Things to Do in My Son Sanctuary

My Son Sanctuary sits in a lush valley about 70 kilometers southwest of Hoi An, representing one of Vietnam's most significant archaeological treasures. This ancient Hindu temple complex served as the spiritual and political capital of the Champa Kingdom from the 4th to 14th centuries, with red brick towers and intricate carvings that somehow managed to survive centuries of jungle growth and, unfortunately, extensive bombing during the Vietnam War. What you'll find today are the remnants of what was once a sprawling religious center - some towers stand remarkably intact while others exist as atmospheric ruins overtaken by tropical vegetation. The site actually feels quite different from other Southeast Asian temple complexes; there's something uniquely haunting about wandering through these brick structures that once echoed with Sanskrit prayers, now surrounded by the sounds of cicadas and rustling leaves.

Food options at My Son Sanctuary are quite limited - there's a basic restaurant at the visitor center serving simple Vietnamese dishes and cold drinks, but most visitors eat before arriving or pack snacks for the journey. The real dining experiences happen back in Hoi An, where you'll find everything from street food stalls serving cao lau and white rose dumplings to upscale restaurants focusing on central Vietnamese specialties. If you're driving yourself, consider stopping in one of the small towns along the route for authentic local meals - the pho and banh mi tend to be excellent and remarkably inexpensive compared to tourist areas.

The dry season from February to August offers the most comfortable weather for wandering among the ruins, with March through May being particularly pleasant before the intense summer heat arrives. Early morning visits (8-10 AM) provide the best combination of good lighting, cooler temperatures, and fewer crowds regardless of season. The rainy season from September to January can make paths muddy and obscure mountain views, though the increased vegetation actually adds to the site's mysterious atmosphere. That said, afternoon thunderstorms during wet months can cut visits short, so morning timing becomes even more critical if you're traveling between September and December.