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Air Travel

Air Travel

Central Vietnam, Vietnam

Flight Information

Airlines and Routes

My Son Sanctuary does not have its own airport. Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is the main hub for Central Vietnam.

Flight Details

  • Domestic: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways link Da Nang with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City frequently.
  • International: Direct flights connect from Seoul, Busan, Tokyo, Osaka, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Macao, Taipei, Shanghai, and Beijing.
  • Most international travelers from outside Asia connect through major Asian hubs or Hanoi (HAN)/Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), then take a domestic flight to Da Nang. Consider searching with Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

Seasonal Flight Availability & Airport Facilities

Flight prices peak during Vietnamese holidays and high tourist season.

Price Fluctuations & Facilities

  • Peak Prices: Expect higher fares during Lunar New Year (Tet), April 30th/May 1st holidays, and the high tourist season (February-April and June-August).
  • Lower Prices: Typically found during the wet season (September-November). Book well in advance for peak travel.
  • Airport Facilities: Da Nang International Airport has ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free shops, restaurants, luggage services, and Wi-Fi.

Taxi

Readily available outside terminals. Reputable companies like Mai Linh (green) and Vinasun (white/green/red) use meters. Approximately 350,000 - 450,000 VND to Hoi An.

Ride-sharing

Grab is widely used, offering fixed prices for car (GrabCar) and motorbike (GrabBike) hires. Similar cost to taxis, with price transparency. Available for Hoi An and Da Nang city center.

Private Car & Shuttle

Pre-arranged transfers through hotels/tour operators (~400,000 - 600,000 VND). Some hotels or travel agencies offer shuttle services (~120,000 - 150,000 VND per person).

Transfer Options from Da Nang Airport

To Hoi An approximately 30 km

  • Taxi: Approximately 350,000 - 450,000 VND.
  • Private Car: Pre-arranged transfers through hotels/tour operators, approximately 400,000 - 600,000 VND.
  • Shuttle Bus: Shared shuttle vans, typically 120,000 - 150,000 VND per person.
  • Ride-sharing: Grab (car or motorbike) widely used, fixed prices.

To Da Nang City Center approximately 3 km

  • Taxi: Most convenient option, approximately 60,000 - 100,000 VND.
  • Grab: Offers price transparency and fixed fares.
  • Walking: Possible for very short distances near the airport.
  • Local Bus: Limited options, taxis/Grab are faster.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

Amenities

Da Nang International Airport offers duty-free shopping, restaurants, cafes, lounges, currency exchange services, and baggage wrapping facilities.

Departure Timing

Arrive at least 2-3 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights for check-in, security, and immigration.

Exit Fees

No specific exit fees or taxes are payable upon departure; these are typically included in your airline ticket price.

Land Transportation

Train Connections & Buses to My Son

The closest train station to My Son is Da Nang Railway Station. Long-distance buses connect Da Nang and Hoi An with other cities.

Train & Bus Details

  • Train: Vietnam's Reunification Express line connects Da Nang with Hanoi (16-18 hrs), Hue (2-3 hrs), and Ho Chi Minh City (17-20 hrs). Book via Vietnam Railways or local travel agencies.
  • Long-Distance Bus: Connects Da Nang/Hoi An to cities like Hue and Nha Trang. Companies like Futa Bus and Hanh Cafe operate popular routes.
  • Bus to My Son: Local yellow buses (Route 06) run from Da Nang/Hoi An to the My Son junction (Thanh Quyt). A short taxi or motorbike ride from there reaches the site entrance.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Renting a car to self-drive in Vietnam is uncommon for tourists due to complex requirements and traffic.

Driving Information

  • Self-Drive Car: Not recommended due to challenging traffic, road conditions, and the requirement for a Vietnamese driving license (IDP not sufficient without local conversion). Most tourists hire a car with a driver. DiscoverCars.com can find car rentals with drivers.
  • Motorbike Rental: Popular between Hoi An and My Son. An IDP with a motorbike endorsement and valid national license are technically required. Traffic can be challenging; only ride if experienced. Always wear a helmet.
  • Road Conditions: Vary, but main routes to My Son are paved. Traffic can be chaotic, with a high volume of motorbikes. Night driving can be hazardous. Exercise extreme caution.

