My Son Sanctuary - Tracing Champa Kingdom's Legacy
My Son Sanctuary is a mysterious and unique architectural complex with more than 70 Champa temples. It is located in Duy Phu commune, Duy Xuyen district, Quang Nam province.
- My Son Sanctuary includes many old Cham temples situated in a valley about 2 kilometers wide, surrounded by hills and mountains.
- This is the religious and cultural center of the Champa dynasty and is also the burial place of kings, princes and powerful monks.
- Over the centuries, this remarkable site has withstood the test of time, showing only minor signs of aging.
Overview
My Son Sanctuary was discovered in 1885 and recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in 1999. This place is the religious and political capital of the former Champa Kingdom for most of its existence.
Location: Duy Xuyên District of Quang Nam Province, in central Vietnam.
Opening Hours: Daily from 06:30 to 17:00.
Price Ticket:
- For Vietnamese guests: Around US $4.4/person.
- For foreign guests: Around US $6.5/person.
My Son Sanctuary
Things To Do When Visiting My Son Sanctuary
Explore My Son Sanctuary
Every temple in My Son Sanctuary is built using carefully interlocking bricks without the use of any binding materials. You can book a tour guide to have more in-depth knowledge during your visit. He will share fascinating historical and cultural stories about this site.
Explore The Panoramic View Of My Son Sanctuary
Enjoy The Apsara Dance
This Apsara dance is currently used to perform in important art programs serving tourists visiting My Son Sanctuary.
You will be amazed by the enchanting Apsara dancers in their dazzling costumes, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of Paranung and Paranung drums. The sound of the Saranai flute makes tourists even more captivated.
Enjoy The Enchanting Apsara Dance
Attend The Traditional Kate Festival
Coming here, visitors can not only admire architectural works of high artistic value but also have the opportunity to explore the cultural beauty of the Cham people. One of them is the Kate festival.
Participating in this festival, visitors will have the opportunity to explore many regional traditional rituals (such as praying for peace, water procession, palanquin procession) and enjoy extremely attractive musical instrument performances.
Immerse Yourself In The Traditional Kate Festival
Try Specialty Dishes
It would be a mistake when visit My Son Sanctuary without enjoying the extremely delicious and attractive dishes. Below are some suggestions for you to try authentic cuisine in My Son:
Be Thui
- Suggested place to eat: 158 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Tam Ky City.
- Price range: around US $3.
The meat, carefully selected from young cows, is grilled over open flames to maintain its sweetness and the crispiness of the skin. It's then thinly sliced, served with a delightful dipping sauce and fresh greens.
Be Thui
Phu Chiem Noodles
- Suggested place to eat: 6A Truong Minh Luong Street, Hoi An City.
- Price range: around US $1.5.
Phu Chiem noodles is made with white, elastic noodles from the finest rice grown along the banks of the Thu Bon River. The noodles combined with pork belly and fresh shrimp, create an irresistible flavor.
Phu Chiem Noodles
Banh Beo
- Suggested place to eat: 2 Hoang Van Thu Street, Hoi An City.
- Price range: around US $0.6.
These small rice cakes are crafted from a blend of meat, mushrooms, and shrimp, served with a tasty dipping sauce and accompanied by various fresh herbs.
Banh Beo
Banh Xeo
- Suggested place to eat: Ai Nghia Bridge, Dai Loc District.
- Price range: around US $1.6.
Don't miss the opportunity to savor Banh Xeo, a traditional cake filled with a delicious blend of shrimp, meat, and bean sprouts. It's usually dipped in a sweet and tangy sauce and accompanied by lettuce and herbs.
Banh Xeo
How To Get There
Motorbike Rental
Price: The rent price might cost around US $4 to US $8 per day.
In Hoi An or Da Nang, it is very easy for you to hire a motorbike. A motorbike ride offers a great opportunity to soak in the natural beauty of the area and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Always wear a helmet and appropriate riding gear. Keep an eye on the fuel level and refuel when necessary. Before accepting the motorbike, thoroughly inspect it for any damages and ensure that all essential components are in proper working condition.
Taxi
| Brand & Contact | Price (Per Kilometer) |
| Mai Linh Taxi (02438333333) | US $0.4 - $0.7 |
| Hai Van Taxi (02363939393) | US $0.3 - $0.6 |
| Tien Sa Taxi (02363797979) | US $0.4 - $0.7 |
| VinaSun Taxi (02363686868) | Around US $0.5 |
Taxis provide a direct route to your destination, saving you time and effort. It typically offers a comfortable, air-conditioned environment, particularly beneficial on hot and humid days.
Have the name and address of My Son Sanctuary written in Vietnamese or on a map app on your phone. If the taxi doesn't have a meter, agree on a fare with the driver before starting your journey. When available, using the meter is the most transparent and fair way to determine the cost.
Bus
Price: Around US $0.3 to US $1.2
Another way for you to reach the sanctuary is to take a bus. From Da Nang, you can catch bus number 06. Buses run every 30 minutes from 05:30 to 17:00 and the ticket is affordable.
Riding the bus offers opportunities for cultural interactions with locals, enhancing your travel experience. Bus transportation is a budget-friendly option, saving you money for other experiences.
Bus - The Cheapest Method Of Transportation
In Da Nang
Usually, you buy tickets directly from the bus conductor while on board, so remember to have cash readily available. Research bus schedules and routes in advance to ensure a smooth trip.
Private Car Rental
Our first recommendation is to book a private car for your journey. For pricing details, you can refer to the price below:
| Car Types | Price |
| Sedan (Max 3 Pax - 2 Luggages) | Around US $33 |
| MiniVan (Max 4 Pax - 3 Luggages) | Around US $37 |
| Van (Max 4 Pax - 3 Luggages) | Around US $47 |
You can have your private space for comfort and scenery appreciation. It's a safe choice with an experienced driver and if you travel in a group, it can be a cost-effective option.
Embark On A Comfortable Ride In Private Car
Local Tips When Exploring My Son Sanctuary
Visit Early In The Day: Arrive at My Son early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy a cooler, more peaceful experience.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: The terrain can be uneven and hilly, so make sure to wear comfortable and sturdy shoes to explore the temples and grounds comfortably.
Respect Local Customs: My Son is a place of religious significance, so be respectful of the local customs. Dress modestly and speak quietly when inside the temple complexes.
Worship: My Son Sanctuary does not support worship or the burning of incense. Therefore, visitors should avoid engaging in these activities during their visit.
Secure Your Belongings: Watch your belongings carefully and be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas.
Trip that visit My Son Sanctuary
