Visit My Son Sanctuary in Central Vietnam

We explore the ancient Hindu temples of My Son in Central Vietnam. Even with the weathering decay, neglect and bombings that happened to these ancient temples, My Son is still a fantastic site to explore with the Cham Kingdom of My Son, the Vietnam’s Quang Nom Province.

My Son is often compared to the impressive Ankor Wat temples of Cambodia, but it is even older and revers the Hindu religion and gods that were the primary religion at that timeframe.

Visit My Son Temples: A Journey Into Vietnam’s Ancient Cham Civilization and Unesco site

My Son was the Spiritual, cultural and political center of Southeast Asia’s Vietnamese empires which built these over 70 Hindu temples from the 4th to 15th centuries. Along the jungle environment

A brief history about the My Son Temples in Central Vietnam

The My Son Temples in Central Vietnam were once the spiritual and political heart of the Champa Kingdom, a Hindu-influenced civilization that thrived between the 4th and 13th centuries. Built as a sanctuary dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, the complex grew over time into a series of red-brick towers and shrines set in a lush valley. My Son served as both a religious center and a royal burial site, where Cham kings honored their deities and ancestors. Though many of the temples were damaged by war and natural decay, the ruins remain a powerful reminder of the Cham people’s architectural skill, artistry, and enduring cultural legacy. Today, the site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving its history for future generations.

What little that remained of the historic site has been lovingly restored with various international organizations to bring back the temples to what can be restored, documented and preserved for all visitors to appreciate and visit.

Here’s a fantastic video overview of a complete tour of the My Son Temples and other interesting facts about the tour and excavations below

How to get to the My Son Temples

Here’s a clear outline on how to get to the My Son Temples in Central Vietnam from the major cities close by taxi/car, tour bus or biking to the site. It was easier to book a tour of the temples from various city centers and the return by boat was really fun despite the rainy weather. I’ll post some of the popular tours to take from various cities below.

From Da Nang (approx. 40 km / 1.5 hours)
- By Car/Taxi: Convenient and direct; private hire or Grab is available.
- By Motorbike: Popular with independent travelers; scenic ride through countryside.
- By Tour Bus: Many local operators offer half-day tours with guides.
From Hoi An (approx. 30 km / 1 hour)
- By Car/Taxi: Quickest and most comfortable option.
- By Motorbike: Easy day trip with beautiful rural views.
- By Guided Tour: Includes transportation, entrance, and historical insight.
Alternative Route
- By Bicycle & Boat: Some tours combine a countryside bike ride with a boat trip on the Thu Bon River, offering a more unique journey.
Tips for Travelers
- Go early in the morning to avoid crowds and midday heat.
- Bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes.
- Entrance tickets are purchased at the main gate, which includes shuttle service into the valley.

The main attractions and sites to visit at My Son

Here’s an outline of the main attractions and sites to visit at the My Son complex:

Main Attractions and Sites at My Son Complex

Group B, C, and D (Central Sanctuary)
- The most well-preserved temples and towers, dedicated to Shiva.
- Highlights include intricate carvings, altars, and lingas (Hindu symbols of fertility and power).
- Often considered the heart of My Son.

The main attractions and sites to visit at My Son
- Once the largest and most impressive structure before being heavily damaged during the Vietnam War.
- Remains still showcase its grand scale and architectural detail.

Group E and F
- Smaller temple clusters, partially restored.
- Good examples of Cham artistry and building techniques.

Group G
- Scenic setting with isolated towers surrounded by jungle.
- Offers a quieter area for exploring and photography.

Group H and K
- Fragments of temples with distinct Cham stonework.
- Worth visiting for their atmosphere and historical context.

Cham Museum on Site
- Displays artifacts, sculptures, and relics found in the complex.
- Helps visitors understand the religious and cultural significance of the ruins.

Delicate sculptural piece located on site

Surrounding Valley Landscape
- The lush green hills and jungle backdrop add to the experience.
- Great for photography and taking in the peaceful setting.

Guided tours of the My Son Temples

It’s so much easier being driven in air-conditioned buses and with a local guide that can show you all the important facets to visiting the historic sites more comfortably without worrying about logistics, parking and tickets. Here’s some of the recommended tours to take.

Hoi An: My Son Sanctuary, Rice Paper, Boat Trip & Lunch

Beat the crowds and marvel at the beauty of My Son Sanctuary and Thu Bon River on this guided tour. Learn about Vietnamese history and culture as you visit different temple towers.

Da Nang/Hoi An: My Son Sanctuary and Marble Mountain Tour

Embark on a full-day adventure to My Son Sanctuary and Da Nang’s Marble Mountains. Admire the Champa Kingdom ruins, explore cave temples, and visit the Tam Thai Pagoda.

Hoi An/Da Nang: My Son Sunset Tour, Boat Trip, & Banh My

Immerse yourself in the history of My Son Sanctuary and watch a traditional cham dance performance. Relax on a Thu Bon River boat trip, and taste a Vietnamese Banh My on a tour from Hoi An or Da Nang.

More tips to visiting the My Son Temples of the Cham dynasty

Here are some practical tips for visiting the My Son Temples in outline form:

Best Time to Visit
- Early morning (before 9 AM) for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
- Sunset visits can also be quieter and more atmospheric.
- Avoid mid-day heat, especially during summer months.
What to Wear
- Comfortable walking shoes (uneven terrain and stone steps).
- Light, breathable clothing suitable for Vietnam’s tropical climate.
- Modest attire recommended since it’s a spiritual and historical site.
Guided Tours
- Consider hiring a local guide for deeper insights into Cham history, culture, and temple symbolism.
- Audio guides and group tours are also available.
Photography Tips
- Morning light offers the best conditions for capturing the brickwork and carvings.
- A tripod helps if you want to photograph temples in shaded areas.
- Respect signs that prohibit drones or restricted access.
On-site Experience
- Watch the traditional Cham dance performances (scheduled at set times).
- Explore beyond the main cluster of temples for quieter ruins.
- Visit the small museum near the entrance for historical context.
Travel Essentials
- Carry water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
- Bring cash for entrance fees, snacks, or souvenirs (card acceptance is limited).
- Toilets are available near the entrance, but not within the ruins.
Respect the Site
- Do not climb on the ruins or touch fragile carvings.
- Follow pathways to help preserve the site.
- Be mindful of local customs when attending dance or cultural shows.

Details to visiting

Cost

Entrance fee for foreign adults: ≈ 150,000 VND
For Vietnamese nationals: ≈ 100,000 VND
Children (ages ~5-15): ≈ 30,000 VND
Children under 5 usually enter for free.

Hours

Open daily.
Usual hours: 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Official Website Reference

The official site is: Di sản văn hoá Mỹ Sơn (“My Son Cultural Heritage”) — www.disanvanhoamyson.vn
UNESCO also has a page with formal listing and resources. (UNESCO World Heritage Centre)

Here’s a fun video tour experience below of visiting the various sites at My Son

Conclusion to visiting My Son Temples in Vietnam

Visiting the My Son Temples offers a mix of exploring the ancient Cham Hindu temples, cultural landmarks and Unesco World Heritage site located in Central Vietnam.

Whether you book a private tour, guided bus tour or arrange your own transport and tour, it’s a fascinating look at the historic sites and ruins of the ancient My Son and Cham dynasty that created these impressive temple complexes that started in the 4th century.

Even though many of the sites were bombed out, they are lovingly being reconstructed with help from many organizations to give visitors a real look and experience to visit these historic sites.

My Son Vietnam