My Son Sanctuary Place guide

In the middle of the jungle lies the site of Vietnam’s most extensive Cham remains, My Son (pronounced “me sun”), a Unesco Heritage Site. The enchanting setting in a lush valley is reason enough to come, not to mention the impressive Cat’s Tooth Mountain (Hon Quap) towering over the ruins. 

Lamentably, the temples are not in great shape – only some twenty structures survive where at least 68 once stood. However, the site’s intimate nature, surrounded by streams and greenery, make it a pleasant day out. (Pro tip: Do dress for warm weather, especially when coming in the summer, when breezes are few and far between). 

History

In the late 4th century, My Son was the most important intellectual and religious center of the Champa Kingdom, serving as a burial place for the dynasty’s monarchs. It was continuously occupied until the 13th century – notable as the longest development period of a monument in Southeast Asia, much more than Cambodia’s Angkor Wat.

Most of the temples were dedicated to Cham kings associated with Hindu divinities, particularly Shiva – said to be founder and protector of Champa’s royal line. Sadly, the Viet Cong used My Son as a base during the American War. It became a target for US bombing during the period, and several of its most important monuments were destroyed. 

How to visit

• Go early or late if you can to avoid the tour groups; the site opens at 6:30am and closes at 4:00pm
  
  
• Plan your trip according to the 10 main monument groups, divided by archaeologists by letter from A to K. 
  
  
• Arrive by car, motorbike, taxi, xe om or ride sharing app. There are also buses and minibuses from Hoi An or Da Nang that depart at around 8:00am and return between 1 and 2pm (ask your hotel). You can opt for a boat ride on the return leg; allow an extra hour for this.
  
  
• Sign up for this small group tour of My Son Sanctuary & A Cultural Ceremony from Da Nang