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Things to Do in My Son

Things to Do in My Son

Central Vietnam Vietnam Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Central Vietnam has opportunities for various outdoor pursuits, often combining scenic beauty with activity.

Land-Based Activities

Hiking and Trekking

My Son itself involves walking on relatively flat paths. Marble Mountains (The City of bridges) offer gentle climbs to pagodas and caves. Son Tra Peninsula (Da Nang) features trails for moderate hiking, leading to viewpoints.

Cycling Routes

A popular activity from Hoi An to My Son sanctuary. The 40km route is mainly even, winding through rural villages and grains of rice paddies. It requires moderate fitness. Hoi An countryside has numerous easy cycling routes.

Mountain Biking / Strenuous Adventures

The landscape around My Son sanctuary sanctuary and The City of lanterns is generally flat, not suitable for mountain biking. Adventure sports like canyoning or caving are typically in other regions of Vietnam.

Water Sports & Wildlife Encounters

  • Water Sports (The City of bridges): Not at My Son sanctuary (inland). The City of bridges beaches (My Khe) offer swimming, surfing, jet-skiing, and parasailing.
  • Water Activities (The City of lanterns): Thu Bon River for boat trips, basket boat trips in coconut groves, or Stand-up paddleboarding.
  • Wildlife Encounters: No specific wildlife encounters at My Son sanctuary sanctuary. Son Tra Peninsula in Da Nang hosts rare Red-shanked Douc Langurs; guided tours locate them.
  • Camping My Son: Camping is not allowed at My Son sanctuary Sanctuary. No established campsites exist near the ruins.

Cycle the Countryside

  • Explore rural villages and grains of rice paddies.
  • Route from The City of lanterns to My Son (40km, flat).
  • Requires moderate fitness.
  • Organized tours available. Book a cycling tour.

Paddle the Thu Bon

  • Enjoy boat trips on the Thu Bon River.
  • Have unique basket boat rides.
  • Explore coconut groves by water.
  • Stand-up paddleboarding available.

Da Nang Beach Sports

  • Swim in clear My Khe Beach waters.
  • Surf on gentle waves.
  • Try jet-skiing for an adrenaline rush.
  • Parasailing opportunities.

Important Restriction

No outdoor adventure sports or adrenaline experiences are available directly at My Son Sanctuary. Seek these pursuits in other regions of Vietnam that are experts in them.

Cultural Immersion

Deepen your connection with the area's culture through engaging workshops and shows.

Workshops and Classes

  • Cham Dance Performance: Traditional Apsara dance performances are held multiple times daily at the My Son site (near the entrance/museum area). These showcase Cham culture and artistic expressions.
  • Hoi An Lantern Making: Make your own traditional Vietnamese lantern, a popular and artistic activity.
  • Cooking Classes: Learn to prepare local dishes like Cao Lau in The City of lanterns, often with a market visit.
  • Craft Workshops: Engage in leather working or silk painting workshops in Hoi An. Tailor shops offer custom clothing experiences.

Cultural Performances & Community Tourism

Traditional Performances

Beyond the Apsara dance at My Son, The City of lanterns offers traditional music performances and water puppet shows, offering further insights into Vietnamese live performance. Check local listings for schedules.

Community-Based Tourism

Some tours to My Son sanctuary sanctuary may have visits to local towns or craft communities. These visits showcase traditional livelihoods and support local artisans. Select trips that emphasize community benefits.

Language Learning

No formal language centers at My Son. Short Vietnamese language courses or phrasebook apps are accessible in The City of lanterns and The City of bridges for basic phrases.

Art & Crafts

The City of lanterns is a major place for artisanal crafts, offering workshops for painting, leather, and textiles. Discover unique, handcrafted souvenirs.

Local Interaction

Engage with villagers on tours to experience daily life and traditional livelihoods, contributing to local communities directly.

Festivals & Events

Consider visiting during major Vietnamese holidays like Tet, or Hoi An's monthly full moon lantern festivals for special celebrations.

Relaxation & Wellness

While My Son sanctuary focuses on historical exploration, Hoi An and The City of bridges provide a range of relaxation and well-being options.

