My Son Sanctuary and Marble Mountain full day tour

(2 customer reviews)
  • My Son, Marble Mountain, Vietnam
  • 2 booked
  • Duration: 7 hours
  • Language: English

Overview

A day filled with history, culture and architectural delights of My Son and Marble Mountain tour. Firstly Start the tour at My Son Sanctuary. Then move on to the natural beauty of a mountain made of marble (Marble Mountain).

If you have just one day in Hoi An or Da Nang, My Son and Marble Mountain tour is a perfect tour for you. Within 8 hours, you will see 2 main tourist attractions, and both are national heritages. While My Son is said to be the Hindu center of Cham people, Marble Mountain is definitely the Kingdom of Buddhism which belongs to Vietnamese people. Away from the busy and noisy cities, this tour will bring you to the outskirts where there is just nature and history. Moreover, My Son sanctuary and Marble Mountain tour is suitable for both children and adults as it is a perfect outdoor activity.

At the Marble Mountains, our lovely guides will guide you through each step to climb up the mountain and discover the beautiful caves, the ancient temples,… We also see how the monks practice their religion. Marble Mountain is also a great place to take good photos since the mountains remain intact for many thousand years. You will also have a chance to see how the sculpturers carve the marble statues.

In My Son, our guide will walk you through the mysterious valley of My Son and through several temples. We also give you a lot of information about the history and architecture of Cham Culture. It also offers lots of photo opportunities, and our guide will show you the right spots for good photos.

What is My Son Sanctuary?

In the 4th century, Cham People lived in the south of Vietnam today. They built a country named Champa Kingdom. Where Cham people came from is still unknown, but according to some research, they might come from Indonesia, or India,… Like those countries, Cham people were Hinduist.

In the 4th century, The Cham King (Bhadravarman I) built the first temple from wood, and it was burnt accidentally. In the 6th century (200 years later), A Cham King ( Sambhuvarman) built the first brick temple and later other kings built their own temples. Rumor has it each prince when they took over the throne had to built a temple ( There are about 70 discovered temples, there could be 70 kings ruling the Kingdom from the 4th to the 13th century).

All the temples in My Son sanctuary were built mainly to dedicate to Shiva ( the destruction in Hindu). Other than Shiva, they also worshiped other gods such as Vishnu (the protection), Brahma( The creation).

In the 14th century, Champa Kingdom was invaded by the Vietnamese from the North. Gradually the Vietnamese took over the Kingdom in the 19th century.

My Son was abandoned for almost a hundred years in the primary forest of My Son valley. In 1885, the French discovered it. 10 years later, they started studying inscriptions and architecture.

In 1969, My Son sanctuary was bombed by the US Airforce. 90% of the old sanctuary was destructed. In 1997, the Vietnamese government with the support of Poland, India, Italy started restoring the temples. During the restorations, the archeologists met a lot of difficulties due to lacks of documents which were destroyed in the wars.

What’s the best time to visit My Son

My Son is situated in a valley and surrounded by sand stone mountains. It will be very hot in the Summer when the heat is trapped inside. Best time of the year to visit My Son is from February to April. In the rainy season ( From October to December), the road to My Son can be flooded.

There are 3 times during the day when you can visit the My Son: Early morning, morning, and the afternoon. It depends on your plans, available time, you can choose your most suitable times.

My Son sunrise: You will start at 5.00 am. You will reach My Son at 6.00. The benefit of getting early is you will have the place to yourself, avoid the heat in the summer, take a lot of good photos, see the beautiful sunrise.

My Son morning: you will start at 7.30 or 8.00. Note: the weather can be hot from 10.00 in the Summer

My Son afternoon tour: You will start at 13.00 or 13.30. If you finish late at My Son, you may see the sunset.

How to get to My Son?

From Hoi An and Da Nang, it is not difficult to get to My Son. You can easily go there by your self.

By private car with a driver: You can book a car to get there, the cost is around 600,000 vnd to 1 millions vnd. The driver will pick you up from your hotels, transfer you to My Son, wait for you for 2 hours and bring you back. Taking taxi or grab car can cost more, because they will run by meters.

