My Son Sanctuary: The Complete Day Trip Guide from Da Nang

My Son Sanctuary: What You Need to Know

My Son Sanctuary is one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia, and it is well within reach of Da Nang for a half-day or full-day trip. The site is a collection of Hindu temples built by the Champa Kingdom between the 4th and 14th centuries, nestled in a jungle valley in Quang Nam Province. As of October 2026, the entrance fee for foreign visitors is 150,000 VND, which includes the electric shuttle from the gate to the ruins. Allow 2 to 3 hours on site, leave Da Nang early, and you will have a deeply rewarding day.

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Location and Distance from Da Nang

My Son Sanctuary sits in Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam Province, approximately 55 to 70 km from central Da Nang. The drive takes 1.25 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic and the route you take. The sanctuary is actually closer to Hoi An at around 40 km, which is why many visitors combine both destinations in a single day.

If you are based in Da Nang neighborhoods like An Thuong, My Khe, or Hai Chau, factor in an extra 15 to 20 minutes compared to departing from Hoi An.

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Entrance Fees and Opening Hours

Ticket prices were updated on January 1, 2026. Confirm the latest prices at the gate before your visit.

| Visitor Type | Fee (as of October 2026) | |---|---| | Foreign adults | 150,000 VND | | Vietnamese adults | 100,000 VND | | Children aged 5 to 15 | 30,000 VND (service/shuttle fee) | | Children under 5 | Free |

The foreign adult ticket includes the 2 km electric shuttle ride from the entrance gate to the temple ruins. This shuttle saves a significant walk in the heat.

Opening hours (as of October 2026): The site opens between 06:00 and 07:30 daily and closes between 17:30 and 18:00. There is some variation in reported times, so aim to arrive by 07:30 at the latest and confirm locally before you go.

Your ticket also includes a traditional Cham dance performance held at the site, typically in the mid-morning. Check the schedule when you arrive.

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How to Get to My Son from Da Nang

Organized Group Tour

This is the most popular option for first-time visitors. Tour operators handle pickup from your hotel in Da Nang, transport both ways, and often include a guide who explains the history of the Champa civilization. Many tours combine My Son with a visit to Hoi An in the afternoon.

You can find group and private tours through platforms like GetYourGuide, or local operators such as Joytime and Hiep Hoi An Travel. Prices vary, so compare options before booking.

Private Car

Hiring a private car is the most flexible option. You set your own departure time, stop where you want, and the driver waits while you explore. Expect to pay roughly 800,000 to 1,200,000 VND for a round-trip vehicle from Da Nang. The journey takes around 75 to 90 minutes each way.

Motorbike

Riding a motorbike to My Son is possible, but the route involves a mix of highway and rural roads, and the ride is about two hours each way from Da Nang. This option is only suitable for confident, experienced riders. If you are new to riding in Vietnam, a car or tour is the safer choice.

From Hoi An

If your itinerary includes Hoi An, visiting My Son from there is easier and cheaper. The site is only 40 km from Hoi An, cutting travel time significantly. Many visitors take a taxi or join a local minibus tour from Hoi An in the morning, then spend the evening exploring Hoi An's Old Town.

For getting between Da Nang and Hoi An, see our guide on taking the train from Da Nang.

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When to Go: Timing Your Visit

The valley at My Son is hot and humid. Midday temperatures regularly exceed 32 degrees Celsius, and shade is limited once you are among the ruins. Arriving at opening time, around 06:00 to 07:30, gives you the best light for photography, cooler air, and a window before the tour buses arrive.

If you are driving from Da Nang, leave by 06:00 to 06:30 at the latest. If that is too early, plan for a late-afternoon visit after 15:00 when the heat eases and crowds thin out.

Seasonal note: The best months for Central Vietnam are February to August. The rainy season from October to December can make the rural road to My Son slippery, especially on a motorbike.

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What to See at My Son Sanctuary

The sanctuary is divided into groups of ruins labeled with letters. The most well-preserved and visually impressive clusters are Groups B, C, and D, which are closest to the main path from the shuttle drop-off. Group A was heavily damaged during the Vietnam War, but the remains still carry a powerful atmosphere.

The Cham Dance Performance

Included in your ticket is a live Cham dance performance held in a dedicated performance area near the main ruins. The dances draw on ancient Hindu ritual traditions of the Champa people and are worth watching, especially if you are visiting with children or want cultural context before exploring.

The Museum Display

Near the entrance area, a small display provides background on Cham history and the major temple groups. It is worth spending 10 to 15 minutes here before you board the shuttle so you can better understand what you are looking at.

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A Suggested Itinerary: Da Nang to My Son and Hoi An

This is the most popular one-day cultural itinerary from Da Nang.

• 06:00: Depart Da Nang by private car or join a tour pickup
• 07:30: Arrive at My Son, board the electric shuttle
• 07:45 to 10:30: Explore the temple groups, watch the Cham performance
• 11:00: Drive toward Hoi An (40 km, about 45 minutes)
• 12:00 to 14:00: Lunch and explore Hoi An Ancient Town
• 17:00 to 18:00: Return to Da Nang

This itinerary works well with a private car or a combined tour that covers both sites. It is one of the best cultural day trips available from Da Nang.

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Practical Tips for Visiting My Son

• Sun protection is essential. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and at least one litre of water per person. There is very little shade between the ruins.
• Wear comfortable, modest clothing. Cover shoulders and knees out of respect. This is a religious site.
• Footwear matters. Paths can be uneven, sandy, and occasionally muddy. Sturdy walking shoes or sandals with a good grip are much better than flip-flops.
• Food on site is limited. There are basic refreshment options near the entrance, but most visitors plan for a proper meal in Hoi An or back in Da Nang.
• A guide adds real value. The site's history is layered and not always obvious from the structures alone. If your tour does not include a guide, hiring one at the entrance is worth the cost.
• Accessibility: The electric shuttle covers the 2 km from the gate to the ruins. The walking paths within the complex are unpaved and uneven, which may present challenges for visitors with limited mobility.

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Before You Go: Making the Most of Your Da Nang Base

My Son is best done as a morning activity. When you return to Da Nang in the afternoon, you have time to enjoy everything the city has to offer. If you are staying near My Khe Beach, an afternoon swim is the perfect way to decompress after a morning in the heat.

If you are spending a full day out and want to add more to the trip, our guide to the best beach day trips near Da Nang has more ideas. For something different the following day, the Hai Van Pass is another classic excursion from the city.

Back in Da Nang, the Ngu Hanh Son area has plenty of options to round out your day. You can try a cooking class at Apron Up Cooking Class to learn about Vietnamese cuisine, or pick up something handmade at Lep Pottery as a souvenir. If you are hungry after the drive back, Quan Bun Bo Hue Co My serves excellent Central Vietnamese noodle soup at local prices.

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Is My Son Worth Visiting from Da Nang?

Absolutely, yes. The drive is longer than from Hoi An, but My Son is a genuinely extraordinary site that rewards the effort. The scale of the ruins, the jungle setting, and the depth of Champa history make it unlike anything else in the region. Going early, going with a plan, and giving yourself a full morning rather than rushing through makes all the difference.

Explore more of what Da Nang and the surrounding region has to offer at Da Nang Directory.