Buzz
My Son Sanctuary in Quang Nam is not by chance a magnet for tourists from all over the country. Let's explore this unique architectural complex with Klook Vietnam!
Have you heard of My Son Sanctuary, the enchanting temple complex that attracts visitors from all corners of Vietnam? If not, join Klook Vietnam to discover the mysteries of this temple right away.
Where is My Son Sanctuary? Introduction to My Son Sanctuary, Quang Nam
History of My Son Sanctuary
Stretching back to the 4th century, My Son Sanctuary is renowned for its beauty and profound cultural value. It was where the ancient Champa kings held religious ceremonies to worship the Holy Spirit in a sacred space.
Indian culture played a crucial role in the construction of My Son Sanctuary, evident through the stone steles engraved with Sanskrit. King Bhadravarman I pioneered its establishment from 381 to 413, marking the beginning of an impressive cultural heritage.
Despite past adversities like the fire in the 6th century, My Son Sanctuary was restored under the reign of King Sambhuvarman. From 577 to 629, the temple once again stood before us, and over time, subsequent dynasties continuously renovated and built new tower temples.
Development History of My Son Sanctuary to Present Day
Throughout time, My Son Sanctuary shines as a colorful historical painting. From the 4th to the late 13th century, the unique architectural tower temples witnessed the rise and fall of the Champa kingdom. With over 70 structures, it became an era of religion and art, honoring the deities Linga and Shiva.
Shrouded in darkness after the Vietnamese invasion, My Son remained hidden until a group of French explorers set foot in Vietnam in 1889. Ravaged by war, by 1975, only 32 structures of the temple complex remained. Yet, 20 intact structures still proudly hold the beauty and cultural value.
On December 1, 1999, this scenic marvel was officially recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site, affirming its timeless significance and value.
My Son Sanctuary - Quang Nam
- Address: Duy Phu Commune, Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam Province.
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM from Monday to Sunday.
Ticket Prices for My Son Sanctuary - Quang Nam?
The entrance fee for foreign tourists at My Son Sanctuary ranges from 160,000 VND/person - with a guide, it's about 270,000 VND/person. For Vietnamese tourists, the ticket price is around 100,000 VND/person. The ticket price includes electric car transfers to the My Son relic area and watching cultural performances here. Don't forget to book tickets at Klook to grab amazing deals!
Map of My Son Sanctuary
According to archaeology, the art researcher F.S. Tern divided the Cham Vietnam relic into 7 art styles based on its development process. My Son Sanctuary has all styles, including 2 styles originating from My Son. Especially the A1 style of My Son, originating from temple A1, is considered a masterpiece of Cham relic architecture.
For the convenience of research, archaeologists have divided the architectural structures at My Son Sanctuary into 10 main groups: A, A', B, C, D, E, F, G, H, K for easy naming of each structure in a combination of letters and numbers:
- Groups A and A' are called the temple tower area with 19 relics.
- Groups B, C, D are called the Market Tower area with 12 relics.
- Groups E and F are called the Chess Board Tower area with 4 relics.
Travel Tips for Exploring My Son Sanctuary Independently
Planning to visit My Son Sanctuary on your own? Here are some handy tips and information to make your trip more exciting!
1. Transportation to My Son Sanctuary
There are several transportation options for you to choose from to get to the
My Son Sanctuary tourist area. For those departing from Da Nang, consider one of the following means of transportation to My Son Sanctuary:
Bus from Da Nang to My Son: Route 06 from Da Nang – My Son, departing from the central bus station of Da Nang city to My Son with a distance of 60km.
- Operating hours: From 5:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily with a 30-minute schedule per trip.
- Ticket price: Depending on the route chosen by tourists, the price ranges from 8,000 to 30,000 VND per trip.
Riding a motorbike to My Son Sanctuary: The distance from My Son Sanctuary to Da Nang city is about 70km, so you can choose a motorbike to travel to My Son. Riding a motorbike will give you more flexibility in terms of time, but make sure to prioritize safety when riding!
Hiring a taxi to My Son Sanctuary: In addition to the above two means of transportation, you can also choose to hire a taxi to travel to My Son Sanctuary or hire a private car for round-trip transportation from Da Nang to My Son Sanctuary. The private car rental service in Da Nang on Klook helps you move quickly, saving time, health, and convenience compared to the above two types of transportation.
