Discover the enchanting historical site of My Son in Quang Nam province, Vietnam, filled with unique architectural marvels and intriguing mysteries. Learn about its history, location, ticket prices, transportation options, and special attractions, ensuring an unforgettable visit.
Introduction:
My Son Sanctuary has long been a renowned tourist destination in Quang Nam province, Vietnam. This site is an architectural complex of the Champa people dating back centuries, with over 32 preserved temples and towers showcasing unparalleled architecture. Due to its fascinating mysteries, My Son Sanctuary has become a must-visit destination for many travelers. Let’s embark on a journey to conquer this mesmerizing landmark with Traveloka!
Exploring My Son Sanctuary:
Historical Background of My Son Sanctuary:
My Son Sanctuary was initiated by King Bhadravarman in the 4th century and continued until the late 13th century. Under the reign of King Jaya Simhavarman III in the early 14th century, My Son became an architectural complex with over 70 temples reflecting the unique style of the Champa kingdom. Most of the structures here were influenced by Indian culture.
Despite the ravages of war, by 1975, only 32 structures, including 20 temples, remained intact, preserving their original architecture. On December 1, 1999, My Son Sanctuary was officially recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Despite the historical ups and downs, My Son still stands strong today, making it a fantastic destination worth visiting.
Location of My Son Sanctuary:
Location: Duy Phu, Duy Xuyen, Quang Nam
Ticket Prices:
- Foreign Visitors: 150,000 VND/person
- Vietnamese Visitors: 100,000 VND/person Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, from 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM
My Son Sanctuary is situated in Duy Phu commune, Duy Xuyen district, Quang Nam province. It is approximately 69km from Da Nang city and 40km from Hoi An city. There are various transportation options from Hoi An or Da Nang, ensuring convenience for visitors.
Discovering the Architecture of My Son Historical Site:
The architecture of My Son Sanctuary is heavily influenced by Indian culture. All the temple towers are built using stone bricks and face east – the direction of the sunrise and believed to be where the deities reside. The structure of the temple towers here is divided into three main parts: the base, the body, and the top.
What makes each temple tower unique is that it worships different dynasties or deities, making each structure an essential piece throughout Champa’s history. The My Son archaeological site comprises several areas:
- Zone A: This is the first area to visit, offering a panoramic view of My Son Sanctuary. However, most of the structures in Zone A are undergoing restoration.
- Zone B: Located on the western hillside, this area features one main tower and three subsidiary towers.
- Zone C: Situated on the southern hillside, this area is the most unique with numerous temples, towers, bas-reliefs, inscriptions, and impressive artworks.
Special Attractions of My Son Sanctuary:
Exploring Centuries-old Architecture:
One of the main draws for visitors to My Son Sanctuary is its centuries-old architecture. Despite preserving only 32 temple towers, each structure offers intricate details and unique craftsmanship. These temples were intricately built without mortar, using only stacked bricks, posing a significant mystery that remains unsolved to this day.
Traditional Katê Festival of the Champa People:
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the unique Katê festival of the Champa people. Held annually in July according to the Champa calendar, this festival commemorates ancestors and seeks blessings for all living beings. Visitors can witness various traditional rituals, including water processions, prayers for peace, ceremonial processions, and captivating performances accompanied by diverse musical instruments.
Witnessing the Unique Ancient Road:
This ancient road, spanning 8 meters wide, features two parallel walls buried in the ground. According to records, this road leads to the central sanctuary, where a large gate tower is used for rituals reserved for royalty and dignitaries. The walls flanking this road are adorned with delicate carvings, providing a captivating sight for visitors.
Enthralling Apsara Dance Performances:
In addition to exploring historical sites, visitors can enjoy mesmerizing Apsara dance performances inspired by the stone carvings of Apsara sculptures. The Apsara dance, titled “The Soul of Stone,” accompanied by the rhythms of Paranung drums and Saranai horns, captivates every visitor with its beauty.
Fastest Transportation Options to My Son Sanctuary:
For travelers heading to My Son Sanctuary, options are available from Da Nang or Hoi An.
From Da Nang:
- Bus: Take bus route No. 06 from Da Nang to My Son. This route operates from the city center of Da Nang, running from 5:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily, with ticket prices ranging from 8,000 to 30,000 VND per trip.
- Car/Motorbike: Renting a car or riding a motorbike from Da Nang to My Son is also possible. Follow Highway 1 to Nam Phuoc town, then continue westward on Road 537 for about 9km to Tra Kieu. From there, travel another 12km to reach the junction, then turn left and follow the signs to My Son.
From Hoi An:
- Motorbike: Renting a motorbike and self-driving to My Son is a convenient option. From Hoi An, take Hung Vuong street to Highway 1A, then head to My Son.
- Shuttle Services: Renting shuttle services is also a convenient option for quick transportation.
Best Time to Visit My Son Sanctuary:
In Quang Nam, there are two main seasons: the rainy season (September – December) and the dry season (February – August). The dry season is undoubtedly the most favorable time to visit. It is recommended to visit My Son Sanctuary from February to April when the weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures and gentle sunlight, making it easy to explore.
