Getting Around My Son. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Bus Services for My Son

My Son Sanctuary itself does not have a public transportation system beyond walking. An electric shuttle transports visitors from the entrance gate to the main ruins.

The main public transport option connecting My Son to nearby cities is the local bus.

Bus Route

Yellow Bus (Route 06): Operates from The City of bridges to Hoi An, and then continues towards the My Son junction (Thanh Quyt).
From Thanh Quyt, a short motorbike taxi (xe om) or regular taxi (approx. 5 km) leads to the My Son entrance.
This is the most cost-effective way to travel independently to My Son.
Departures are relatively frequent from The City of lanterns Bus Station.

Route Maps & Hubs

Bus Route 06 links The City of bridges, Hoi An, and the My Son junction. Main hubs are Da Nang Bus Station, Hoi An Bus Station, and Thanh Quyt bus stop.

Ticketing & Fares

Fares are paid cash to the conductor upon boarding. Inexpensive, typically 30,000-50,000 VND from Hoi An to My Son junction. Have small denominations.

Operating Hours

Buses operate from early morning (~5:30 AM) to late afternoon (~5:30 PM-6:00 PM), at 20-30 minute intervals. Confirm schedules locally.

Accessibility & Navigation Tips

Accessibility Notes

Public buses in Vietnam generally have limited accessibility for people with mobility challenges.
They often have steps plus are not designed for wheelchairs.
Consider private transport if you have specific accessibility needs.

Efficient Navigation Tips

Confirm the bus number and destination with the driver or conductor.
Have small denominations of VND ready for payment.
Be aware the bus does not go directly to My Son entrance; onward transport is needed from the junction. Negotiate fares beforehand.

Public Transit Overview

Cost-Effective

Budget-friendly way to travel.

Independent Travel

Offers freedom from organized tours.

Local Experience

A direct look into daily Vietnamese life.

Electric Shuttle

Transports visitors within My Son site.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing apps offer convenience and often air-conditioned comfort, especially for travel in Hoi An and Da Nang.

Licensed Taxi Information

Identification: Easily identifiable with company logos and meters. Reputable companies include Mai Linh (green cars) and Vinasun (white with vegetation/red stripes).
Fares: Fares are metered. Hoi An to My Son (one-way) is approximately 400,000 - 600,000 VND. The City of bridges to My Son sanctuary (one-way) is approximately 600,000 - 900,000 VND.
Payment: Cash (VND) is the main method. Some larger companies may accept credit cards, but it is not common. Confirm before starting your transport.
Hailing: Taxis can be hailed on the street, found at taxi stands, or called by phone. Hotels can also arrange taxis.

Ride-Sharing Apps & Safety

Grab: The most popular ride-sharing app in Vietnam. It offers car (GrabCar) and motorbike (GrabBike) services.
Fixed Pricing: Grab provides upfront fixed pricing, promoting transparency and helping against overcharging.
Safety: Generally safe due to GPS tracking, driver ratings, and fixed prices. Verify the driver and vehicle match app information before entering.
Availability: While excellent in Hoi An/Da Nang, availability near My Son sanctuary Sanctuary can be limited due to its rural location.

Safe Practices

For taxis, always use reputable companies like Mai Linh or Vinasun to avoid scams.
Ensure the taxi meter is running correctly to avoid inflated fares.
If taking a motorbike taxi (Xe Om), always negotiate the fare beforehand.

When using Grab, confirm the driver and vehicle match the app details for security.
Check driver ratings on Grab before confirming your ride for added confidence.
Share your ride details with a trusted contact for peace of mind.

Local Insights

Street Hailing

In Hoi An and The City of bridges, licensed taxis are readily available for street hailing, especially in tourist areas.

Hotel Assistance

Your hotel reception can call a reputable cab for you, guaranteeing a safe and fair ride.

Rural Coverage

While Grab operates outside cities, My Son's more rural location might mean longer queue times or fewer drivers.

Rental Options

Hiring a car offers independence, but be aware of the requirements and challenges.

Car Rental Considerations

Self-Drive Car Rental: Not recommended for tourists in Vietnam due to complex legal requirements (a local driving license is needed, not just an IDP) plus tough traffic conditions.
Car with Driver: Readily available through hotels, tour agencies, or private operators in Hoi An and Da Nang. This is the safest option and most convenient option for a private trip to My Son.
Prices vary based on duration and vehicle type. This option offers comfort and local knowledge.
It also bypasses the need for a local driving license conversion.

Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals

Availability: Widely available for rent in Hoi An and The City of bridges. Prices typically range from 100,000 - 150,000 VND per day for a scooter, plus fuel.
Requirements: Technically, an International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorbike endorsement is required, along with your national driving license. Enforcement can be lax, but it is necessary for insurance validity and legal compliance.
Safety: Traffic can be overwhelming. Only rent if you are experienced and comfortable driving in chaotic conditions. Always wear a helmet, which rental companies usually provide.
Bicycle Rentals: Very popular in The City of lanterns. Suitable for exploring the Ancient Town and nearby countryside. Not practical for My Son sanctuary (approx. 40 km) unless part of an organized cycling tour. Rentals cost 20,000 - 40,000 VND per day.

Driving Laws & Conditions

Driving Laws

Drive on the right side of the road. Helmets are mandatory for motorcyclists and passengers. Drunk driving laws are strict.

Always follow local traffic laws.

Road Conditions

Generally good on main routes to My Son sanctuary. Roads within the My Son complex are paved. Be aware of chaotic traffic, motorbike volume, and aggressive driving.

Exercise caution, especially in the evening.

Parking Information

Ample parking is available at the My Son Sanctuary entrance for motorbikes, cars, and buses. There is a small fee (e.g., 10,000-20,000 VND for motorbikes, 30,000-50,000 VND for cars).

Official parking areas are secure.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

My Son sanctuary Sanctuary: The the location is well-suited for walking. Paths connect the different temple groups. The terrain is relatively flat, with certain uneven sections and steps.
Hoi An Ancient Town: Very pedestrian-friendly, especially during evenings when some streets are closed to traffic. Excellent for walking and exploration.
Da Nang: Less pedestrian-friendly than Hoi An, but riverside promenades and specific areas like My Khe Beach are good for walking.

Cycling Information

Hoi An: Excellent for cycling, with flat terrain, dedicated paths in some areas, and quieter roads in the adjacent rural areas.
My Son: Not typically cycled to from The City of lanterns unless part of an organized tour covering the 40km distance.
Safety: Be aware of motorbikes and cars sharing the road. Helmets are suggested for your safety, even if locals do not always wear them.

Walking & Cycling Safety

No specific "no-go" areas exist within the My Son complex or major tourist zones.
Exercise caution in isolated or poorly lit areas at night.
Always be aware of traffic, even in pedestrian-friendly zones.
Look both ways before crossing streets, even if the light is green.

For cyclists, signal turns and be predictable to other road users.
Keep a safe distance from autos and motorbikes, as sudden stops are common.
Avoid cycling during peak traffic hours if you are not accustomed to chaotic urban environments.
Use lights and reflective gear if cycling after dark.

Specialized Transportation

Beyond standard options, some specialty methods of transport contribute to your My Son sanctuary experience.

Tour Buses & Water Transport

Tour Buses: Many tour companies in The City of lanterns and Da Nang offer organized half-day or full-day tours to My Son.
These commonly include round-trip transportation by bus or minivan, often the easiest way to visit.
Boat Taxis: Some My Son sanctuary tours combine land transport with a boat trip back to Hoi An on the Thu Bon River.
This option usually involves a bus to My Son sanctuary, then a scenic boat journey back to Hoi An, often including a craft village visit.

Unique Local Transport & Accessibility

Electric Shuttle: A small electric shuttle service transports visitors from the My Son sanctuary entrance gate to the main archaeological complex. This ride is covered in the entrance fee.
Accessibility: My Son Sanctuary has limited accessibility for travelers with mobility challenges.
Whereas the electric shuttle assists, paths within the complex are unpaved in some areas, uneven, and may have steps, making wheelchair navigation difficult.
No cable cars or funiculars exist at My Son. The site mainly involves walking.

Organized Tours

The most convenient way to visit My Son, often including transport and a guide.

Boat & Land Combos

Combine a bus trip to My Son sanctuary with a scenic boat journey back to Hoi An via Thu Bon River.

On-Site Shuttle

An electric shuttle within My Son transports visitors from the gate to the ruins.

Accessibility Details

My Son Site Limitations

Paths within the My Son complex are unpaved in some areas, uneven, and may have steps.
This can make wheelchair navigation difficult for the duration of the visit.
Travelers with significant mobility challenges might find exploration limited.

General Accessibility

Public transport (buses) in Vietnam generally lacks robust accessibility features.
Private car hire with a driver usually has the most adaptable and accessible option.
Plan your route and transport based on individual accessibility needs.

Choose Your Path

Whether by local bus, private car, or organized tour, various transport options cater to different preferences and budgets.

Consider combining methods for an unique and comprehensive journey to My Son sanctuary Sanctuary.

Where to Stay in My Son

Next Up: Where to Stay in My Son. Hotels, Neighborhoods, Accommodation

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