Shore Excursions: Hoi An Ancient Town & Marble Mountains from Chan May/Tien Sa Port

Shore Excursions in Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue: Make the most of your cruise stop with a private full-day shore excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An Ancient Town and the spectacular Marble Mountains. Designed for cruise ship passengers arriving at Chan May or Tien Sa port, this tour provides a seamless and enriching experience.

Begin by wandering through the enchanting streets of Hoi An, a town frozen in time, where you will have a chance to admire the unique architecture and atmosphere. Next, you will visit the Marble Mountains, a series of limestone peaks with caves, pagodas and stunning scenery. You will learn about the history and culture of the area with your private guide throughout this tour.

Avoid the crowds and enjoy a comfortable and personalized tour, allowing for a more relaxed pace and a guaranteed return to your ship.

What are shore excursions:

Shore excursions are guided tours or activities that cruise ship passengers can take when their ship docks at a port. These excursions are planned to fit within the ship’s schedule and offer a taste of the local culture and attractions. They usually include transportation, entrance fees, and sometimes meals. From Tien Sa Port, which serves Da Nang, popular excursions often include exploring the city itself, visiting the Marble Mountains, seeing the Dragon Bridge, and experiencing local markets. Many also choose to travel to the nearby ancient town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its tailor shops and historical buildings, or to see the unique Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge. Some excursions might focus on local cooking classes or visiting the My Son Sanctuary. Shore excursions from Chan May Port, which is closer to Hue, focus on the historic city, the former imperial capital. Common tours involve visits to the Imperial Citadel, royal tombs, and the Thien Mu Pagoda. The key is that they allow cruise passengers to make the most of their limited time in port by experiencing local sights and activities in a convenient and organized way.

Ports to pick up:

Chan May Port is a deep-water seaport located in central Vietnam, specifically in the Thua Thien Hue province. It’s a significant port for both cargo and passenger ships, particularly cruise ships, serving as a gateway to the central region of the country, which is rich in history and culture. Unlike some ports that are right in a major city, Chan May Port is a bit more remote, situated on a peninsula, meaning that visitors often need to travel to reach nearby attractions.

Tien Sa Port is a significant seaport located in Da Nang, Vietnam. Unlike Chan May Port, which is a bit more removed, Tien Sa Port is situated much closer to the city center, making it a more convenient starting point for exploring Da Nang and the surrounding region. It’s a busy port that handles both cargo and passenger traffic, including cruise ships.

Benefits of a private shore excursion compared to Cruise line group tours:

Private shore excursion tours offer several advantages over the group tours sold by cruise lines. The biggest benefit is the customization and flexibility; you have complete control over the itinerary, allowing you to focus on your specific interests, set your own pace, and make adjustments as needed. You can spend more time at the places you love and skip things that don’t interest you, often avoiding the crowds. Private tours also provide a more personalized experience with a dedicated guide who focuses solely on your group, offering more interaction and in-depth insights into the local culture. You also have the benefit of private transportation, offering more comfort, direct routes, and the ability to choose your vehicle size. This private transportation also means that you can maximize your time and see more, without waiting for others. Moreover, private tours can often provide a more authentic experience, with opportunities to connect with locals, visit local businesses, and learn about the culture from a local perspective. While the initial cost per person for a private tour can be higher, for families or small groups, it can be more cost-effective and allow for a more customized and memorable experience.

Hoi An city: Hoi An is a captivating city in central Vietnam, located on the coast of the South China Sea, in Quang Nam province. It’s perhaps best known for its remarkably well-preserved Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site that draws visitors from around the globe. Hoi An is a place where history, culture, and a touch of modern charm blend seamlessly, creating a unique and enchanting destination.

Marble mountain: Marble Mountains ( In Vietnamese they are called Ngu Hanh Son which means the mountains of the five elements) is a cluster of the 5 mountains which were named after the 5 basic elements in the Vietnamese culture: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth. The ancient Vietnamese believed that everything in this world was created from those elements.

Today, the Marble Mountains become the iconic tourist attraction of Da Nang. Walking up the mountains, you will see a forest growing up on marble, which is rarely seen any where else.

Lady Buddha: The Lady Buddha Statue, also called the Bodhisattva statue or Quanyin, is a tremendous symbol and an indispensable spiritual place in Da Nang, Vietnam. The Temple of Literature located in the Linh Ung Pagoda complex on the Son Tra Peninsula is well-known for its huge size and the intricate architecture of the statue.

Dragon bridge: The Dragon Bridge in Da Nang, Vietnam, is a striking, modern road bridge that spans the Han River and has become an iconic symbol of the city. Its most distinctive feature is the massive, golden dragon that runs along its length, meticulously crafted from steel. The bridge is visually impressive both day and night, but it’s particularly famous for its weekend show. Every Saturday and Sunday at 9 PM, the dragon breathes fire and spouts water in a dynamic spectacle that draws large crowds of tourists and locals. Even without the show, the bridge is beautifully illuminated at night, with changing colors reflected in the river, making it a popular spot for evening walks. More than just a bridge, it’s a testament to modern engineering and a source of local pride, showcasing Da Nang’s progress and development. It has also become a major tourist attraction, boosting the local economy and creating a lively atmosphere around it. The Dragon Bridge is easily accessible in the center of Da Nang, and its unique combination of functionality and spectacle makes it a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Book more shore excursions here.