My Son Sanctuary – Visitor Guide from a Local

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In recent years, Central Vietnam has been visited by many tourists. Many adventurous souls have been drawn into Vietnam’s beauty, culture, and the people’s hospitality! Not only that, Vietnam is famous for its unique and rich history. The increase in the number of cultural enthusiasts and history buffs is not merely a trend but you can see it as a testimony for Vietnam's treasures. In this splendid country lies the enchanting My Son Sanctuary – a historical gem with a rich tapestry of Vietnam's past.

Nestled amidst the Quang Nam province, My Son Sanctuary stands as a symbol of time and a symbol of the past life. It is a must-visit place for those seeking to time-travel and dive into the annals of Champa Kingdom's spiritual and architectural brilliance. Let’s picture this: The first light of dawn casting a golden glow upon the ancient ruins of My Son. As the mist lifts, the silhouette of centuries-old structures reveals, that there is a mystical ambiance around it. It does sound amazing, doesn't it? 

Yet, planning a visit to My Son Sanctuary can be a challenge. The complexities of reaching this historical site, navigating through many routes, and understanding the cultural nuances can be overwhelming. But don’t be discouraged folks, this article will be your compass in the journey of reaching the historical odyssey. It offers comprehensive guidance to make your journey seamless. 

What Makes My Son Sanctuary Special?

Inside the My Son ruins

My Son is the beating heart of the Champa Kingdom. It is a spiritual center that once echoed with ancient rituals and stories. The temple ruins, scattered across the landscape, stand as architectural masterpieces. Each tells a unique tale of creativity and devotion to a civilization. It's not just about stones and structures; it's about the tangible connection to centuries past.

My Son Sanctuary is a project started by King Bhadravarman in the 4th century and completed at the end of the 13th century. Under the reign of King Jaya Simhavarman III in the early 14th century, My Son was an architectural complex with more than 70 temples with unique styles and designs typical of the Champa kingdom. Most of the architecture here is influenced by Hindu culture.

The Vietnam War, a chapter that was written in the nation's history, has left its mark on My Son. The scars of conflict add a layer of depth to the site, turning it into not just a place to visit but it is a living testament to people’s enduring vitality and timeless creation. Due to the devastation of the war, by 1975, My Son only retained 32 structures including 20 temples and towers that still retain their original architectural features. On December 1, 1999, My Son Sanctuary was officially recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage. Through many ups and downs of history, My Son still stands strong today. 

How to get to My Son

My Son Sanctuary is located in Duy Phu, Duy Xuyen district, Quang Nam province. This place is about 69km away from Da Nang City and about 40km away from Hoi An Ancient Town. Whether you start from Hoi An or Da Nang, there are many ways to My Son, so rest assured!

The bus route 06.
The bus route 06.

If you're a fan of adventure and want to immerse yourself in Vietnam's countryside, taking public transport might be the way to go. Not only is it cost-effective, but it also gives you a chance to take in stunning landscapes, interact with locals, and get a real sense of the country's pulse. You can take bus number 06 from Da Nang city to My Son. This bus departs from Da Nang city center, operating hours are from 5:30 am to 5:00 pm every day, and ticket prices range from 50,000 to 150,000 VND/ticket.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a more curated experience, organized tours from Hoi An or Da Nang could be the perfect solution. With an experienced guide leading the way, you won't miss out on any historical nuances, and you will get to learn about the region's culture and traditions in a way that goes beyond what was written in guidebooks.

From Da Nang city center to My Son it takes about 2 hours there and back. A roundtrip by private car costs from 800,000 to 1,200,000 VND, depending on the size of the group. I would recommend booking a taxi or shuttle with a group to share the fee and by traveling on a shuttle, or taxi. You will save plenty of energy and avoid getting lost in the middle of nowhere. 

Getting to My Son with a motorbike.
Getting to My Son with a motorbike.

Finally, you are considering a motorcycle escapade? There is nothing quite like cruising on a motorcycle through scenic roads with the breeze in your hair and the anticipation of what lies in my opinion. It is a journey within a journey!

Here is the location on Google Maps!

Getting Around My Son

Inside the shuttle in My Son.

The Management Board of My Son Monuments and Tourism introduced a shuttle system using electric vehicles, consisting of 12 vehicles with seating capacities ranging from 6 to 12.

After purchasing tickets outside the monument area, will be shuttled inside for sightseeing by electric vehicles. The road from the Khe bridge area to the drop-off point is 2 kilometers long. It has become an effective way in general for tourists to move around and save some time and energy. 

What to See in My Son Sanctuary?

A statue of a god in My Son.

The special thing is that each temple tower at My Son worships a different king or god. My Son areas include:

Area A

Area A building in My Son

This is the first area to visit. You can see the entire My Son Sanctuary, but most of the buildings in Area A are in the process of being restored.

