My Son Sanctuary – Ancient Champa Temple Complex
My Son Sanctuary is a renowned historical site in Quang Nam Province, featuring a unique collection of Champa temples. Discovered in 1885 and recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1995, this sanctuary is hidden deep within a valley, surrounded by picturesque mountains. Long ago, it served as a place of worship and burial for ancient Champa kings.
- Location and Ticket Information:
- Address: Duy Phu, Duy Xuyen, Quang Nam.
- Ticket Price (for foreigners): 150,000 VND.
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday to Sunday.
My Son Sanctuary is situated in Duy Phu, Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam Province. The site covers an area of approximately 2 kilometers and includes over 70 different temple towers, each representing various historical periods of Champa culture.
My Son Sanctuary dates back to the 4th century during the reign of King Bhadravarman and was originally used for Linga and Shiva worship. After a major fire in the 6th century, it was reconstructed by King Sambhuvarman in the 7th century, and many of these structures remain today.
- What Makes My Son Sanctuary Appealing to International Travelers?My Son Sanctuary boasts unique and intricate architecture, categorized into six distinct styles: ancient, Hoa Lai, My Son, Po Nagar, Dong Duong, and the style of the Binh Dinh people. When you visit My Son Sanctuary, you will notice stone carvings, Siva statues, and sculptures of dancing female divinities in the Champa style.
Notably, the bricks used to construct the temple towers are fascinating. They were carefully cut and stacked without any adhesive materials, showcasing remarkable craftsmanship. Despite the passage of centuries, most of the structures have only suffered minor cracks.
The site’s importance remained obscured until 1898 when a Frenchman and his colleague stumbled upon this hidden gem nestled between two majestic mountains in a lush valley.
Additionally, the ancient path leading to the central area of the sanctuary is worth exploring. This path, discovered during the restoration of central towers, is up to 8 meters wide and features two parallel walls, buried 1 meter deep into the ground. According to historical records, this path led directly to the central area, where a grand gateway was used for ceremonies attended exclusively by Champa kings, royalty, and high-ranking officials.
The intricate carvings on both sides of the path are historically significant. This discovery added to the enduring historical value of My Son Sanctuary.
The Apsara dance, inspired by stone carvings of Apsara figures, is another highlight. It is known for its graceful and captivating performances, often titled “Soul of Stone,” celebrating the graceful curves of women. This dance is performed in various cultural events in Quang Nam Province and for tourists visiting My Son Sanctuary.
Another exceptional experience is participating in the traditional Champa festival called “Kate.” This important festival takes place annually in July according to the Cham calendar. If your travel coincides with the Kate festival, you can witness rituals, processions, and performances that celebrate Cham culture.
- Useful Tips for Visiting My Son Sanctuary:
- Getting There from Da Nang:
- By bus: Take Bus Route 06 from Da Nang to My Son. Buses depart from the central bus station and cover the 60-kilometer journey. Buses operate from 5:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily, with a frequency of approximately 30 minutes per trip. Ticket prices vary based on the route, ranging from 8,000 to 30,000 VND per person.
- By personal vehicle: If you’re driving, take National Highway 1 to Nam Phuoc Town, which is about 39 kilometers from Da Nang. From there, head west on Route 537 for another 9 kilometers to reach Tra Kieu. Continue for approximately 12 kilometers to a three-way junction, then turn left, following the signs for another 9 kilometers to reach My Son. To reach the heritage site, a 5-minute mountainous walk along a stone path is required.
- Getting There from Hoi An:
- The distance from Hoi An to My Son is approximately 50 kilometers. You can take Hung Vuong Street and follow National Highway 1A directly to My Son. Many adventurous travelers opt for a motorbike journey, which takes around 2 hours. Rental fees for motorbikes range from 150,000 to 200,000 VND per day. Be sure to fill up the gas tank and check the weather before embarking on your trip.
- Travel from Hoi An to My Son by private car with English speaking driver
- Getting There from Da Nang:
Plan your visit to My Son Sanctuary and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this remarkable Champa temple complex.