Hoi An to My Son Sanctuary by Private Car: Timing, Tickets and Tips

1 day ago

3 min read

My Son Sanctuary is the most important Cham site in Vietnam and one of the easiest UNESCO World Heritage visits you can make from Hoi An. The temple ruins sit in a green valley about 40 km inland, roughly an hour by car from Hoi An and around an hour and a half from central Da Nang. Going by private car means you can arrive at opening time, before the heat and the tour buses, and be back at your hotel pool before lunch.

What you will see at My Son

Between roughly the 4th and 13th centuries, the Champa kingdom built dozens of brick and sandstone Hindu temples here, most of them dedicated to Shiva. Many were damaged during the war, but the surviving towers, carved lintels and altars still give a strong sense of the place, and the jungle setting is beautiful in the soft morning light. A small exhibition near the entrance explains how the Cham built with fired brick and almost no mortar.

Brick Cham temple towers at My Son Sanctuary near Hoi An

Best time to go

Time of day: the site usually opens around 6:30 am. Arriving at opening time gives you cooler air, better light and far fewer people. Late afternoon is the second-best option.
Season: February to August is the dry season in central Vietnam. October to December is the rainy season, when paths can be muddy, so bring a light raincoat.
Avoid mid-morning in summer: by 10 am the valley can feel very hot and humid.

A relaxed half-day plan by private car

5:30 am: your driver picks you up at your Hoi An hotel (about 6:00 am pickup is also fine if you prefer a little more sleep).
6:30 am: arrive at My Son, buy tickets and take the electric shuttle from the ticket area towards the temple groups.
6:45 to 9:00 am: walk the main temple groups at your own pace. Allow around two hours.
9:00 am: back to the car, with cold towels and water waiting.
Optional stop on the way back: Thanh Ha pottery village or Tra Que vegetable village.
10:30 am: back in Hoi An for breakfast or a swim.

Staying in Da Nang? Add about 45 minutes each way, or turn it into a full day: My Son in the morning, lunch in Hoi An, and an afternoon in the Ancient Town before the lanterns come on.

Old yellow house with a tree in Hoi An Ancient Town

Tickets and practical tips

Entrance fee: tickets are bought at the gate. At the time of writing the adult ticket is around 150,000 VND, but prices change, so check on the day.
Cham dance: a short traditional Cham dance performance is usually held several times a day near the temple area.
Dress: it is a religious site, so cover shoulders and knees. Wear comfortable shoes, as the paths are uneven.
Bring: a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and a little cash. There is a small cafe near the entrance.
Guide: a guide makes the history much more interesting. You can hire one locally or add an English-speaking guide to your COA-LIMO booking.

Book your My Son transfer with COA-LIMO

COA-LIMO arranges private cars with professional drivers from Hoi An and Da Nang, from comfortable sedans and Kia Carnival MPVs to 9- and 11-seat VIP limousine vans for families and groups. Every car comes with bottled water and cold towels, the driver waits while you explore, and tolls and parking are included in the price. Tell us your hotel, travel date and group size and we will send a quote.

Hotline and WhatsApp: 0365878125. Email: VIP@coa-limo.com. Or visit coa-limo.com to see our cars.