Area B

Area B building in My Son sanctuary.

Located in the western hill area, there is 1 main tower and 3 auxiliary towers.

Area C

Area C building in My Son.

Located in the southern hills and is also the most unique area with many temples, towers, reliefs, inscriptions, and extremely impressive works.

Traditional Kate festival of the Cham people

Kate festival My Son

This is a traditional festival held in July each year according to the Cham calendar. It's an opportunity to remember grandparents and ancestors and pray for the fertility of all things. Visitors can witness many traditional rituals such as water procession, peace offering, palanquin procession, or performances with a variety of musical instruments.

The unique ancient road up to 8m wide

The gate at the end of the My Son ancient road.

This is a road up to 8m wide with two parallel walls, 1m deep buried underground. According to recorded documents, this road led to the center of the sanctuary, where there was a large gate tower used for offerings only for kings, royal families, and dignitaries to enter and exit. The wall covering both sides of this road is carved with many delicate shapes and is worth admiring.

The Apsara dance

The Apsara Dance in My Son.

In addition to visiting historical buildings, visitors can also admire the Apsara dance inspired by the Apsara sandstone sculpture. The Apsara dance titled "The Soul of Stone" and the performance of beautiful Cham girls to the sound of Paranung drums and Saranai trumpets will fascinate all visitors.

Accommodation Near My Son Sanctuary

A day of exploration deserves a comfortable retreat.

Hostels near My Son

The Old Quarter in Hoi An.

If you seek the camaraderie of fellow travelers, Hoi An's hostels provide a budget-friendly and social accommodation experience. Share stories, make new friends, and create memories that extend beyond the historical site

Resorts in My Son

My Son Heritage Resort And Spa is the hotel closest to My Son Sanctuary. For those yearning for a touch of luxury, nearby resorts offer tranquility and pampering. Imagine unwinding in a serene environment after a day of traversing the ancient ruins.

What is the Best Time to Visit My Son Sanctuary?

The panorama of My Son sanctuary.

Timing is key people said. In Quang Nam, there will be two main seasons: the rainy season (September - December) and the dry season (February - August). The dry season will of course be a much more favorable time. To visit My Son Sanctuary, you should choose from February to April, at this time the weather is very cool, and the sun is not too harsh, so it is easy to move around and visit.

Seasons and Weather Patterns

The transition from the dry season to the rainy season significantly impacts the landscape. While the dry season promises clear skies and pleasant temperatures, the rainy season adds lush greenery, making every corner of My Son come alive.

Tourist Seasons

Consider visiting during the seasons when the weather is favorable, and the crowds are not overwhelming. If traveling to My Son Sanctuary around February - April, you should prepare sunglasses and sunscreen.

Does My Son Sanctuary Have an Entrance Fee?

The entrance fee, as of the latest update:

  • Foreigners: 150,000 VND/person
  • Vietnamese: 100,000 VND/person

Before planning your visit, it's advisable to check for any changes or updates.

What to Bring to My Son Sanctuary?

A girl taking photos in My Son.

With the right essentials, your journey will be much more comfortable and memorable.

Dress Code 

My Son Sanctuary, being a sacred site, has a modest dress code. To show respect for the cultural and religious significance, I recommend wearing clothing that covers the shoulders and should avoid wearing short skirts. 

Essentials for a Comfortable Journey

  1. Comfortable Footwear: The trip involves walking on uneven surfaces. Comfortable and sturdy footwear, like walking shoes or sneakers, is suggested.
  2. Sunscreen: The sun can be quite intense. Protect your skin with good sunscreen, especially if you plan to spend extended periods outdoors.
  3. Water and Snacks: Stay hydrated during your trip. Carry a refillable water bottle and some energy-boosting snacks to keep you fueled.
  4. Camera: Don't forget to capture the mesmerizing moments. A camera or smartphone with a decent camera can be a perfect tool for preserving memories.

This is all you have to know about visiting the My Son Sanctuary!

In front of the My Son ruins.

If you're ever in Da Nang or Hoi An, make sure to add My Son Sanctuary to your travel bucket list. The ruins of this ancient Champa Kingdom are simply breathtaking. It's a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and religious beliefs of the Champa people. In every weathered stone and whispered breeze, there's a chapter of history waiting to be discovered, a story waiting to be told. It's more than just ruins; it's a portal into Vietnam's rich cultural tapestry.

My Son is part of your 3 days in Da Nang itinerary. Check out other cool day trips in and around Da Nang!

So, don't miss out on the chance to explore this incredible site and get lost in the history of Vietnam. After all, as you say farewell to My Son and Vietnam, you will carry with you not just photographs but a piece of Vietnam's soul –  a piece of experience that echoes “I've been there, done that, and loved it!”.

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