody who can tell it! What I looked at that seemed important was including lunch. So, basically you’ll see half-day trips and full-day trips. In order to avoid rushing, a full day works just a little bit better.
Early Start: Be Ready to Roll!
Nearly all My Son tours leave, that they leave pretty early in the morning. I’m talking, so, around 7:30 or 8 AM. The reason that’s really early is twofold. One thing, to miss the insane heat in the middle of the day. Second, well, a great many other tourist crowds are trying to do exactly the same thing.
So, that’s one thing that I did find tricky, basically, waking up that early on vacation! Nevertheless, actually, it’s really worth it to experience the place before tons of other folks get there. The journey, so it’s normally by minivan or bus. I will say that my bus was quite comfy, fortunately. The trip itself, that it’s about an hour or so, that’s just a little depending on traffic. Make the most of the chance, like, catch up on your sleep!
Exploring the Sanctuary: What to Expect
After you reach My Son, so that you will want to walk to the site. It’s that walk through the jungle which is pretty interesting. When I went it was so muggy!. When you come in, you will get to see a series of temple ruins clustered into different groups. Something, you know, to bear in mind: they are not all still there! War and weather are something that took its toll, but this creates kind of an interesting vibe.
You are able to walk all around the ruins, what you do need to stay behind ropes in places for preservation reasons. As I was saying, having a guide really assists here. What I learnt so much regarding the history of the site and what each temple was used for. Without it, I feel like I would have been just seeing random brick buildings.
It does get actually hot. Even though it was early, so the humidity made it a challenge. What I would absolutely suggest is that you take water, wear light clothes and just possibly bring a hat. Bear in mind, there isn’t actually all that much shade. Don’t get sunburnt!. I will say, for taking pictures, so this location is great, offering unusual photo opportunities with those old ruins and jungle backdrop.
The Traditional Dance Show: So-So
Many tours include, you see, a traditional Cham dance show. But frankly I discovered it quite average, though it had, that, a good dose of culture. What I will say that the performers gave it their all and their costumes were pretty cool. The music may not be to everyone’s liking though. As I was saying, it lasted maybe half an hour, then it did provide, that, just a little break from walking in that heat.
Truth be told, don’t come just to see the dance display. My thinking is, so that’s like a “add-on”, you understand, instead of a core bit of the tour. The experience wasn’t totally useless. However, this isn’t something that I might actually recommend as being vital if you see what I mean.
Lunch and Heading Back
Basically, my tour included lunch at a nearby neighborhood restaurant. I suppose that they seem to use for the vast majority of tourist groups, that. What I’d say that the food, it was alright, there’s nothing really special but you do have lots to eat! They did give us a selection of basic Vietnamese dishes such as rice, fried noodles and some veggies. It fills a hole!
Truth be told, the actual restaurant isn’t much to speak of. It doesn’t have, like your “ambiance,” but I wasn’t expecting a good bit either. To me the main point was simply refueling before, like your trip back to Hoi An. Once you are finished with lunch it is that journey back, dropping you at the hotel around, such as, 2 or 3 in the afternoon. That’s actually so that you still have enough time to appreciate other activities in Hoi An itself.
Was it Worth it, that Trip to My Son?
So, did I imagine My Son to be something special? Hmm, you know what, it is quite complicated. If history really gets you going and you love ancient ruins, there’s a chance you could see it absolutely amazing. But be in no doubt there is not as much remaining of the temples compared with some similar places in Southeast Asia, basically like Angkor Wat or Borobudur. Truthfully it’s much smaller!
Having said that, I felt I saw a slice of Vietnam’s old culture I will say I likely wouldn’t have understood otherwise. Then again, for the heat, you know, and waking up really early, it may just possibly be better to go slow in Hoi An, that is especially if your time’s quite tight. What I would suggest doing is going in with eyes open. Bear in mind that it’s going to be crowded, pretty warm and you will see a bunch of ruins. I will say the guide assists a great bit.
Now you may love wandering on your own and exploring; anyway there are a lot of tours that you might find fascinating!
Tips for Your My Son Sanctuary Trip
- Get an Early Start: You are able to avoid, so your mid-day heat and get ahead of big crowds, anyway try to make the tour start as early as possible.
- Dress Respectfully and Lightly: As well as you may be walking through that place of worship. Thus, so clothing may have an influence!. Ensure that you are using cool and breathable clothes, even though.
- Hydrate and Protect Your Skin: Also, carry a lot of water. Thus, use sunscreen liberally due to this extreme climate, I might add a hat will assist you to cover yourself!
- Listen to Your Tour Guide: Because you might find that fascinating because those tour guides will allow you to discover that history and context which actually makes everything a great bit richer, really!
- Think about the Season: Bear in mind Vietnam’s rainy and dry seasons which means that these could totally change that feel. And therefore the most satisfying experience would be during the dry season; I will also add because you might like just how clear those blue skies are in all your photos, very, very!