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My Son Sanctuary, Việt Nam - Things to Do in My Son Sanctuary

My Son Sanctuary

experience My Son Sanctuary, Việt Nam - Complete Travel Guide

experience My Son Sanctuary, located in central Vietnam's Quang Nam Province, is a remarkable archaeological site that served as the spiritual and political capital of the Champa Kingdom from the 4th to 14th centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage Site contains the ruins of over 70 Hindu temples and towers (called 'kalan') dedicated primarily to the worship of Shiva, showcasing the sophisticated Cham civilization that once flourished in this region. The red brick structures, built without mortar using a mysterious technique that remains unexplained, demonstrate the advanced architectural and engineering skills of the Cham people. Nestled in a lush valley surrounded by mountains about 69 kilometers southwest of Hoi An, My Son offers visitors a glimpse into Vietnam's pre-Vietnamese history and the influence of Indian Hindu culture in guide to Southeast Asia. Despite suffering damage during the Vietnam War, the remaining structures continue to captivate archaeologists and tourists alike with their intricate carvings, Sanskrit inscriptions, and unique architectural style that blends Indian influences with local Cham traditions.

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the Ancient Temple Ruins

Wander through the atmospheric ruins of over 20 remaining temple structures, each representing different periods of Cham architecture and religious devotion. The temples are organized into groups (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H) with Group B and C containing the most impressive and well-preserved structures. Marvel at the intricate stone carvings, lingams, and Sanskrit inscriptions that tell the story of this once-powerful Hindu kingdom.

Booking Tip: Entry tickets cost around 150,000 VND ($6-7) and include access to all temple groups plus a shuttle bus from the visitor center. Visit early morning (8-9 AM) or late afternoon (3-4 PM) to avoid crowds and harsh sunlight. Allow 2-3 hours for a thorough exploration.

Watch Traditional Cham Dance Performances

Experience authentic Cham cultural performances featuring traditional dances, music, and costumes that bring the ancient site to life. These performances typically take place at the site's amphitheater and showcase the living heritage of the Cham people. The dancers wear colorful traditional costumes and perform rituals that were once conducted at these very temples centuries ago.

Booking Tip: Performances usually occur at 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 2:30 PM, and 3:30 PM daily, included in the entrance fee. Arrive 15 minutes early to secure good seating. Weekend performances may be more elaborate with additional dancers and musicians.

the My Son Museum

Begin your journey at the on-site museum to understand the historical context, architectural significance, and archaeological discoveries of experience My Son Sanctuary. The museum displays artifacts found during excavations, including sculptures, pottery, and religious objects that provide insight into Cham civilization. Interactive exhibits and detailed explanations help visitors appreciate the site's importance before exploring the ruins.

Booking Tip: The museum is included in the entrance ticket and is best visited first to gain context. Audio guides are available for rent at 50,000 VND ($2) and provide detailed explanations in multiple languages. Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour for the museum visit.

Take the Electric Cart Tour

Enjoy a scenic ride on the electric shuttle that transports visitors from the entrance through lush forest to the temple complex. This 10-minute journey offers glimpses of the natural setting that has protected these ruins for centuries and provides commentary about the site's history. The quiet electric vehicles allow you to appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty of the valley.

Booking Tip: The shuttle service is included in the entrance fee and runs every 15-20 minutes throughout the day. You can walk the 1.5km path instead if you prefer, which takes about 20 minutes through beautiful forest scenery. The return shuttle pickup point is clearly marked near the temples.

Photography and Sunrise/Sunset Tours

Capture the mystical atmosphere of My Son's ancient temples during golden hour when the red brick structures glow beautifully in the soft light. The interplay of light and shadow among the ruins creates dramatic photographic opportunities, while the surrounding mountains and forest provide a stunning backdrop. Early morning visits offer the added bonus of mist rising from the valley, creating an ethereal atmosphere.

Booking Tip: The site opens at 6:30 AM, perfect for sunrise photography. Late afternoon visits (after 4 PM) offer excellent sunset lighting. Bring a tripod for low-light shots and extra batteries as there are no charging facilities. Consider hiring a local photography guide for 200,000-300,000 VND ($8-12) for the best vantage points.

Getting There

experience My Son Sanctuary is located about 69 kilometers southwest of Hoi An and 60 kilometers from Da Nang. The most common way to reach the site is by motorbike or car from Hoi An, which takes approximately 1.5 hours through scenic countryside and mountain roads. Many visitors join organized day tours from Hoi An (costing $15-25) that include transportation, entrance fees, and a guide. Alternatively, you can rent a motorbike in Hoi An for $5-7 per day or hire a private car with driver for $40-60. The final approach involves a winding mountain road that can be challenging for inexperienced motorbike riders, especially during rainy season.

Getting Around

Once at experience My Son Sanctuary, getting around is straightforward and well-organized. An electric shuttle bus (included in entrance fee) transports visitors from the visitor center and museum to the temple complex, covering the 1.5-kilometer distance through forest paths. The temple ruins are concentrated in a relatively small area, and all sites are accessible on foot via clearly marked walking paths and wooden boardwalks. The entire site can be explored comfortably in 2-3 hours, with distances between temple groups ranging from 50-200 meters. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as paths can be uneven, and there's minimal shade between temple groups.

Where to Stay

the city
An Bang Beach
Cua Dai Beach
Tra Que Village
Cam Thanh Village
Da Nang City Center

Food & Dining

Dining options at experience My Son Sanctuary itself are limited to a basic café at the visitor center serving snacks, drinks, and simple Vietnamese dishes like pho and fried rice at reasonable prices ($3-5). Most visitors combine their My Son visit with meals in nearby villages or return to Hoi An for dining. The small town of Duy Xuyen, about 30 minutes from the site, offers local restaurants serving authentic central Vietnamese cuisine including cao lau, white rose dumplings, and fresh spring rolls. For a unique experience, some tour operators arrange traditional Cham meals in local villages, featuring specialties like bánh căn (mini pancakes), fresh herbs, and grilled meats prepared using ancient Cham cooking methods.

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When to Visit

The best time to visit experience My Son Sanctuary is during Vietnam's dry season from February to August, when rainfall is minimal and temperatures are more comfortable for exploring the outdoor ruins. Early morning visits (6:30-9:00 AM) are ideal to avoid the intense midday heat and crowds, while late afternoon (3:00-5:30 PM) offers beautiful lighting for photography. The wet season (September-January) brings heavy rains that can make paths slippery and obscure mountain views, though the landscape is lush and green. Avoid Vietnamese holidays like Tet (Lunar New Year) and national holidays when domestic tourism peaks. The site can be visited year-round, but temperatures can reach 35°C (95°F) during summer months, making early morning or late afternoon visits essential for comfort.

Insider Tips

Bring insect repellent and wear long pants as the forest setting attracts mosquitoes, especially during early morning and late afternoon visits
Download the experience My Son Sanctuary mobile app before your visit for detailed information about each temple group and historical context, as English signage is limited
Combine your My Son visit with stops at traditional craft villages like Kim Bong carpentry village or Tra Nhieu mat weaving village to experience living Cham culture and support local artisans

Activities in My Son Sanctuary