Private tour, daily departure
Duration: Full day (08:00 – 17:30)
Meals: Lunch
Best period: Year-round except rainy season (November – January)
The ancient town area in Hoi An and the elaborate temple complex of My Son in the neighboring countryside are an ideal pairing of two very diverse UNESCO World Heritage sites. My Son is Vietnam’s most important and iconic Cham site, and a must-see during your time in Vietnam. Head an hour and a half outside of Hoi An with your private driver and English-speaking guide to spend the morning exploring the Hindu ruins dedicated to Shiva. Regarded as one of the foremost important Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia, My Son is widely considered to be the Champa civilization’s counterpart to the grand temple complexes on Indian influenced civilizations such as Angkor in Cambodia, Ayutthaya in Thailand, and Borobudur in Indonesia. Heavy carpet bombing during the Vietnam War has destroyed some of the former grandeur, but the majority of the temple sites in the complex have survived. Drive back into Hoi An to explore the ancient town. Enjoy lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant on the way. As a former fishing village set on the banks of the Thu Bon River and strategic trading port for Southeast Asia, centuries of Chinese and Japanese influence have left their unique mark on this town. The streets of the old town are very narrow, so cars are not permitted in the historical center. Start with the 200-year-old Tam Ky House, a beautifully home that has been lovingly preserved over seven generations. Continue on foot to the Museum of Trade Ceramics, with fascinating pottery artefacts from all over Asia and the Middle East. Take a short walk through the historic town to the 17th century Chinese Chua Ong Pagoda – the neighborhood around it has distinctly Chinese inspired buildings and is lovely to explore at a relaxed pace. Also, you might try Banh Mi, the world’s best sandwich, a top priority for any tourists when in Hoi An, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside with a perfect combination of fresh ingredients like pork liver pate, grilled pork, pickled papaya…