Motorbike taxi: Motorbike taxi will cost much, because My Son is quite far from Hoi An and Da Nang ( 60 km). Grab bike ( You can download the app online) is available at the cost of 200.000 vnd, but you have to make sure that driver will wait for you in My Son, because grab bike offers no service there, you will find it difficult to go back. Booking with grab bike is sometimes limited, because due to the long distance, the drivers can deny your booking.

Scooter rental: You can also rent a scooter and drive there yourself, which requires you to have good driving skills. The cost of a scooter rental for one day is from 180,000 vnd to 250,000 vnd. It will be fun if you can drive safely. You will not only see more things on the way but also interact more with people. Of course this is not recommended if you are not used to the traffic in Vietnam.

A private My Son sanctuary tour: A private My Son sanctuary tour can have all the advantages above and eliminate the advantages. Mate Hoi An tours provides you with private tours which include tickets, tour guide, water, transportations. Book other tours here.

History of Marble Mountain

Many million years ago, A volcano erupted from the sea near Da Nang today. The eruption created the five mountains and other islets and peninsulas: Cham Island and Son Tra Mountains.

The Marble Mountains then belonged to the Champa Kingdom. Cham people turned the Mountain into a Hindu sanctuary. In the 15th century, the Vietnamese occupied the area and Vietnamese started living in the central coast of Vietnam. Marble Mountain became a Buddhist monastery.

In the 19th century, Minh Mang emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty visited the mountains and ordered artisans, soldiers to build more temples and carve more statues.

In the late 19th century, Vietnam was colonized by France, the Marble Mountain was still a Buddhist monastery for locals, although due to the war, it was destroyed many times by the French and later the American.

After the war, Marble Mountains become well-known for its beauty and attract millions of tourist every year.

What is Marble Mountain famous for?

Marble mountain is a very important site of Da Nang. For many hundred years, it has been a religious center for both Buddhist and Hindu. In the Mountain, there are many important relics and artifacts built by the ancient people. People visit Marble mountains for many reasons, some of which can be listed here:

  • Beautiful sights: Marble Mountains ( Especially the Water Mountain) are very beautiful. There are to ways to climb up: we can walk up on foot or take the elevator. Up there, the view is very breathtaking. There are a lot of things to see: Ancient temples, natural caves, sculptures carved into the rock by local artisans,…
  • Long and interesting history: Marble Mountains have a very long history and a lot of stories to be told. The myths and local belief are incredibly appealing. It is also a wonderful way for those who wish to learn about the history of Buddhism.
  • Beautiful stone village: The village is said to be over 200 years. People used to take marble and limestone to carve artifacts, statues, kitchen utensils and sold them everywhere in Vietnam. It is worth a look at how they do it nowadays.

What is Marble Mountain famous for?

Marble mountain is a very important site of Da Nang. For many hundred years, it has been a religious center for both Buddhist and Hindu. In the Mountain, there are many important relics and artifacts built by the ancient people. People visit Marble mountains for many reasons, some of which can be listed here:

  • Beautiful sights: Marble Mountains ( Especially the Water Mountain) are very beautiful. There are to ways to climb up: we can walk up on foot or take the elevator. Up there, the view is very breathtaking. There are a lot of things to see: Ancient temples, natural caves, sculptures carved into the rock by local artisans,…
  • Long and interesting history: Marble Mountains have a very long history and a lot of stories to be told. The myths and local belief are incredibly appealing. It is also a wonderful way for those who wish to learn about the history of Buddhism.
  • Beautiful stone village: The village is said to be over 200 years. People used to take marble and limestone to carve artifacts, statues, kitchen utensils and sold them everywhere in Vietnam. It is worth a look at how they do it nowadays.

How to get to the Marble Mountains

From Hoi An, you can get to the Marble Mountains by car, motorbike taxi, …

Car: A private car with a driver can cost 700,000 vnd to 800.000 vnd for the visit of Marble Mountains and Lady Buddha in Son Tra peninsula. The driver will wait for you and be flexible with your time. Along the way, he can stop at the beach, fish wharf for a break or photos. This is a good choice, because it will be safe and convenient.

Motorbike taxi: Motorbike taxi is mainly grab bike ( You can download grab app), it costs around 150.000 vnd for 1 way. When you want to go back to Hoi An, you can book again at the mountain.