2. Best Time to Visit My Son Sanctuary?
Exploring My Son Sanctuary is a completely different experience compared to other tourist attractions in Da Nang. Located deep in the forest, the road to the archaeological site is often muddy and difficult. Especially during the rainy season, almost all roads leading to the ancient tower complex are muddy, wet, and slippery, making it very difficult to move around.
Quang Nam has only 2 main seasons: the sunny season lasts from February to August and the rainy season from September to December. The ideal time to explore My Son Sanctuary is usually from February to April, as it is after Tet holiday so the sun is not too harsh and the weather is cool and pleasant, making photography clearer and more sparkling.
What Makes My Son Sanctuary Attract International Tourists?
1. Kalan Temple
Kalan Temple is dedicated to the Linga deity, also known as the Shiva god, who is a supreme deity in Hinduism. Kalan Temple has a height of 24m and is surrounded by 6 secondary towers, also one of the main ancient tower complexes of My Son Sanctuary.
2. Gate Tower
also known as Gopura Tower, it is the gateway tower located in front of Kalan Temple. The distinguishing feature of Gopura Tower is that it has two open doors facing east and west. From this tower, you can easily admire the scenery of the sunset in the twilight, incredibly beautiful and mystical.
3. Mandapa Tower
This tower features a unique and unusual architecture designed in the form of a long house with a gate tower, chosen as the place to welcome pilgrims offering sacrifices.
When visiting Mandapa Tower, you will admire the delicate and exquisite carvings of ancient artisans, marvel at the artistic patterns sculpted on the tower gate, and it's a perfect 'live virtual' background in this archaeological site.
4. Ancient 8m-wide Pathway
During the restoration of the towers, an expert accidentally discovered a unique pathway. This pathway is hidden underground, 8 meters wide, with parallel walls on both sides, about 1 meter deep. What's special is that this pathway is reserved exclusively for royal movements.
The surface of the pathway is made of special materials such as clay mixed with adhesive additives, creating an impressive and unique space.
5. Enjoy Apsara Dance Performances
These delicate dances are inspired by Apsara stone statues and sculptures carved from sandstone. The graceful girls with natural beauty and agile bodies bring soft and captivating dances. Additionally, the pounding drums of Paranưng and the echoing sound of Saranai horn create a mysterious and alluring atmosphere.
6. Immerse Yourself in the Kate Festival - A Unique Traditional Festival of the Chăm People
The Kate Festival - an extremely important and sacred traditional festival for the Chăm people. Taking place in July every year according to the Chăm calendar, this festival carries the significance of remembering ancestors and wishing for the prosperity of all beings.
At the same time, the Kate festival is also a symbol of unity and mutual affection within the Chăm community. Participating in this festival, tourists will have the opportunity to experience and explore the unique traditional rituals of the Chăm people, such as praying for peace, water procession, procession, and many other activities.
7. Explore the 'Extremely Surreal' Photography Paradise
My Son Sanctuary with its stunning ancient temples provides a perfect backdrop for capturing Instagram-worthy photos. Why not try dressing up in traditional Champa costumes to create some unforgettable shots?
With vibrant and intricate Champa costumes, you'll create unique and beautiful photos.
Nowadays, tours to My Son Sanctuary have become more widely available due to the increasing focus on local tourism development. The allure of the ancient temple complex has piqued the curiosity of many travelers, drawing them to explore and conquer this site. Moreover, tour itineraries are becoming increasingly diverse and cost-effective, making it more appealing to visitors.
Additionally, you can add My Son Sanctuary tours from Da Nang, tours to explore My Son Sanctuary from Hoi An on the Klook Vietnam app to your travel list right now to make your itinerary more lively!
Indulge Your Taste Buds with Specialties at My Son Sanctuary, Quang Nam
Surely, when traveling to My Son Sanctuary, Quang Nam, besides exploring the archaeological site, one of the other exciting experiences is discovering the cuisine at My Son Sanctuary. According to the travel experience from #teamKlook, food enthusiasts should try the following specialties:
1. Cầu Mống Grilled Beef - Exquisite Flavor of My Son
Cầu Mống grilled beef is renowned for its distinctive flavor, making it a household name for generations. The fresh, selected beef, sourced from grass-fed calves, is grilled over charcoal to retain its rich sweetness and crispy texture. The tender slices of meat are paired with a special dipping sauce and fresh, crisp vegetables.
