Da Nang, a popular coastal city in Vietnam, is renowned for its beachside resorts and rich history correlating to the Cham civilisation. Established in 1092, Cham Museum In Da Nang is one of the oldest museums in Vietnam. It offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region. Featuring extraordinary Cham sculptures and artefacts, visiting the museum offers an enriching experience for travellers. If you are inquisitive about the reign of the once-powerful Champa kingdom, visit the renowned Cham Museum.
Quick Details About Cham Museum In Da Nang
Year Established: 1915
Architectural Style: Indo-Saracenic
Collections: Over 300 exhibits
Cham Museum Address: 2 Thang 9 Street, Da Nang, Vietnam
Cham Museum Timings: Daily from 7:30 AM to 5 PM
Cham Museum Ticket Price: 60,000 VND / ₹202 for adults and 10,000 VND / ₹34 for children/students
How To Reach
Photo: Chainwit. / Wikimedia Commons
The central location of the Cham Museum makes it fairly accessible by air, road and rail:
By Air: The nearest airport to the Cham Museum is the Da Nang International Airport, where domestic flights from other cities in Vietnam are available. From the airport, you can then hire a taxi or take a public bus to the city centre to reach the museum.
By Road: The museum is located on 2 Thang 9 Street, a central thoroughfare easily navigable by public transport or private vehicle from any part of Da Nang.
By Rail: If you are planning to take a train, you have to first reach Da Nang Railway Station, which is roughly 2-3 km from the museum. The station is connected by frequent trains to major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Once you reach the station, you can then take a taxi or walk to the museum.
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Things To Do
You must explore all the important exhibits in the museum so that you don’t miss out on any of the unique experiences
there:
1. Explore The Collection Of Cham Artefacts
Photo: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons
The main purpose behind visiting the Cham Museum is to explore the relics that were excavated by the French back in the 19th century. There’s an impressive array of artefacts and sculptures that date back to the Cham civilisation. During the period of excavation, around 58 tons of artefacts were collected and then preserved. Highlights include the famous Hindu deities like Shiva and Vishnu, as well as intricate bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Cham mythology. There is a depiction of other Hindu Gods in some of the relics involving Brahma, Lakshmi, Ganesha and Garuda.
2. Visit The Museum’s Art Gallery
Photo: Laura Paredis / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Once you are done exploring the artefacts and exhibits, head to the My Son gallery, which features an extensive range of art from the Cham civilisation. There are rotating exhibitions, offering the visitors a look into various aspects of Cham art and history. Inside the art gallery, you also get a glimpse into the depiction of the Ascetics as well as the theme of Mount Meru taken from Hindu tradition with the architectural elements frame individual scenes. On one of the stairways, there are carved depictions of dancers performing the traditional scarf dance.
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3. Witness The Tra Kieu Pedestal
Photo: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons
The Cham Museum is home to a variety of national treasures and among them, the Tra Kieu Pedestal happens to be one of the most significant ones. On it, you can get a closer look at the inscriptions and carvings that are made about the Hindu Gods and other mythical creatures. This particular exhibit is centrally located, making it easily accessible to the people. Also, don’t miss out on seeing the My Son E1 Pedestal.
Places To Visit In And Around Cham Museum
Da Nang is home to a variety of unique tourist spots, which you must add to your itinerary after you finish exploring the individual exhibits inside the museum:
1. My Khe Beach
Photo: Jpatokal / Wikimedia Commons
The famous My Khe beach is a popular destination among tourists looking for a place to relax and unwind and even indulge in some water sports. You can swim in the ocean, sunbathe and also enjoy the views of the stunning sunsets around.
Distance From Cham Museum: 3.3 km
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2. Marble Mountains
The Marble Mountains are one of the most astounding natural wonders in Da Nang, featuring five marble and limestone hills. Beyond the views of the mountains themselves, the area is also surrounded by stunning caves, pagodas, and panoramic views of Da Nang, making it a must-visit spot from Cham Museum.
Distance From Cham Museum: 9.6 km
3. Dragon Bridge
Dragon Bridge is a place that is synonymous with Da Nang and is a must-visit spot. It is one of the longest bridges in Vietnam and is distinctly shaped by a dragon. The best time to visit this bridge is during the evening or night when it’s illuminated and the spitting fire show happens.
Distance From Cham Museum: 1 km
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Where To Stay
Photo: Andrew Neel / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Cham Museum is located in central Da Nang, which is accessible from the nearby airport and city centre. You can find several popular resorts and luxury or budget hotels available around the museum. Some of the best spots for booking your accommodation are InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Grand Mercure Danang, or Haka Hotel Danang.
Where To Eat
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There are plenty of dining options around Cham Museum, Vietnam, both affordable eateries and fine dining spots that you can visit. Some of the popular spots that even locals recommend are Banh Mi Ba Lan, Huynh Thuc Khang Street and Banh Xeo Ba Duong.
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Best Time To Visit Cham Museum
Photo: Amikamraz / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The ideal period for visiting the Cham Museum in Da Nang depends on your comfort and convenience. Usually, the months between February and April are considered peak seasons with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C. The comfortable weather makes it easier for you to explore the museum and the surrounding sightseeing spots.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Phó Nháy / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tips For Travellers
- Given how extensive the museum is and the number of exhibits inside, ensure that you set aside a few hours to explore the museum in detail.
- Staying hydrated during the exploration is vital, so carry water bottles with you.
- While no official dress code is in place, kindly pay respect to the customs and dress modestly when you are visiting the museum.
- When taking pictures inside the museum, avoid keeping your flash on.
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Cham Museum in Da Nang is one of the major tourist attractions that provides a glimpse into the Cham history and art. The extensive collection of artefacts and the well-equipped galleries enable you to learn more about the history of the Cham civilisation that once thrived in Vietnam. For a memorable and enriching travel experience, plan your trip to Da Nang in Vietnam with TripXL to discover the wonders of this historic site.
Cover Photo: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons