My Son Sanctuary – Thrilling Discoveries Await You!

My Son Sanctuary is one of the most captivating tourist destinations that draws thousands of tourists to visit whenever they can travel to Quang Nam, Vietnam. This expansive architectural complex comprises over 70 temples adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, which bears witness to a civilization that thrived for over 1,600 years of Champa Kingdom. Despite the ravages of time, war and natural disasters, My Son sanctuary’s captivating beauty remains undiminished . Today approximately 20 temples still stand tall in My Son, inviting visitors to embark on a journey through the annals of Champa history.

The sanctuary’s tranquil atmosphere and the mysterious space of the reserve bring visitors to a past era, where the holy strength respects all aspects of life. The article below will have useful information to help your My Son Sanctuary tour from Hoian become more memorable.

Journey Into My Son Sanctuary – Surprises in the Central Vietnam!

1. Overview My Son Sanctuary

1.1 Where is My Son Sanctuary located?

My Son Sanctuary is a heritage complex showcasing the remarkable architecture of the Cham people, located in Duy Phu commune, Duy Xuyen district, Quang Nam province. It is situated approximately 69 kilometers southwest of  Da Nang city and about 40 kilometers west of  Hoi An city and 145 km south of Hue ancient capital. It holds within its embrace a treasure trove of ancient Cham temples hidden in the valley, surrounded by majestic mountains to create a mysterious beauty.

1.2 My Son Sanctuary map

Maps are always essential in the journey to explore a new land for tourists, especially foreign tourists.While online maps offer real-time navigation and updates, paper maps provide a reliable backup in case of signal loss, a common occurrence in My Son Temple remote mountains location.  

The combination of online and paper maps proves to be a successful strategy for your My Son Sanctuary tour. Online maps provide real-time directions and route optimization, ensuring you reach your destination efficiently. However, in areas prone to signal interruptions, paper maps emerge as lifesavers, guiding you through the terrain without relying on a digital connection. Besides, a dedicated map of the site becomes your trusted companion.

My Son Sanctuary map will unveil the locations of ancient temples and relics, helping you navigate the complex layout and maximize your exploration time. You can purchase these maps conveniently at the ticket counters, bus stations or nearby convenience stores. These detailed maps will be adorned with clear images and annotations, ensuring you don’t miss a  “gem” within this sacred Sanctuary.

1.3 My Son Sanctuary history

My Son Sanctuary was discovered in 1898  by a French who stumbled upon the hidden temple complex deep within a narrow valley in the middle of the forest. This sacred site was built in the 4th century under the dynasty of King Bhadravarman ( Pham Ho Dat), who established it as a religious center dedicated to the worship of the Hindu deities Linga and Shiva. The earliest temple was  constructed from wood. Two centuries later, a devastating fire engulfed the Sanctuary, making the wooden structures to ashes. To overcome this consequence, in the 7th century,King Sambhuvarman (Pham Phan Chi) used stone bricks to rebuild the temples with animal sculpture, gods and priests. Thanks to this material, the monuments can last longer.

Over the ensuing centuries, successive Cham rulers continued to expand and embellish the My Son Temple, resulting in a remarkable collection of over 70 temples, each showcasing unique architectural features that reflect the styles of the Champa dynasty.

Apart from serving as a religious hub, My Son Temple also held immense cultural and spiritual importance for the Cham people. It was a place where they congregated for sacred ceremonies, revered their ancestors, and sought spiritual guidance from their deities. The sanctuary also served as the final resting place for Cham kings and monks. My Son’s holy architecture is influenced by Hinduism in both architecture and culture.

My Son Sanctuary is considered one of the largest temple centers of Hinduism in Southeast Asia. In December 1999, My Son Holyland was recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage.

1.4 My Son Sanctuary entrance fee

Like many other relic complexes, visitors are required to purchase entrance tickets to fully appreciate the beauty of My Son. Ticket price covers sightseeing tickets, tram service, and watching Cham cultural performances.

2. Explore My Son Sanctuary

2.1 The most important Temples

Temple architecture at My Son Sanctuary is divided into 9 groups, each representing a distinct phase of construction. Group A,B,C,D,E and G are particularly noteworthy for their intact or partially restored structures. These groups showcase the architectural brilliance of the ancient Champa Kingdom, with intricate carvings, statues of Shiva, stone steles , and remnants of an extensive temple complex.

Group B, located on the western hill. It features a central temple flanked by three auxiliary towers, dedicated to both King Bhadravarman and the Hindu god Shiva. The presence of a “linga” – a symbolic presentation of Hindu belief, further reinforces the religious significance of this group.

