Lying in the heartland of ancient Cham culture in Central Vietnam, temples, tombs, and sculptures built between the 4th and 14th centuries are spread over the jungle landscapes. These are the My Son ruins just between Dong Duong and Tra Kieu.
My Son is the largest surviving Cham complex in Vietnam and the land was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site to preserve these monuments.
My Son sits in a valley cradled by mountains on either side, where visitors can walk among the intricate carved facades and towers assembled centuries ago from sandstone and fired brick. These towers and tombs have been etched with elaborate depictions of battles, religious ceremonies, and the images of deities and kings. Looping letters of old Cham and Sanskrit are interspersed with busts of fanged dragons and dancing apsaras.
The towers and temples of My Son are surrounded by lush jungle and is gradually being reclaimed by nature which sets a distinct scene of remote and archaic beauty. Tufts of grass crown some of the monuments but the architecture and carvings have been preserved.
Photo by: Da Nang X Productions
Stepping through these stone thresholds and into the sacred rooms of a once powerful kingdom that dominated much of Central Vietnam is an experience in the breadth of cultures and traditions that influenced the early history of Southeast Asia. Cham once inhabited the surrounding towns and came decked in religious regalia to perform their rites and political events at My Son. Now the monuments in these hills serve as the largest and best preserved testament to their lives and history.
Buses depart every thirty minutes from Da Nang bus station from 5:30am – 5pm.
Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm
Entrance fee: 150,000 VND