My Son Sanctuary

My Son Sanctuary in Quang Nam is not just a random destination but has become a magnetic attraction for tourists from all over the country. Let’s explore this unique architectural complex!

Have you, dear travel enthusiasts, visited and conquered every corner of Vietnam? But have you heard of the name My Son Sanctuary? If anyone has never heard of and known about this temple with its unique and outstanding beauty, which is among the top 10 most famous temples in Southeast Asia, then follow along to discover the mysteries of this temple right away.

My Son Sanctuary

The History Of Formation Of My Son Sanctuary

Stretching from the 4th century, My Son Sanctuary is renowned for its profound beauty and cultural significance. It is the place where the ancient Cham kings organized religious festivals and paid homage to the Holy Spirit in a sacred space.

Indian culture played a significant role in the construction of My Son Sanctuary, evident through the stone inscriptions engraved in the Sanskrit language. King Bhadravarman I was the pioneer in establishing this site from 381 to 413, marking the beginning of an impressive cultural heritage.

Despite past adversities, such as a devastating fire in the 6th century, My Son Sanctuary was restored under the direction of King Sambhuvarman. From 577 to 629, the temple once again stood before us, and over time, successive dynasties continuously renovated and built new temple towers.

The History Of Development of My Son Sanctuary

Throughout time, My Son Sanctuary stands out as a vibrant tapestry of history. From the 4th century to the end of the 13th century, the unique architectural temple towers witnessed the rise and fall of the Cham Pa Kingdom. With over 70 structures, this place became an era of religion and art, embodying the reverence for Linga and Shiva.

The citadel fell into darkness after the invasion of Dai Viet, and it wasn’t until a group of French explorers set foot in Vietnam in 1889 that My Son was rediscovered. Due to war destruction, by 1975, only 32 structures remained in the temple complex. However, there are still 20 intact structures, proudly carrying the beauty and extraordinary cultural value.

On December 1, 1999, this scenic wonder was officially recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site, affirming its enduring importance and timeless 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.

How Much Is The My Son Sanctuary – Quang Nam Entrance Fee?

The ticket prices for foreign tourists visiting My Son Sanctuary range from 160,000 VND per person to approximately 270,000 VND per person if accompanied by a tour guide. The ticket price for Vietnamese tourists is around 100,000 VND per person. The ticket includes electric shuttle service to the My Son archaeological site and access to cultural performances.

My Son Sanctuary Map

My Son Sanctuary

According to archaeological research by art scholar F.S. Tern, the ancient site of the Cham people in Vietnam is classified into 7 art styles based on its developmental process. My Son Sanctuary encompasses all these art styles, including 2 styles that originated from My Son. Particularly, the style My Son A1, starting with temple A1, is considered a masterpiece of Cham heritage architecture.
For the convenience of study, archaeologists have categorized the architectural structures in My Son Sanctuary into 10 main groups: A, A’, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, K, allowing for easy naming of each structure using a combination of letters and numbers:
– Group A and A’ are referred to as the temple tower area with 19 monuments.
– Group B, C, and D are known as the Market tower area with 12 monuments.
– Group E and F are designated as the Chessboard tower area with 4 monuments.”

Tips for Exploring My Son Sanctuary Independently

Are you planning to visit My Son Sanctuary on your own? Here are some information and tips to make your journey even more exciting!

Transportation to My Son Sanctuary

My Son Sanctuary

There are several transportation options for you to choose from to get to My Son Sanctuary if you’re starting from Da Nang. Here are some of the transportation methods you can consider:

  • Bus from Da Nang to My Son: Route 06 from Da Nang to My Son departs from the central bus station in Da Nang and covers a distance of approximately 60km. Operating hours are usually from 5:30 am to 5:00 pm, with a frequency of approximately 30 minutes per trip.
    Ticket price: The fare may vary depending on the destination, ranging from 8,000 to 30,000 VND per trip.
  • Motorbike to My Son Sanctuary: The distance from My Son Sanctuary to Da Nang city is about 70km, so you can choose to ride a motorbike to get to My Son. Riding a motorbike gives you more flexibility in terms of time, but make sure to prioritize safety while riding!
  • Taxi or Private Car Rental to My Son Sanctuary: In addition to the above-mentioned options, you can also choose to hire a taxi or rent a private car for a round trip from Da Nang to My Son Sanctuary.

Remember to plan your transportation in advance and consider factors such as cost, convenience, and safety. Enjoy your journey to My Son Sanctuary!

Best Time to Visit My Son Sanctuary

My Son Sanctuary

Exploring My Son Sanctuary is a unique experience compared to other tourist destinations in Da Nang. Located deep in the forest, the road to the archaeological site is often a challenging muddy path. Particularly during the rainy season, most routes leading to the ancient towers become muddy, damp, and slippery, making it difficult to navigate.

Quang Nam province has two main seasons: the dry season, which falls between February and August, and the rainy season from September to December. The ideal time to visit My Son Sanctuary is typically from February to April. This period comes after the Lunar New Year, so the sun is not too intense, and the weather is pleasant and comfortable. The lighting conditions for photography are also clearer and more radiant during this time.

Please note that weather patterns may vary, so it’s advisable to check the weather forecast and plan your visit accordingly.

