The "My Son Holy Land & Rice Paper Making Afternoon" tour from Da Nang offers a unique opportunity to take in Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. Explore the ancient ruins of the Champa Kingdom at the UNESCO-listed My Son Sanctuary, then try your hand at the traditional craft of rice paper making. This 6-hour journey promises a delightful blend of history, hands-on experience, and authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a memorable cultural adventure, this tour provides a captivating glimpse into the heart of Vietnam’s enduring traditions.
Key Points
- Explore the ancient Champa Kingdom ruins at the UNESCO-listed My Son Sanctuary, a 6-hour tour from Da Nang or Hoi An.
- Participate in a hands-on rice paper making demonstration at a local home, learning traditional Vietnamese craft.
- Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner as part of the culture experience.
- Round-trip transportation from hotels in Da Nang or Hoi An is included in the tour package.
- Dress code prohibits shorts in temples, and a 30% surcharge applies during public holidays.
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Tour Overview and Pricing
This tour offers visitors a chance to explore the ancient Champa Kingdom at the My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, and learn the traditional craft of rice paper making.
Priced from $54.37 per person, the 6-hour experience includes round-trip transportation from Da Nang and Hoi An, an English-speaking guide, a rice paper making demonstration, and a traditional Vietnamese dinner.
The tour provides free cancellation with a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.
It’s important to note the 30% surcharge during public holidays and the dress code requirement of no shorts when visiting the temples.
Itinerary Details
The tour kicks off with a pickup from the hotel in Da Nang around 1:00-1:30 PM.
After a scenic 45-minute drive, visitors arrive at the UNESCO-listed My Son Sanctuary at 2:45 PM.
The next 2 hours and 15 minutes are spent exploring this ancient Champa Kingdom site, including:
- Walking tours of the temple ruins
- Witnessing captivating Champa cultural performances
- Marveling at the stunning valley surrounded by mountains
At 5:00 PM, the group heads to a local home to learn the traditional art of rice paper making.
The experience concludes with a delicious dinner featuring authentic Vietnamese cuisine before the return to Da Nang around 6:45 PM.
Experience Highlights
Visitors can explore the ancient Champa Kingdom, founded in the 3rd century, and marvel at the stunning valley surrounded by mountains during their time at the UNESCO-listed My Son Sanctuary.
Travelers will discover the rich history of My Son through guided temple visits.
The tour also includes a hands-on rice paper making experience, where participants can learn the traditional craft and take home their own handcrafted goods.
This immersive cultural experience provides a glimpse into Vietnam’s heritage and allows visitors to gain a deeper appreciation for the country’s enduring traditions.
Inclusions
The package includes round trip hotel pickup and drop-off from Da Nang or Hoi An city centers, covering a distance of 110 km.
Travelers will also receive the services of an English-speaking guide, an opportunity to participate in rice paper making, and a delectable dinner featuring traditional Vietnamese dishes.
Admission to the My Son Sanctuary is covered, and a complimentary bottle of water is provided.
The experience highlights the ancient Champa Kingdom, the stunning natural surroundings, and the chance to take in local culture through hands-on activities.
- English-speaking guide
- Rice paper making experience
- Dinner with traditional Vietnamese dishes
- Entrance fee to My Son Sanctuary
- Complimentary bottle of water
Important Information
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, drinks, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes are recommended for this tour. A 30% surcharge applies during public holidays like New Year and Tet. Shorts are not allowed in the temples. Though the itinerary is subject to change due to weather or guide arrangements, the local operator should be informed in advance about any special dietary needs.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Dress Code | No shorts allowed in temples |
| Itinerary Changes | Possible due to weather or guide arrangements |
| Dietary Needs | Inform local operator in advance |
| Holiday Surcharge | 30% during public holidays |
Pickup and Drop-off
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in this 6-hour tour. Guests will be picked up from their hotels in the Da Nang and Hoi An city centers.
The tour covers a total distance of 110 km. During the trip, travelers will:
- Depart from their hotels around 1:00-1:30 PM
- Arrive at the My Son Sanctuary, a World Cultural Heritage site, at 2:45 PM
- Return to Da Nang and be dropped off at their hotels around 6:45 PM
- Enjoy the convenience of round-trip transportation throughout the experience
- Benefit from the tour’s included pickup and drop-off service.
Champa Kingdom History
Founded in the 3rd century, the Champa Kingdom had long dominated the central coast of Vietnam. This ancient empire was renowned for its sophisticated architecture, rich culture, and powerful naval forces.
The ruins of My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stand as a testament to the kingdom’s artistic achievements and religious devotion. Visitors can explore the stone temples, admire the intricate carvings, and learn about the Cham people’s fascinating history.
The tour allows guests to enjoy the legacy of this once-mighty civilization, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s captivating past.
Rice Paper Making
After exploring the ancient Champa ruins at My Son Sanctuary, the tour takes visitors to a local home to learn the intricate process of rice paper making.
At the home, guests are invited to partake in this traditional Vietnamese craft. They will:
- Observe as the host demonstrates the techniques for soaking, kneading, and pressing the rice flour dough
- Try their hand at stretching and forming the dough into thin, delicate sheets
- Carefully dry the freshly made rice paper over a hot surface
- Use specialized tools to cut and shape the paper
- Package the handcrafted rice paper to take home as a unique souvenir.
This hands-on experience provides a glimpse into the time-honored traditions of Vietnamese culture.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Tour Time Be Adjusted to Accommodate My Schedule?
The tour time can be adjusted to accommodate your schedule. The local operator is flexible and can modify the itinerary to fit your needs, as long as it’s communicated in advance.
Is There a Discount for Group Bookings?
The tour operator offers a group discount for bookings of 6 or more people. Customers can inquire about the group rate when making their reservation. The discount amount is not specified in the provided information.
Can I Bring Additional Luggage on the Tour?
Travelers can bring additional luggage on the tour, but it’s recommended to pack light. The tour provider advises to bring only essential items like comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a camera. Extra bags may be stored in the vehicle during the day.
What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule?
The tour has a free cancellation policy. Customers can receive a full refund if they cancel the tour 24 hours in advance. However, rescheduling may incur additional fees depending on the operator’s policies.
Do I Need a Visa to Participate in the Tour?
No, a visa is not required to participate in this tour. The tour includes round-trip transportation from Da Nang and Hoi An, so visitors can join the activity without needing to obtain a separate visa.
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Recap
This immersive tour offers a chance to explore Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. Discover the ancient Champa Kingdom ruins at My Son Sanctuary, then learn the traditional craft of rice paper making. The experience concludes with a delicious Vietnamese dinner, providing a well-rounded introduction to the country’s history and traditions. It’s an engaging way to spend an afternoon from Da Nang.