Hoi An, My Son, and Hue: Review of a 3-Day Adventure

So, are you thinking of taking that three-day, two-night trip from Hoi An to My Son and Hue? It’s almost definitely worth considering! After all, it hits a lot of highlights in central Vietnam. And honestly, I can give you a pretty decent overview of what that trip is really like. From my viewpoint, there are both incredible moments and areas where it could be improved.

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Day 1: Discovering My Son Sanctuary

We, just like you, started our adventure pretty early. We traveled from Hoi An to My Son Sanctuary, that area is quite beautiful! That trip to My Son offered some truly stunning views. Picture lush, green rice paddies stretching as far as you can see, that, for me anyway, was just stunning against the backdrop of distant mountains. And truly, My Son itself feels super historic. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It had those ancient Cham ruins and really interesting architecture.

Yet, I have to be honest, the tour guide very much rushed us a little through the site. We had something like only a couple of hours, more or less, which barely seemed enough to actually soak it all in and consider each aspect. That definitely made the experience a tiny bit hurried, like we are always against the clock. If you’re super interested in history, perhaps you might want to find a tour that gives you a longer amount of time. Even the option of doing it completely on your own. Even then, make sure you arrange private transport there.

The heat might be something to keep in mind, too. So, make certain you bring plenty of water and wear light clothing. The sun is pretty strong there, even in the early morning, literally. And, there really isn’t much shade available. It’s super important to keep yourself protected.

Day 1 (Continued): Heading to Hue

Oh, now, from My Son, the drive to Hue became an event in itself, actually. We got to drive over the Hai Van Pass. I thought those views were very spectacular, if I’m honest. You get incredible panoramic vistas of the coast, like just unbelievable photo opportunities all around. I literally took loads! On the way, though, lunch turned out to be fairly basic. It was kind of at a roadside restaurant. Now, you might want to pack some snacks along, you know, just in case it is to your liking.

As we reached Hue, very, very much our first stop was the Tomb of Khai Dinh. It looked a bit smaller compared to how I imagined, you see, from photos I saw online. It felt kind of packed with a few other tourist groups when we showed up. The tomb kind of has interesting design features though, as a matter of fact. It kind of blends Western and Eastern architectural styles that give it unique charm, arguably. Later, that evening we ended up at our hotel, located just a bit from the city center. You might just check the location beforehand and be certain you’re fine with how far out it is.

Day 2: Exploring Hue’s Imperial City

So, Day 2 was dedicated to delving into the old Imperial City of Hue, so to speak, that area has many spots to wander! That sprawling citadel had moats, impressive gates, as well as, amazing palaces to explore. It’s super easy to spend hours walking around and soaking in the grandeur of that old, old empire. The historic site definitely felt quite grand, there is loads to explore there.

Having said that, just like My Son, you see, I felt our time here was a little limited too. As a matter of fact, it kind of barely scratched the surface of all of the things it can offer, very much so. The heat started to become something to handle here, very. Again, always bring plenty of water and sunscreen, okay? Honestly, if I could do things another way, more or less, I would perhaps just take two days in Hue on its own, I have to say. This would certainly allow the time to go at a relaxed pace and discover some hidden corners. Later, the tour took us to a local market for some quick souvenir shopping. It all felt very touristy and very rushed again. You’ll be dealing with quite persistent vendors, of course.

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Day 2 (Continued): Pagoda and Perfume River

Then, the afternoon included a trip to the Thien Mu Pagoda and a very nice boat trip along the Perfume River, you know, to calm things down a bit after so much hustle and bustle from that morning. I honestly think this was perhaps a standout moment from our Hue visit, basically. The pagoda itself is really beautiful, just unbelievable views, and the boat trip provides something pretty restful along the scenic river. That calm scene and cool breeze did very much offer a break from heat. The views of the countryside could be seen all along the route. The guide also mentioned some fascinating bits about local history and traditions as well.

Dinner at night wasn’t really included within our tour, that means we just chose where we wanted. In this particular area there is heaps of local restaurants close to the hotel so it’s really, really simple. Having said that, you should consider asking your hotel to suggest somewhere, just in case they’re fully aware of a super-special restaurant close by.

Day 3: A Relaxing Morning and Return to Hoi An

Our last day began with a fairly gentle morning in Hue. You get a few free hours to perhaps explore a tiny bit by yourself or chill in your hotel, very much the call is yours. Given the limited amount of time during that trip, more or less, I would of liked to take better use and visit any interesting cafe. After we’d finished our exploring, in a way, it was the right time to travel back to Hoi An. So you should be prepared for another decent length bus trip.

We reached Hoi An just mid-afternoon. After we’d said our goodbyes to that tour group we went to take a short walk. After which we had coffee close to the river, and watched the city wake up. It feels as though that city starts late and stays up into the night, as a matter of fact. That ancient town of Hoi An had a pretty distinct atmosphere which, of course, made it feel completely different than the bigger city of Hue.

Overall Thoughts: Is This Tour For You?

So, is the tour to Hoi An, My Son and Hue really something worth recommending? Possibly, yes, though there are certainly several things to weigh up prior to booking! You see, it gives you a glimpse of important cultural sites in Central Vietnam, basically. The commute to see the stunning landscape through the Hai Van Pass could well be really worth all that, even, on its own!

That being said, you know, the fast speed and short time allocated in the different historic sites just makes me question. Just like me, you may want something less chaotic with a more peaceful approach, as a matter of fact, in which case this tour may not really fit. A super rapid visit could leave one unfulfilled and not entirely absorbing much historical site depth, even if that pace could suit people who simply love an ‘on-the-go’ travel trip.

Also, you know, being mindful to plan correctly for weather considerations like heat, so, literally take what you could, basically. Remember loads of water along with some solid footwear is crucial.

Quick Tips for this type of Trip:

• So, remember to bring a light jacket, also pack light clothes to assist with the heat of that area!
• The weather in this spot can just be extremely hot. Very often. Make sure to take plenty of sunblock along with a good amount of water to avoid dehydration.
• It’s often advisable to have local currency. Even in the most modern spots sometimes you can make savings with a little negotiating!
• So, plan for quick transportation and transfers. Even those tour companies that feel hectic can just offer super convenience and good efficiency.

Essential Things to note about Three day visit of Hoi An, My Son and Hue

• Visiting three important historical and cultural sites during this short visit;
• Being able to get unbelievable scene through the scenic Hai Van Pass on the way to Hue
• Taking important preparation steps in dealing heat, humidity by packing necessities