Situated in a small valley in the mountainous district of Quang Nam Province, about 45 km from Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary is the best choice for tourists to get a half day getaway to uncover the fascinating history of the Champa Kingdom. Although My Son is not as spectacular as Angkor Wat in Cambodia and or Borobodur in Indonesia, the little complex ruins of Hindu temples attract visitors from all over the world with for its own beauties glamour and historical value.
Why My Son is must visit for your trip to Hoi An?
Dating from the 4th to the 13th centuries, My Son is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site was a capital of the Champa Kingdom and a great sample of the ancient Champa civilization still presenting in modern life. It’s the best spot in Vietnam to study the surviving culture of the splendid past time.
What to explore in My Son
The Hollyland consists of more than 70 temple towers, constructed in fired bricks with stone pillars and decorated with sandstone. Being influenced by Hinduism in the India subcontinent, many tower temples were built to worship the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Unfortunately, many temples were damaged during the American/Vietnam War and several are under reconstruction. Visiting My Son today, tourist can see remains of statues of Shiva, Brahma, Vishnu and Apsara dancers, and Yoni and Linga pedestals (symbol of Hinduism reproduction) scattered everywhere.
The religious and political capital of My Son was a site to hold religious ceremonies for kings and ruling dynasties, and also a burial place for Cham royalty. Walking around in the jungle to see the relics, tourists will feel like going back to the glorious time of the Champa civilization. Do not miss to visit the Champa museum at the entrance of the relics to see artefacts excavated at the site with detailed information in Vietnamese and English.
Private transfer from Hoi An to My Son:
This is the most comfortable and expensive way to visIt My Son. Price is about 35 USD- 45 USD. You can depart any time you like.
Duration: 4-5 hour. Our driver will wait you around 2-3 hour to visit My Son.
If you want to rent a tour guide, that cost will be 25$/ half day tour.
Tips for visiting My Son
The best times to hit the temples are early in the morning (leave your accommodation to get to My Son by 7:00 am) before the blazing Vietnamese heat gets started (if you’re there during summer months) and the large tour groups roll in
Make sure to wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes, and bring hats and sunscreens. My Son is in the jungle so you will do a lot of walking there.
Take water and snacks with you because no one sells them in the relics.
There is a 15 minute Cham dance and music show 3 times a day
Ticket Price and Costs
Opening time: 8:00 to 17:00
Entrance tickets: VND150,000 for foreigners and VND100,000 for local visitors
Motorbike parking: VND5,000
My Son Sanctuary is really a must-visit for those who appreciate history. It would be a great to add My Son to your list of things to do for your next trip in Hoi an.