Scooter rental: You can save the cost of transportation by going there yourself by scooter. The Scooter rental costs 200.000 vnd for a good scooter ( gas is not included). This is not recommended if you are not used to the traffic in Vietnam, but if you are a good driver, this will be a fun way to discover the Marble Mountain and Da Nang surroundings. Parking fee at the Water Mountain ( Thuy Son) is about 10.000 vnd. Remember to bargain and ask the price first.

Private tour: You can book a My son and Marble mountain tour tour with us. Mate Hoi An Tours provides private My son and marble mountain tour to Marble Mountains. Khanh is an experienced tour guide and speaks perfect English. The tour will save you a lot of time from planning your itineraries and all other inconveniences. Khanh will explain to you all the facts, history, take you to good spots for taking photos, and help you avoid tourist traps. The tour also includes: guide, tickets, water, coffee stops.

  • Spend a day exploring My Son sanctuary and Marble Mountains
  • Travel through temples, caves, nature,…
  • Avoid the crowds at hard-to-reach destinations with a private tour
  • Bottled water, lunch are provided

 


 

What’s Included

  • Tour to My Son and Marble Mountain
  • Driver/Guide
  • Bottled water, lunch
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off by airconditioned vehicle
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Wet tissue

 


 

Additional Information

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, comfortable clothes and hiking or tennis shoes.
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • The tour start at 8:00am but the pick-up times can be flexible
  • English is used in this tour.
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved at both attractions.
  • Waiver will need to be signed attesting to good health conditions

 


 

Cancellation Policy

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • The tour start at 8.00 am but the pickup times can be flexible
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers of 2 people
  • Children under 7 years old can travel free. Children from 7 years old to 13 years old pay 50%
  • Group discount is applied for groups of more than 3 people ( details in the booking form.

What is not included

  • Travel insurance.
  • Beverages such as beer, wine, soft drinks, … at restaurants
  • Personal items, such as snacks, laundry, and telephone calls.
  • Tips/ gratuities for drivers and local guides.

What To Expect

1

Departure to My Son

It takes 1 hour to get to My Son

2

My Son sanctuary

We will begin our day trip with a visit to the capital and religious center of the former Champa Kingdom, My Son, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beautifully situated in a lush green valley, there are dozen of red brick towers and sanctuaries dating from between the 7th and 13th century.

3

Lunch

Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in Hoi An

4

Marble Mountain

We will discover Marble Mountains (Vietnamese: Ngu Hanh Son; literally “five elements mountains”) Here, you will have the opportunity to explore the stunning natural caves of the mountain and enjoy the beautiful view from the top of the mountain. Stone steps carved into the mountain lead to a Buddhist Pagoda. We will climb up the stone stairs and visit the caves and pagodas as well as admire the beautiful panoramic view. Marble Mountain Linh Ung Pagoda at Marble Mountains has been designated a national historical and cultural site by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

5

Linh Ung temple and Lady Buddha

We finally visit Son Tra Linh Ung Pagoda with the spectacular Son Tra Quan Yin, or Goddess of Mercy statue.

6

Return

Map

Frequently Asked Questions
  • The tour takes about 7 hours

  • Yes, lunch is included. We also offer cold bottles of water.

  • It is 60 km between the 2 places.

  • Yes, the guide speaks perfect English.

  • Yes, My son and the Marble Mountains are the 2 most popular destinations in the central Vietnam.

Review

5.00/5
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  1. Tour to My Son and Marble Mountain

    Mark

    Excellent tour to My Son and Marble Mountain. Khanh was the owner of the company and our guide that day. He guided us through temples and cave, gave us lots of facts. Totally worth it.

  2. Great, a little needs improving

    Ben

    Love every minute of this tour. Khanh was excellent. My only complaint is we should spend more time in My Son. Apart from that, the tour was perfect.

From Original price was: 85 $.Current price is: 74 $.

Book the tour

Children  × 37 $
 Adult  × 74 $

Group discount for groups of more than 3 people

Group discount 0 $ ( People)
Total = 148 $

From Original price was: 85 $.Current price is: 74 $.

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