My Son Sanctuary Vietnam: A Journey Through Ancient Cham Ruins

An image of B-C-D monuments at My Son site, one of the places to visit in Vietnam

My Son Sanctuary Vietnam is an important tourist attraction showcasing the historical heritage of the country, making it an ideal destination for visitors interested in learning about the local way of life. It has unique architectural designs with amazing carvings that offer tourists a glimpse into the Champa civilisation, a powerful kingdom that resided in the area in the past era. The temples in My Son Sanctuary were built over a period of ten centuries, making it a major religious site for Hindu worship, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. My Son Sanctuary in Vietnam mainly served as a place of rituals, offerings, and religious ceremonies.

Location

An image of My Son Sanctuary Vietnam, one of the best places to visit in Asia

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My Son Sanctuary is located in Duy Xuyên District, Quảng Nam in Vietnam and has two entries in different addresses. The two entry points of My Son Sanctuary are in Thánh địa Mỹ Sơn, Duy Xuyên District, Quảng Nam and Duy Phú, Duy Xuyên District, Quảng Nam. It is located within a region that is surrounded by several ring mountains providing a watershed for the popular and sacred Thu Bon River.

How To Reach

An image of My Son Sanctuary Vietnam, one of the popular places to visit in Asia

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By Road: Hire a taxi or motorbike from Da Nang through the National Highway 1 south towards Nam Phuoc Town, from where you should head west on Route 537. From Hoi An, you can follow Hung Vuong Street to National Highway 1A.

By Train: Travel to Da Nang by train from various parts of Vietnam, such as Hanoi, Hue, and other major cities, from where you will take a motorbike or taxi to the sanctuary.

By Bus: Take bus number 06 from the city centre at Da Nang, which operates from 5:30 AM to 5:00 PM every day.

Places To Visit Near My Son Sanctuary Vietnam

There are several attractions to visit near My Son Sanctuary Vietnam, where tourists can have extensive experiences. Here is a list of 5 places near My Son Sanctuary:

1. Hoi An

An image of Hoi An streets, one of the places to visit near My Son Sanctuary Vietnam

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Hoi An is one of the places to see near My Son Sanctuary Vietnam, offering a glimpse into a unique blend of culture, history, and modern comforts, making it the perfect destination for tourists to explore. Hoi An offers unique experiences to tourists visiting with its historic architecture, lantern-lit streets, and lively market. Tourists visiting Hoi An can enjoy participating in various activities, including exploring the Thu Bon River, sampling the local cuisines, and visiting the Tra Que Vegetable Village.

Location: Quang Nam Province, Vietnam, approximately 30 km south of Da Nang
Elevation: 43 feet (13 metres)

2. Da Nang

An image of Da Nang, one of the popular places to visit near My Son Sanctuary Vietnam

Photo: Quangpraha / Wikimedia Commons

Da Nang is one of the best attractions near My Son Sanctuary Vietnam, offering a unique blend of attractions, food, and beaches, making it an ideal destination for tourists to enjoy sightseeing. Tourists visiting Da Nang can explore some of the beaches in the area, including My Khe Beach, which is one of the most beautiful in the world. Additionally, tourists can also explore other attractions, including the Dragon Bridge, Linh Ung Pagoda, and Hai Van Pass, to have a more extensive experience.

Location: Central Vietnam, on the coast of the South China Sea
Elevation: 36 feet (11 metres)

3. Marble Mountains

An image of the Marble Mountains, one of the tourist attractions near My Son Sanctuary Vietnam

Photo: Kuroczynski / Wikimedia Commons

The Marble Mountains, located near My Son Sanctuary Vietnam, offer tourists the perfect opportunity to explore the unique blend of historical sites, spiritual sites, and natural beauty. Tourists exploring the Marble Mountains can visit some of the caves, including Am Phu Cave and Huyen Khong Cave, and also enjoy views from the top of the mountains. Additionally, tourists can visit the Tam Thai Pagoda to immerse themselves in the spiritual lifestyle of the area.

Location: 81 Huyen Tran Cong Chua, Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang City
Timings: 7 AM – 5:30 PM
Elevation: 170 feet (52 metres)

4. Cham Museum In Da Nang

An image of the interior of the Cham Museum in Da Nang near My Son Sanctuary Vietnam

Photo: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons

Cham Museum is one of the places to see near My Son Sanctuary, which houses a significant collection of Cham artefacts, such as relics and sculptures that originated in the Champa Kingdom. It has close to 2,500 artefacts, where 400 are on display, making it an ideal destination for historical enthusiasts. Tourists can learn about the artistic and religious traditions of the Champa people by viewing the displayed artefacts and getting a better understanding of the cultural importance of My Son Sanctuary.

