Shore Excursions: My Son Sanctuary & Marble Mountains from Chan May/Tien Sa Port

Shore excursions: Experience the highlights of Central Vietnam with a private full-day shore excursion to the historical My Son Sanctuary and the natural wonder of the Marble Mountains. Specifically designed for cruise passengers arriving at Chan May or Tien Sa Port, this tour provides a stress-free way to explore these cultural treasures.

Our day begins at My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will discover the ancient temples and learn about the Champa Kingdom. You’ll then journey to the Marble Mountains, a series of five limestone hills dotted with pagodas, caves, and viewpoints. Our local guide will lead you to the most interesting sights and provide insightful commentary throughout the tour.

Avoid crowded buses and tour groups by enjoying this tour with your own private guide and transportation. Guaranteed timely return to your cruise.

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 shore 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 shore 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 shore 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.

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.

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 other shore excursions.