Sea/River Arrivals

While My Son is inland, Da Nang serves as a port city for some sea arrivals.

Ferry & Cruise Information

  • Cruise Ports: Da Nang's Tien Sa Port hosts cruise ships. Passengers typically arrange shore excursions to My Son as part of organized tours.
  • River Transportation: No direct river transport to My Son. Some tours combine land transport with a boat trip back to Hoi An on the Thu Bon River for a scenic return.
  • Seaport Immigration: Procedures handled onboard or at the port terminal, similar to airport arrivals.

Departure Information

Plan your departure from Vietnam with ease.

Exit Details

  • Exit Fees/Taxes: No specific exit fees are payable when departing from Da Nang International Airport (DAD); these are included in your airline ticket.
  • Departure Timing (Airport): Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights for check-in, security, and immigration.
  • Departure Timing (Train/Bus): Arrive at the station 30-60 minutes before departure to locate your platform/bus and board without rush.

Road Conditions and Safety Concerns

  • Chaotic traffic conditions are common, with many motorbikes.
  • A general lack of adherence to traffic laws.
  • Aggressive driving behavior.
  • Exercise extreme caution as a pedestrian, driver, or passenger.
  • Night driving can be hazardous due to poor lighting and unmarked obstacles.
  • Helmets are mandatory for motorcyclists and passengers.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Da Nang has a port, Tien Sa Port, which occasionally hosts cruise ships.

Cruise Ship Details

  • Tien Sa Port welcomes cruise vessels.
  • Passengers typically arrange shore excursions to local attractions, including My Son Sanctuary, often as part of organized tours.
  • Immigration procedures for cruise passengers are usually handled onboard or at the port terminal, similar to airport arrivals.

River Transportation Options

No direct river transportation reaches My Son Sanctuary, as it is inland in a valley.

River Trips & Connections

  • In Hoi An, boat trips are popular on the Thu Bon River for sightseeing or sunset cruises, but these do not extend to My Son.
  • Some tours to My Son combine land transport with a boat trip back to Hoi An on the Thu Bon River, often including a visit to a local craft village.
  • From Tien Sa Port, taxis, ride-sharing services, and private transfers are available to reach Da Nang city center or Hoi An.

Cruise Port Da Nang

Tien Sa Port serves as Da Nang's cruise ship terminal, facilitating sea arrivals for visitors to the region.

Thu Bon River Cruises

Enjoy scenic boat trips on the Thu Bon River near Hoi An; some tours combine this with My Son land transport.

Port to City Connections

From Tien Sa Port, taxis, ride-sharing, and private transfers quickly connect you to Da Nang city center or Hoi An.

Departure Information

Airport Departure Procedures

Ensure a smooth departure from Da Nang International Airport (DAD).

Timing Your Arrival

  • For international flights, arrive at least 2-3 hours before scheduled departure.
  • For domestic flights, plan to arrive at least 1.5-2 hours before departure.
  • This timing allows ample room for check-in, security screening, and immigration processes.

Train/Bus Station Departure Tips

Ensure you are at the station with enough time before your scheduled departure.

Station Arrival

  • For train or bus departures, arrive at the station 30-60 minutes before departure.
  • This provides time to locate your platform or bus.
  • It also ensures boarding without unnecessary rushing.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

Shopping & Dining

Da Nang International Airport features duty-free shopping, a variety of restaurants, and cafes to enjoy before your flight.

Passenger Comfort

Lounges are available for relaxation, and currency exchange services are on hand for any last-minute needs.

Baggage Services

Baggage wrapping services are offered to secure your luggage for transit.

Final Checks

Confirm your flight or ticket details well in advance of departure.