My Son Sanctuary: A Unique Feature Of Champa Culture

By Katie May

My Son Sanctuary, a mesmerizing archaeological site nestled in the lush jungles of central Vietnam, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and spiritual devotion of the ancient Champa civilization. My Son Sanctuary in Quang Nam is one of Southeast Asia's most impressive temple relics. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, My Son is a religious complex and burial site of the Champa kings, who ruled a prosperous empire in central Vietnam from the 2nd century to the 14th century.

As we delve into the history and significance of My Son Sanctuary, we uncover the architectural marvels and cultural narratives that have shaped this sacred ground, revealing its enduring legacy as a symbol of religious and artistic achievement. 

Join me on a journey through time to explore the mysteries and majesty of My Son Sanctuary, where history and spirituality converge in a breathtaking display of human heritage.

History of My Son Sanctuary in Quang Nam

My Son Sanctuary UNESCO was built between the 4th and 13th centuries CE. The Cham people of this era are a distinct society that emerged along the coast of present-day Vietnam, with spiritual roots in Indian Hinduism. 

The ruins of several striking tower temples at the spectacular location of My Son Holy Land, which was the governmental and religious center of the Champa Kingdom for the majority of its existence, serve as evidence of this. My Son has been shown by the stone stele of the Cham royal dynasties to be the most significant Holy Land of the Cham people over those ages, reflecting their history and style.

My Son Sanctuary was built between the 4th and 13th centuries CE 

Who built My Son Sanctuary?

The Champa Kingdom and its legacy are now largely forgotten, but for more than 10 centuries, it was the Cham people who owned and ruled the lands of contemporary Central Vietnam.

Some theories propose that the Cham are descendants of Polynesian seafarers who arrived by boat and settled in these lands. They were undoubtedly skilled sailors and, at times, pirates. Their dominance over a key commercial route in the region made them prominent figures among the world's major traders.

Today, the only traces of their grandeur are found in certain areas of Vietnam as ruins and ancient temples. The most remarkable of these is the My Son Sanctuary, which was vividly showcased by Spike Lee in his film "Da 5 Bloods." The final gunfight scene was filmed in the sacred valley of the Cham people, near the historic port city of Hoi An.

Where is My Son Sanctuary in Vietnam?

My Son Sanctuary consists of numerous historic Cham temples spread across a valley that is two kilometers wide and surrounded by hills and mountains. Despite the considerable damage inflicted by time and conflict, the remaining artifacts at My Son hold great significance for global history and culture.

• Address: Duy Phu Commune, Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam Province
• Opening hours: 6:30 am – 5:30 pm (every day, including holidays and Tet)

My Son sanctuary is a large complex of religious relics comprising Cham architectural works 

How To Get To My Son Sanctuary?

The distances between My Son and Da Nang and Hoi An Ancient Town are around 69 and 45 kilometers respectively. You can therefore go from both cities to My Son, Vietnam.

From Hoi An

If you depart from Hoi An to My Son, there are three ways to get there:

• By bike: A scooter makes it simple to travel to My Son. Travelers can reach Hung Vuong Street from Hoi An by using Tran Hung Dao Street. Proceed straight ahead until you reach Quang Trung Street after making a left and right onto Tran Quy Cap Street after crossing the Vinh Dien River. You will see other drivers along the route, as well as signs pointing you in the direction of My Son.
• By bus: Public buses do run between Hoi An and My Son Sanctuary, but they aren't the most convenient way to get there because they don't stop at the gates. Alternatively, you can book a spot in advance on the 8:30 am–1:45 pm shuttle bus that runs from Hoi An to My Son Sanctuary. It's an inexpensive choice, starting at just $8, but entrance tickets are still needed.
• By car: Unless you are planning a multi-day excursion to Central Vietnam, we would not advise renting a car to visit My Son Sanctuary. Since Hoi An does not have any car rental firms, you will need to get a vehicle from Da Nang Airport. About $100 is spent on a day's worth of car rental.