To fully appreciate the grandeur of My Son Holyland, it is recommended to explore the temple grounds in the following order: C-D-B-G-E-A. This sequence leads you to the Cham dance theater, an ideal spot to conclude your exploration.

2.2 Museums

Behind the ticket counter, about 100 meters away, is the Champa Museum, which houses a rich collection of ancient artifacts and statues.At the My Son Sanctuary, you can admire these ancient objects and delve into the history, archaeology, religion, and culture of the Cham people.The museum’s collection includes reliefs, bricks and tiles, lingams, and other artifacts, many of which are remarkably well-preserved.A visit to the Champa Museum is a must for anyone interested in the history and culture of the Cham people.

2.3 Cultural dance show

My Son Sanctuary is not only renowned for its unique architecture but also serves as a repository of the Cham people’s culture, evident in their graceful and fluid traditional Cham dances. Tourists are captivated by the Cham people’s offering dances, which hold deep cultural significance such as “Apsara dance”. The sight of Cham dancers adorned with traditional attire, often balancing candles, water, fruits, and betel and areca on their heads during celebratory ceremonies, epitomizes the cultural beauty of the Cham people. In addition, this place also has many unique artistic activities such as folk performing arts, fire-biting dances, ceremonial dances, water team dances… Surely it will not disappoint visitors here. Cultural dance shows typically take place at 9:30am and 10:30am. on all days of the week.

3. How to get to My Son Sanctuary?

There are many means of transportation used to get to My Son sanctuary. We encourage you to use the following two types of vehicles: private car and motorbikes

3.1 Book a private car

A private car is ideal for those who want complete control over their itinerary and enjoy their privacy with loved ones on the journey to My Son Sanctuary. On the way to My Son, you can ask your driver to stop to snap photos of the stunning view of Central Vietnam, or simply sip a cup of ice milk coffee at the street stores.

3.2 Motorbike

A motorbike is a great choice for those seeking an exhilarating and scenic route. Choosing a motorbike makes your journey more challenging and surprising when you pass through breathtaking Vietnam’s nature. However, be careful and control your own pace since your safety is the priority.

4. My Son Sanctuary tour

4.1 My Son Sanctuary from Hoi An

My Son Sanctuary is only an hour from the Hoi An center. Therefore, you can choose tour My Son Sanctuary from Hoi An to explore the golden bygone era of Champa’s Kingdom with peace of mind. With high-quality cars, and professional tour guide will take you on a historical journey at My Son.

4.2 Da Nang to My Son Sanctuary

Da Nang is about 60 kilometers from My Son. As a result, if you travel around Da Nang Beach City, do not forget to book a Da Nang to My Son Sanctuary Tour for a curated itinerary. With door-to-door service, experienced drivers, and a friendly tour guide, the way from Da Nang to My Son will become more memorable.

4.3 Join tour Hue to My Son Santuary

If you visit Hue – the city of Heritages and Festivals, it will take about 4 hours to conquer My Son Sanctuary. Join tour Hue to My Son Sanctuary, you have a chance to pass through Hai Van Pass – Lang Co Beach to admire one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the world. With this tour, the journey will allow you to explore Vietnam’s nature and learn about Vietnam’s history.

5. Some tips when coming to My Son?

My Son Sanctuary Heritage Area is typically open from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday-Sunday.

• Ideal Time to Visit: The most favorable time to visit My Son Sanctuary is between February and April when the weather is pleasant and sunny, but not scorching. It’s still advisable to carry an umbrella, a light jacket, and sunscreen.
• Dress Code: As a sacred site, visitors are expected to dress modestly and respectfully. Avoid revealing attire.
• Navigation: Begin your exploration from the main temple area, as navigating around the complex can be challenging
• Student Discounts: Promotional tickets and incentives are available for students at the tourist area’s entrance.
• Nearby destinations: My Son is about 40km west of Hoi An, 70km southwest of Da Nang. Therefore, when visiting My Son, do not forget to explore Hoi An Old Town with its timeless beauty, ancient streets, and vibrant culture. With a perfect itinerary so that you will enjoy every part of the journey with peace of mind, the Day Trip from Da Nang to Hoi An is an ideal choice to discover the charm of the World Heritage Site.
• Others tips: Besides, to maintain the sanctity of the site, the act of worshiping and burning incense is not permitted everywhere.

My Son Sanctuary not only carries cultural values of religion and beliefs of the Champa people, but it also preserves many unique and impressive historical, artistic, architectural and sculptural values… This unique blend of heritage has elevated My Son Sanctuary beyond a mere tourist destination, making it an irresistible draw for travelers from around the globe. It can be said that, when having the opportunity to visit the beautiful land of Quang Nam, My Son Sanctuary becomes a place that any tourist wants to explore once in their life.