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

(5 customer reviews)
  • Hoi An, Marble Mountain, Vietnam
  • 3 booked
  • Duration: 7 hours
  • Language: English

Overview

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.

 

  • Spend a day of shore excursions exploring Hoi An and Marble Mountains
  • Travel through temples, caves, nature, old houses
  • Avoid the crowds at hard-to-reach destinations with a private tour
  • Bottled water, lunch are provided

 


 

What’s Included

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

 


 

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

5

Dragon bridge

Dragon Bridge is one of the most recognizable symbols of Da Nang, inaugurated on March 29, 2013, marking the 38th anniversary of the city’s liberation.

Designed in the shape of a dragon reaching out towards the East Sea, the bridge symbolizes Da Nang’s prosperity, development, and aspiration to expand globally. This design also evokes the image of the golden dragon from legend, representing power and strength for the Vietnamese people.

 

1

Hoi An city

We will discover the city of Hoi An on foot. The historic town, which used to be a prosperous seaport city from the 16th to 18th century, is now a wonderful city that cannot be missed while touring the Southeast Asian region. While walking through the city, we will make a few stops to visit Hoi An Museum, many of the town’s renowned Ancient Houses which boast remarkable architecture, Assembly Halls of Chinese influence; Art Craft Manufacturing Workshop and of course the must-see Japanese Covered Bridge. You can find variety architecture styles in Hoi An Ancient Town which are Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese as well as French styles.

2

Lunch

Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in Hoi An

3

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.

 

4

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
  • Yes, we will pick you up at Chan May port

  • Yes, we will pick you up at Tien Sa

  • The tour takes about 7 hours

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

  • It is 30 km between the 2 places.

  • Yes, the guide speaks perfect English.

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

Review

5.00/5
5 Reviews
5 stars
5
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0

There are no reviews yet.

From Original price was: 160 $.Current price is: 140 $.

Book the tour

Cruise Port

Children  × 80 $
 Adult  × 140 $

Group discount for groups of more than 3 people

Group discount 0 $ ( People)
Total = 140 $

From Original price was: 160 $.Current price is: 140 $.

Write a review