My Son Sanctuary Place guide

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Da Nang / Hoi An

My Son Sanctuary

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.

About

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

Tours near My Son Sanctuary

Marble Mountain Tour & My Son Sanctuary Tour – Full Day

9hs4.4

Marble Mountain Tour & My Son Sanctuary Tour – Full Day

Da Nang / Hoi An, Vietnam

from

$33/person

Hue Imperial City & Hai Van Pass Tour – Full Day

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Hue Imperial City & Hai Van Pass Tour – Full Day

Da Nang / Hoi An, Vietnam

from

$52/person

My Son Sanctuary Tour & Cultural Ceremony – Full Day

7hs4.5

My Son Sanctuary Tour & Cultural Ceremony – Full Day

Da Nang / Hoi An, Vietnam

from

$25/person

Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge Tour – Full Day

9hs4.6

Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge Tour – Full Day

Da Nang / Hoi An, Vietnam

from

$77/person

Da Nang City Tour: Marble Mountain & Lady Buddha – Half Day

4.5hs4.7

Da Nang City Tour: Marble Mountain & Lady Buddha – Half Day

Da Nang / Hoi An, Vietnam

from

$24/person

Da Nang 5 hour Guided Night Tour

5.5hs4.3

Da Nang 5 hour Guided Night Tour

Da Nang / Hoi An, Vietnam

from

$30/person

Essential Hoi An Food Tour (5 hours) from Da Nang – Half Day

3hs5.0

Essential Hoi An Food Tour (5 hours) from Da Nang – Half Day

Da Nang / Hoi An, Vietnam

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$31/person

Customize Your Own Da Nang City Tour – Full Day

8hs5.0

Customize Your Own Da Nang City Tour – Full Day

Da Nang / Hoi An, Vietnam

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$150/person

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