My Son

Historical landmark · Duy Xuyen ·

My Son

Historical landmark · Duy Xuyen ·

UNESCO site with ancient Hindu temples, rich history

Information

Thánh địa Mỹ Sơn, Duy Xuyên District, Quảng Nam, Vietnam Get directions

@cntraveler

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On Location: Rachael Leigh Cook Shares Her Vietnam Itinerary From ‘A Tourist’s Guide to Love’

"The group then ventures off the plan and heads to My Son Sanctuary. What was it like to film there? You can feel the stillness and the history there. Its beauty is transcendent and very special. It feels pretty weird to have lighting equipment on an ancient temple—that juxtaposition is not lost on me. I felt just very grateful that they let us film there. I hope that people want to go check it out after seeing our movie."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/where-was-a-tourists-guide-to-love-filmed

My Son

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

"My Son A UNESCO World Heritage site in a mountain valley about 40 miles west of Da Nang, My Son is a vestige of the Champa kingdom, a culture that was heavily shaped by Hindu beliefs and practices. Built between the 4th and 14th centuries, the temples pay homage to the god Shiva, though the deity is often referred to here by different names. While some of the shrines are partially restored, and others overgrown with greenery or showing their age (many were destroyed by American bombing during the Vietnam War), the sheer scope of the ruins are proof of the reach of Hinduism and the lofty ambitions of the Cham kings."

Day Trips From Da Nang

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The world cultural heritage My Son

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

12 Experiences You'll Love in Da Nang and Hoi An

Photo by age fotostock

The world cultural heritage My Son

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

Culture, Art, and History in Da Nang and Hoi An

Photo by age fotostock

The world cultural heritage My Son

Liam D.

Google

Disclaimer: I didn’t use a guide or the audio guide. Mỹ Sơn is an interesting site if you’re into history and have some basic understanding of Hindu culture. The complex is large enough to spend a few hours exploring, and you don’t really need to hire a bike — I walked the whole site comfortably. I enjoyed the visit more because I researched the area as I went, which helped me understand the significance of the different buildings and objects. Without that context, a lot of the site could feel underwhelming. I was told the audio guide isn’t very good, as it focuses more on dimensions and measurements rather than historical or cultural context. Some parts of the site are reconstructed rather than original, which you can notice by differences in brick age and construction. The original temples used very specific brick-bonding techniques that stand out once you know what to look for. Overall, it’s a pleasant and interesting place, but unless you’re a history buff, it may not feel as impressive as some other heritage sites. I enjoyed it personally, but I’ve seen more engaging ruins elsewhere. Still worth visiting if you have time — just do a bit of research beforehand to really appreciate it.

Masha O.

Google

Really impressive, like stepping into a long lost city in the jungle. I was lucky to see a monkey as an added bonus. The dancing and signing performance was a nice bonus although the trumpet sounded like my migraine soundtrack. It was great though, I would recommend to anyone visiting Hoi An to add this place to the itinerary.

Emma B.

Google

My husband and I were traveling for our honeymoon and made sure to add this experience to our list. We had a guide for our tour; however, there is also a self-guided option with audio available, and we saw many solo travelers enjoying the site as well. Before the buggy ride out, we were treated to a beautiful dance performance. The women danced with holy water bowls balanced gracefully on their heads, sharing the story of the Cham people and the reverence they held for their gods. It was a rainy day for us, but the mist, quiet air, and softened stone only deepened the atmosphere and made the experience feel even more meaningful. The temple structures themselves are absolutely breathtaking. Built centuries ago using bricks bonded with sugarcane resin, their craftsmanship remains remarkably intact despite time, weather, and war. Standing among them feels humbling, as if the stones are still holding the devotion, rituals, and history of those who built them. This is truly a must-see, must-feel experience.

ha4ipuri

Google

This place was surprising. First of all, I want to say that I’m not a big fan of tourist spots packed with huge crowds of people, with that chaotic, overwhelming energy. Here everything is balanced. It smells very nice, the atmosphere is wonderful and uplifting, and there are very few people. Even the temple structures themselves are genuinely interesting to explore. Moreover, unlike typical tourist locations, here you can touch almost everything. There are no barriers or restrictions, and everything relies on your own good sense, which is a big advantage. In total, you’ll need around 30–40 minutes for the whole complex. But if you want to spend more time here, maybe even meditate, it’s a beautiful place where you can easily spend a couple of hours. Recommended.

Gaurav A.

Google

Ancient heritage of central Vietnam and people of Cham community This is a group of temples dedicated to various Hindu goods which were revered by locals after they influenced by Indian peoples due to trade relations. These temples are partly in ruins and conservation is going on with help of various foreign countries including India Located around 40-45 km from hoi an and can also be visited from Da Nang city The group tour is a good and affordable option to visit this place that can be booked from various online platforms The ticket for adult is priced around Rs 500 The group tour includes a guide that will be explain all the details related to this temple You can view various statues and shivlinga in this premise Morinung time is good slot to visit here The temple group is amidst forest area which makes it more senic Some of the temples were destroyed during America Vietnam war There is a cultural show scheduled around every hour that includes local folk dance. The place is very neatly and cleanly maintained You need to walk some distance from the entry gate to main temple group,may put stress on seniors

Christopher M.

Google

A very nice ride through the countryside and small towns led me to this beautiful place. Very well thought out layout allowed for a peaceful walk through the lush valley. Good markers explained important details about the sight, its historical significance, and importance for preservation.

Jimi B.

Google

My Son Sanctuary is absolutely worth visiting, BUT just make sure you go early. We arrived around 6:30 AM and it was calm, quiet and truly atmospheric. The sunrise was beautiful and made the experience special. Later in the morning it gets overcrowded with big tour groups, which really kills the vibe. Go early to enjoy the temples properly 🌅

KenJi M.

Google

My Son Sanctuary is truly a must-see destination for anyone interested in history and culture. The ancient Hindu temples, nestled in a lush green valley, create a peaceful and mystical atmosphere that is deeply moving. We were amazed by the intricate brickwork and the enduring spirit of the Champa ruins, which have stood the test of time for centuries. Walking through the site felt like stepping into another era. The surrounding mountains and the quiet beauty of the landscape made the experience very special. It is a place of great historical significance, and seeing the preservation efforts firsthand was impressive. Whether you are a history buff or just looking for a serene escape into nature, My Son offers a unique and unforgettable experience. It was definitely one of the most meaningful parts of our journey.