Discover My Son Sanctuary: A Complete Travel Guide

My Son Sanctuary , nestled in a misty valley surrounded by lush greenery, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that was once the sacred heart of the Champa Kingdom. Its moss-covered red-brick towers and intricate carvings offer a mystical atmosphere where visitors can explore an ancient civilization and experience a unique journey into Vietnam’s rich history.

01 January, 1970

My Son Sanctuary: Relics of Champa Civilization

Once the vibrant spiritual heart of the Champa Kingdom from the 4th to the 13th centuries, My Son Sanctuary was a thriving religious and cultural center deeply influenced by Hinduism. Its red-brick temples, dedicated primarily to the god Shiva, reveal the Champa people’s sophisticated architectural skills and artistic mastery. Unlike the vast scale of Angkor Wat in Cambodia or the towering Prambanan temples in Indonesia, My Son’s more modest size is imbued with an intimate atmosphere, enhanced by centuries of moss and jungle slowly reclaiming the site. This fusion of nature and ancient craftsmanship creates a hauntingly beautiful landscape that invites contemplation and reverence.

My Son also stands as a symbol of cultural exchange and resilience. The Champa Kingdom, strategically located along key maritime trade routes, absorbed and adapted ideas from Indian civilization, blending them uniquely with indigenous traditions. While less famous than its regional counterparts, My Son’s ruins offer invaluable insights into a once-powerful kingdom whose legacy was nearly lost to time. For historians and travelers alike, exploring My Son is like stepping into a hidden chapter of Southeast Asia’s spiritual and artistic heritage, a sacred sanctuary quietly waiting to share its stories.

Best time to visit My Son Sanctuary

The best time to visit My Son Sanctuary is during the dry season, from February to August. During these months, the weather is generally sunny and warm with less rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the outdoor ruins and jungle surroundings comfortably. April to June is especially pleasant, with moderate temperatures and clear skies.

Avoid the rainy season from September to January, as heavy rains can make the site slippery and less accessible. Early mornings or late afternoons are also great times to visit to enjoy cooler temperatures and softer natural light for photography.

How to get to My Son Sanctuary

From Hoi An

Route: Start from Hoi An Ancient Town → Head west on Trần Hưng Đạo Street → Merge onto National Highway 1A (QL1A) heading north → Continue through Vĩnh Điện town → Pass through Quế Sơn district → Arrive at My Son Sanctuary.
Transport options:
- Motorbike/Scooter: About 1 to 1.5 hours ride; good roads, but be cautious.
- Private car/Taxi: Around 50–70 minutes, comfortable and flexible.
- Guided tour: Early morning or regular tours with guides and transport included.

From Da Nang

Route: Depart from Da Nang city center → Take National Highway 1A (QL1A) south → Turn onto Road 537 at Nam Phước commune → Follow signs to My Son Sanctuary through Quế Sơn district.
Transport options:
- Public bus (Bus No. 06): Runs every 30 minutes from about 5:30 AM to 5 PM; economical option.
- Motorbike: Around 1.5 to 2 hours ride; longer route, recommended for experienced riders.
- Private car/Taxi: About 15–20 USD one way, comfortable and safe.

Entrance fees and ticket information

As of 2024, the entrance fees for My Son Sanctuary are as follows:

Visitor Type	Price (VND)
Foreign Visitors	150,000 VND
Vietnamese Nationals	100,000 VND
Children aged 5–15	30,000 VND
Children under 5	Free

These fees grant access to the main temple complex, the My Son Museum, and include a 2-kilometer electric shuttle ride from the entrance to the temple zones. Additionally, visitors can enjoy Cham folk dance performances at scheduled times throughout the day.

For a more enriched experience, you have the option to hire a guide or use an audio guide:

On-site tour guide: 100,000 VND (approximately $4 USD)
Audio guide app: 70,000 VND (approximately $3 USD)
Headphone rental for audio guide: 50,000 VND (approximately $2 USD)

The audio guide is available in multiple languages, including English, and can be accessed via the "Di tích Mỹ Sơn" app. It's recommended to bring your own Bluetooth headphones for a better experience.

Highlights of My Son Sanctuary

Ancient Hindu Temple Complex

Wander through ancient Hindu temples built by the Champa civilization over a thousand years ago

My Son is home to a remarkable collection of Hindu temples built between the 4th and 13th centuries, dedicated primarily to Shiva, the god of destruction and regeneration. These red-brick towers stand as a testament to the Cham Kingdom’s architectural ingenuity, with their unique construction techniques allowing them to withstand centuries of tropical weather and war.

My Son is divided into several groups of temple ruins, each with its unique features:

Cluster A: The largest and most impressive group, featuring the iconic red-brick towers with detailed carvings dedicated to Shiva.
Cluster B: Contains temples with some of the best-preserved sculptures and reliefs.
Clusters C, D, E, F, G, H: Smaller temple groups scattered throughout the valley, each offering different architectural styles and atmospheres. Exploring these reveals the variety and evolution of Cham temple design over the centuries.

My Son Museum

Located near the entrance, the museum showcases artifacts, statues, and detailed information about the Champa Kingdom and its cultural achievements. It offers a great introduction and context before exploring the ruins.

Traditional Cham Dance Performances

Throughout the day, visitors can experience live Cham folk dance shows that celebrate the kingdom’s rich heritage. These performances feature vibrant costumes, traditional music, and storytelling that bring the ancient culture vividly to life.

Things to do around My Son Sanctuary

When visiting My Son Sanctuary, don’t miss the chance to explore the rich cultural and natural surroundings that make this region of Central Vietnam truly special. Beyond the ancient ruins, there are plenty of exciting activities and nearby attractions to enhance your trip. Here are some top things to do around My Son Sanctuary:

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town: Just 40 km away, Hoi An offers charming streets, lantern-lit evenings, and a rich cultural heritage with temples, markets, and traditional crafts.
Visit Cham Islands: Take a boat trip from Hoi An to the Cham Islands for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on pristine beaches surrounded by coral reefs.
Discover Quang Nam Countryside: Explore rural villages nearby to experience traditional farming life, local markets, and authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Attend Cham Cultural Shows: Look for cultural performances in the area that showcase traditional Cham music and dance beyond the sanctuary itself.

FAQs

Q: What are the opening hours of My Son Sanctuary?

A: Daily from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Early morning is ideal for avoiding heat and crowds.

Q: How long should I spend at My Son?

A: Allocate at least 2–3 hours to explore the temple clusters, the museum, and enjoy a Cham dance performance.

Q: Is a guide necessary?

A: Not mandatory, but highly recommended for deeper insights. You can hire a guide on-site or use the official audio guide app ("Di tích Mỹ Sơn") available in multiple languages.

Q: Can I visit My Son and Cham Island on the same day?

A: It's possible, but rushed. Better to do My Son in the morning and Cham Island the next day.

Q: Is the site family-friendly?

A: Yes, but keep an eye on younger children due to uneven paths and heat.

My Son Sanctuary is not just a historical site - it’s a spiritual journey into the legacy of Vietnam’s ancient Champa civilization. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a curious traveler, this hidden gem promises awe, culture, and serenity. Book your tour to My Son Sanctuary today and step into centuries of sacred mystery and majestic ruins!

Let us take you on a journey to My Son Sanctuary, where ancient ruins whisper Vietnam’s history!