From Da Nang

There are 02 ways to depart from Da Nang to travel to My Son:

• By bike or car: After traveling about 39 kilometers on National Highway 1 south to Nam Phuoc Town, turn west on Route 537 and go approximately 9 kilometers to Tra Kieu. After traveling 12 kilometers to the fork, bear left at the instruction sign board and went 9 kilometers to My Son. Once you get to My Son Sanctuary, keep going for approximately five minutes on the steep road.
• By bus: From Da Nang, you can go to My Son using bus number 6. From 5:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, the bus departs every 30 minutes. 8,000 VND to 30,000 VND is the bus fare range. When compared to other forms of transportation, the bus is more expensive but also takes longer. 

Highlights of My Son Sanctuary

The conservation area covers 1158 hectares. Because the area is quite large, it will take you 2 to 3 hours to explore its highlights.

Ancient Cham architecture of My Son Sanctuary

Beyond its religious significance, the most captivating feature of My Son Sanctuary is its distinctive Cham architectural style, which is deeply influenced by Indian designs. The Cham towers, all constructed on quadrilateral foundations, are composed of three distinct parts:

A sturdy tower foundation: representing the mortal world;

The enigmatic and sacred tower body: representing the spirit world;

The tower top (shaped like a man offering flowers and fruits, or trees, birds, animals, and so on): represents things that are close to spirits and human beings.

Although few relics remain, those that do are quintessential sculptures reflecting the cultural values of the Cham people. They serve as clear evidence of the history and rich cultural tradition of a people who have long been part of the Vietnamese community.

My Son Sanctuary's most captivating feature is its distinctive Cham architecture 

My Son Sanctuary Museum

You can get a general overview of My Son artifacts and culture in this museum. If you intend to tour the site alone, the museum's many placards and images describing My Son Sanctuary's history will come in extremely handy.

Keep in mind that you should visit the museum first, as it closes half an hour earlier than the sanctuary.

Inspiring Apsara dance in My Son Sanctuary

You may take in the magnificent architectural design as well as the elegant traditional Cham dances. The dances are performed every day in the afternoon.

The dances are performed by local dancers and range from happy fan dances and water dances to the famous Shiva and Aspara dances of Cham, which have been performed for hundreds of years. Every dance is distinct, resulting in a glittering, fantastical Champa cultural environment. Taking in the grace and beauty of the native dancers while listening to folk music in a hallowed setting is an amazing experience. 

The Apsara dancing performance to worship the god and celestial beings 

Kate festival in My Son Sanctuary

The modern Cham people celebrate the Kate Festival, or Mbang Kate, for three days in early October. It is their most important event, dedicated to honoring their heroes and deceased family members. This festival also serves as the largest local gathering, where they share joy and wish each other good fortune.

You will be astounded by the vivid hues of the traditional attire the people are wearing. You'll be enthralled with the dramatic traditional tunes and fervent dances. If you want to feel the strange atmosphere of ancient Cham, go to the amazing Kate festival.

Kate festival in My Son Sanctuary 

Where To Stay For Your Visit To My Son Sanctuary?

Accommodation services near My Son Sanctuary are still underdeveloped, so tourists should opt for hotels or resorts near Hoi An ancient town. This choice ensures a convenient vacation, allowing you to easily visit other famous attractions in Hoi An and Quang Nam.

For an exceptional family vacation enriched with unique cultural experiences, consider Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An. Situated on Binh Minh Beach, approximately a 20-minute drive from Hoi An, this resort offers both relaxation and entertainment, including the VinWonders Nam Hoi An amusement park.

To sum up, My Son Sanctuary acts as a gateway to the essence of the Champa Kingdom, unveiling to visitors a realm of art steeped in historical significance. It provides a distinctive glimpse into a civilization that profoundly shaped the cultural landscape of Vietnam. Exploring My Son is akin to a voyage through history, fostering a profound admiration for the legacy of the Cham people and their enduring impact on Southeast Asian history. So, let's apply for “a Vietnam entry ticket” and prepare for an exhilarating travel experience in Vietnam!

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