Location: Da Nang City, Vietnam
Timings: 7:30 AM – 5 PM
Elevation: 36 feet (11 metres)

5. Mui Ne

An image of the panoramic views of Mui Ne, one of the attractions near My Son Sanctuary Vietnam

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Mui Ne is one of the places to visit near My Son Sanctuary Vietnam, which offers beautiful beaches and extensive sand dunes, making it ideal for tourists to relax and enjoy sightseeing. Tourists exploring Mui Ne can participate in activities, including visiting the nearby Fairy Stream and the Po Sah Inu Towers. Additionally, tourists can take a day trip from My Son Sanctuary to relax at the beaches or explore the vast sand dunes in Mui Ne.

Location: Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam, approximately 200 km from Da Nang
Timings: Open all day
Elevation: 33 feet (10 metres)

Where To Stay

An image resembling a hotel, an accommodation option near My Son Sanctuary Vietnam

Photo: maxfranke / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

There are several accommodation options for tourists near My Son Sanctuary Vietnam, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury. Some of the luxury options include Belle Maison Parosand Da Nang Hotel and Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa, which is situated near Hoi An’s Old Town. For tourists seeking a budget-friendly option, Cozy Savvy Boutique Hotel Hoi An is the ideal option. These options offer amazing amenities and extensive, comfortable experiences.

Where To Eat

An image resembling a restaurant near My Son Sanctuary Vietnam, a tourist destination

Photo: Andy Li / Wikimedia Commons

There are several dining options available when visiting My Son Sanctuary Vietnam as a tourist. Some of the best options for enjoying Vietnamese cuisine include Simhapura Coffee and Viet Huong Legend Coffee, a local cafe in the area. Additionally, tourists can enjoy a mix of Asian and international cuisines at the La Da Group. These dining options offer the perfect opportunity for tourists to have a taste of the local way of life.

Best Time To Visit

An image of My Son Temple, one of the attractions near My Son Sanctuary Vietnam

Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons

The best time to visit My Son Sanctuary Vietnam and its nearby attractions is from March to May, when the weather conditions are quite favourable and there are fewer crowds in the area. During this period, tourists can enjoy extensive stays and have peaceful experiences while exploring. Moreover, tourists can also visit from December to April when there are clear skies and comfortable temperatures, which is ideal for sightseeing.

Other Factors To Consider

An image of the ruins of My Son Sanctuary, one of the places to visit in Vietnam

Photo: Philip Nalangan / Wikimedia Commons

Average Cost Of The Trip

The average cost of the trip to My Son Sanctuary Vietnam ranges between INR 3,200 and INR 6,500, including the cost of accommodation, meals, transportation, and entrance fees. Costs may vary based on the mode of travel, tour packages, and whether you opt for guided tours or self-exploration.

Tips For Travellers

  • Visit during early mornings and late afternoons to have an extensive experience with fewer crowds.
  • Consider hiring a guide to help you easily understand the cultural and historical significance of the area.
  • Ensure you respect the sanctity while taking pictures and avoid climbing the ruins.
  • Ensure you carry water, a hat, and sunscreen to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
  • Ensure you wear comfortable shoes, as the area involves walking through uneven terrain.

Visiting My Son Sanctuary Vietnam is ideal for tourists wanting to learn about the historical heritage of the local communities, as it offers a glimpse into their architecture and way of life. Tourists can enjoy exploring some of the nearby attractions, which are perfect destinations for extensive and unique experiences. Plan your trip today with TripXL and get to immerse yourself in the rich history of Vietnam.

Cover Photo: Chris Thompson / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

My Son Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Central Vietnam, showcasing ancient Hindu temples built by the Champa civilization between the 4th and 13th centuries.
It is located about 40 km from Hoi An and 70 km from Da Nang. You can reach it by car, motorbike, or guided tour.
The sanctuary is open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM. Tickets cost approximately INR 514 for adults and INR 103 for children aged 5-15.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and light clothing. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat for protection against the sun.
It offers a glimpse into Vietnam's rich cultural and spiritual history, with stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and a serene natural setting.

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