The special dipping sauce is the secret to the enticing flavor of Cầu Mống Grilled Beef. Fresh lime, toasted sesame seeds, fragrant garlic, and spicy chili combine perfectly with delicate fish sauce, creating an irresistible dish.
2. Phú Chiêm Quang Noodle - Rich Flavor of the Tranquil Countryside
Featured on the special menu of My Son Sanctuary tours, Phú Chiêm noodles are an unmissable highlight. Each bite captivates you with its bold and unforgettable taste.
The smooth, soft, and chewy noodles are made from the finest rice, showcasing the beauty of the paddy fields along the Thu Bồn River. The traditional broth of Phú Chiêm noodles, simple yet flavorful with shrimp and pork belly, perfectly complements the noodles. When enjoyed, you'll experience the wonderful combination of noodles, fresh herbs like basil and banana flower, and split morning glory. A hint of spiciness from buffalo horn chili and the crispiness of rice crackers elevate Phú Chiêm noodles to excellence.
3. Quang Nam Specialty Cakes - Original Deliciousness
Among Quang Nam's list of specialties, traditional cakes like smashed cake, water fern cake, sizzling cake, ancestral cake, and green bean cake with meat filling cannot be missed. While you can find them everywhere nowadays, the most delicious and authentic flavors are still crafted by the natives of Quang Nam.
Where to Stay When Visiting My Son Sanctuary?
Traveling without accommodation for resting isn't feasible, right? Based on the travel experiences to My Son Sanctuary gathered by #teamKlook after numerous trips, although My Son hasn't seen outstanding tourism development, there are still some guesthouses and hotels near My Son Sanctuary with excellent quality and service, such as:
1. Mường Thanh Grand
Located in the heart of Tam Ky city, Mường Thanh Grand offers an ideal location to explore the entire beauty of Tam Ky and its surrounding areas. Guests staying here can easily access the vibrant corners of the city. Mường Thanh Grand Quang Nam is the first 4-star standard design in Tam Ky city, combining modern commerce, sports, and entertainment facilities.
Mường Thanh Grand
- Address: 351A Hung Vuong Street, An Xuan Ward, Tam Ky City, Quang Nam Province
- Price range: From 550,000 VND/night to 1,400,000 VND/night
2. Mỹ Sơn Heritage Resort And Spa
Situated away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this is a truly cool and spacious resort. With 5-star class accommodations, the resort offers many amenities and absolute comfort. You can also enjoy wonderful dishes at the upscale restaurant in the resort, with professional staff and talented chefs. Don't forget to book in advance on Klook's online hotel booking platforms for a great experience when visiting the My Son tourist area.
Mỹ Sơn Heritage Resort And Spa
- Address: My Son Hamlet, Duy Phu Commune, Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam Province
- Price range: From 720,000 VND/night
3. Hoi An Golden Street Hotel
Another accommodation option when visiting My Son Sanctuary is Hoi An Golden Street Hotel, where many travelers highly praise the excellent quality of rooms and very attentive and caring service attitude. As a newly built hotel, it is very modern and fully equipped with amenities, surely this will be the right choice if travelers want to have unforgettable moments of relaxation!
Hoi An Golden Street Hotel
- Address: Nguyen Huu Do Street, Dien Nam Commune, Dien Ban District, Quang Nam Province
- Price range: From 300,000 VND/night to 400,000 VND/night
Are you eagerly excited to leave all your work behind and go straight to My Son Sanctuary to experience the mysterious glory of this magnificent Champa civilization? Well then, what are you waiting for, let's book yourself a private tour to My Son Sanctuary right away. Also, don't hesitate to visit the Klook Blog for more tips on super budget-friendly self-guided tours in Hoi An, indulging in the famous Hoi An delicacies, cool check-in spots when traveling in Quang Nam,...
Are you excited to explore My Son Sanctuary, Quang Nam or not?