Spa and Holistic Treatments

  • Spa & Wellness Centers: Abundant in The City of lanterns and The City of bridges, from budget massage parlors to luxury wellness centers at hotels. Many offer traditional Vietnamese massages.
  • Yoga & Meditation: Studios are widespread in The City of lanterns and The City of bridges, with short retreats or daily classes. This makes a peaceful counterbalance to sightseeing.
  • Traditional Healing: Discover traditional Vietnamese medicine or herbal treatments available at local spas or specialized clinics.
  • Hot Springs: Not directly near My Son sanctuary. Some Da Nang resorts integrate elements of nature into their spa offerings.

Coastal and Leisure Relaxation

Beach and Pool Clubs

Predominantly found in The City of bridges along My Khe Beach, offering sun loungers, food, and drinks. Many hotels in Hoi An additionally have large pools for relaxation after a day of exploration.

Riverside Tranquility

The City of lanterns's Thu Bon River area offers serene spots for relaxation, with numerous cafes and restaurants providing a peaceful atmosphere.

Countryside Retreats

The outskirts of The City of lanterns, with their terraced rice fields and quiet guesthouses, present a peaceful escape a long way from the hectic town center.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music & Nightclubs

My Son Sanctuary has no entertainment or nightlife. The City of bridges features a more modern and active nightlife with larger bars, nightclubs, and pubs, especially in the city center and along the beach.

Theater & Performances

In Hoi An, seek water puppet shows or traditional music performances. The City of bridges has venues for larger-scale events. These cultural shows present insight into Vietnamese arts.

Bar Districts & Late Night

Hoi An is a concentration of bars alongside the river and in the Historic Town. The City of bridges's the bars and clubs spreads out more, with clusters in the city center and along the beach. Street food stalls often operate late.

Shopping & Markets

Discover unique souvenirs plus artisan goods to commemorate your journey.

Shopping Locations

  • My Son: Small souvenir shops near the entrance/exit offer Cham-inspired crafts and replica artifacts.
  • Hoi An: The Central Market excels for local produce and goods. Hoi An also provides numerous specialized craft shops.
  • The City of bridges: Modern shopping malls (e.g., Vincom Plaza), the bustling Han Market (food, clothing, souvenirs), and local specialized retailers.
  • Luxury/Boutique: More prevalent in Da Nang's malls and The City of lanterns's high-end boutiques, offering one-of-a-kind designs and quality products.

Artisan & Craft Workshops

Traditional Craft Villages

In the vicinity of My Son, some tours visit traditional craft villages focused on pottery or wood carving. These offer a glimpse into local artistry.

Hoi An's Craft Hub

Hoi An is a true hub for artisan workshops, where you can see artisans at work and purchase directly from them, ensuring originality and supporting local livelihoods.

Custom Creations

Take advantage of Hoi An's famous tailor shops to have custom-made clothing or shoes created to your specifications.

Custom Clothing & Shoes

  • The City of lanterns is renowned for tailor shops.
  • Get custom-made suits, dresses, or shoes.
  • A special and personal souvenir.
  • Quality craftsmanship often at good value.

Silk Lanterns

  • Iconic to The City of lanterns.
  • Brightly colored, foldable lanterns.
  • Decorative and memorable souvenir.
  • Workshops also allow you to create your own.

Local Coffee & Tea

  • Vietnam's famous robusta coffee.
  • Buy beans or ground coffee.
  • Unique local teas also available.
  • Great consumable gifts from your trip.

Souvenir Recommendations

My Son Specific Souvenirs
  • Cham-inspired pottery.
  • Replica statues of Cham deities.
  • Textiles featuring traditional Cham patterns.
Hoi An Specific Souvenirs
  • Traditional Vietnamese paintings.
  • Ceramic pottery and unique ceramics.
  • Various handicrafts reflecting local artistry.

Shipping and Customs

Most souvenir shops in The City of lanterns can set up shipping for larger items. Be aware of customs regulations for your home country regarding restricted goods or value limits. Vietnam Post is reliable for sending smaller packages.

Activity Planning Summary

Making the Most of Your Trip

  • Combine historical going to visit outdoor adventures.
  • Engage in community workshops for cultural insights.
  • Seek wellness options for relaxation and rejuvenation.
  • Explore local markets for unique souvenirs and culinary delights.

Flexibility and Discovery

  • Allow spontaneity for unexpected discoveries.
  • Don't hesitate to ask locals for recommendations.
  • Consider transportation options to maximize your time.
  • Plan for weather conditions conditions, especially heat and humidity.