My Son Sanctuary

My Son Sanctuary is the most significant Cham heritage site in Vietnam — a complex of over 70 Hindu temples and towers built between the 4th and 14th centuries in a sheltered valley surrounded by jungle-covered mountains, 70 km southwest of Da Nang. The Champa kingdom used this sacred valley as a royal burial ground and religious centre for nearly 1,000 years. Many of the towers were badly damaged by US bombing in 1969, but the surviving structures — particularly groups B, C, and D near the main entrance — retain extraordinary carved stonework depicting Hindu deities, dancing apsaras, and mythological scenes. UNESCO listed the site in 1999.

Entry approximately 150,000 VND. Open daily 06:00–17:00. Hire a local guide (100,000–150,000 VND) — the context and history significantly enhance the visit. Electric golf carts shuttle between the car park and the site entrance (included in ticket). Best visited early morning before the heat and tour buses build up. Often combined with a day trip from Hoi An (45 min) or Da Nang (1.5 hrs).

Hotel recommendations coming soon.