My Son Sanctuary

  • Kalan Temple

Kalan Temple is a place of worship for the Linga deity, also known as the Shiva god, which is a supreme deity in Hinduism. The Kalan Temple stands at a height of 24 meters and is surrounded by six auxiliary towers, making it one of the main ancient tower complexes in My Son Sanctuary.

  • Gate Tower

Also known as Gopura, the gate towers are located in front of the Kalan Temple. The distinctive feature of the Gopura towers is that they have two doorways facing east and west. From these towers, visitors can easily admire the sunset in the twilight, creating a beautiful and mystical atmosphere.

  • Mandapa Tower

This tower showcases unique and intricate architectural designs, resembling a long house with a gate tower. It was traditionally used as a reception area for pilgrims offering their offerings. Visitors to the Mandapa tower can admire the exquisite and delicate carvings, artistic motifs on the tower’s gate, providing a perfect backdrop for photography.

  • 8-meter-wide Ancient Path

During the restoration and conservation process of the towers, an expert accidentally discovered a unique underground path. This path, hidden beneath the ground, is 8 meters wide and is enclosed by parallel walls, approximately 1 meter deep. What makes this path special is that it was exclusively reserved for royal members to move around.

The surface of the path is constructed using special materials such as fired clay combined with adhesive additives, creating an impressive and distinctive space.

  • 5. Apsara Dance Performance

My Son Sanctuary
These graceful dance performances are inspired by the Apsara stone statues and bas-reliefs. The dancers, with their natural beauty and agile movements, present soft and captivating dance routines. Accompanied by the powerful beats of the Paranung drum and the melodious sound of the Saranai flute, the performances create a mysterious and captivating ambiance.

  • Joining the Kate Festival – A Unique Traditional Festival of the Cham People

My Son Sanctuary
The Kate Festival is an incredibly significant and sacred traditional festival for the Cham people. Taking place in the seventh month of the Cham calendar, this festival serves as a remembrance of ancestors and a desire for the flourishing of all species.

Moreover, the Kate Festival symbolizes unity and compassion within the Cham community. By participating in this festival, visitors have the opportunity to experience and explore unique traditional rituals of the Cham people, such as prayers for peace, water procession, procession parades, and various other activities.

  • Exploring the “Magical” Check-in Photography Paradise

My Son Sanctuary

My Son Sanctuary, with its stunning ancient temples as a backdrop, provides a unique space for capturing those “thousand likes” photos on social media. Once you’re at this Champa heritage site, why not take the opportunity to dress in traditional Champa costumes and create unique and visually appealing images.

Currently, tours to explore the My Son Sanctuary have been increasingly expanding due to the growing emphasis on developing local tourism and the alluring charm of the ancient temple complex, which piques the curiosity and desire for exploration and conquest among many travelers. Moreover, tour itineraries have become more diverse and cost-effective, further enhancing the appeal of this destination and attracting a large number of visitors for sightseeing purposes.

Specialties at the My Son Sanctuary – Quang Nam:

  •  Be Thui Cau Mong – Exquisite Flavor of My Son

My Son Sanctuary
Be Thui (smoked veal) is a dish found in many regions, but Be Thui Cau Mong has a unique flavor that has built its reputation and brand for generations. The fresh and tender beef, carefully selected from young grass-fed calves, is grilled over charcoal to preserve its succulent sweetness and crispy skin. The soft and smooth meat slices are served with a special dipping sauce and fresh vegetables. The distinctive dipping sauce, made with fresh lime, roasted sesame seeds, fragrant garlic, and chili, combined with exquisite fish sauce, creates an irresistible and mouthwatering dish.

  • Mi Quang Phu Chiem

My Son Sanctuary
On the special menu of the My Son Sanctuary tour, Mi Quang Phu Chiem is a highlight that should not be missed. Each bite of the noodles captivates you with its rich and unforgettable taste.
The smooth and chewy white noodles are made from the finest rice, showcasing the beauty of the paddy fields along the Thu Bon River. The traditional broth of Mì Quảng Phú Chiêm, simple yet flavorful with shrimp and pork belly, perfectly complements the noodles and fresh herbs such as aromatic herbs, banana blossoms, and split morning glory. A touch of spiciness from horn chili and the crispness of rice crackers elevate the dish to another level of excellence.

  • The specialty cakes of Quang Nam 

My Son Sanctuary

In the list of specialties from Quang Nam, one cannot overlook the cultural essence found in various types of cakes such as banh dap, banh beo, banh xeo, banh to, and banh dau xanh nhan thit (mung bean cakes with meat filling). Although these cakes are now readily available everywhere, the most delicious and authentic flavors can only be created by the local people of Quang Nam.

Where should you stay when visiting the My Son Sanctuary?

My Son Sanctuary

1. Muong Thanh Grand

Located in the center of Tam Ky city, Muong Thanh Grand offers a convenient location to explore the beauty of Tam Ky and its surrounding areas. This 4-star hotel combines modern commerce, sports, and entertainment facilities.

  • 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. My Son Heritage Resort And Spa

This resort provides a tranquil and refreshing environment, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With 5-star accommodation, the resort offers various amenities and ensures absolute comfort. Guests can also enjoy delicious meals at the premium restaurant, served by professional staff and talented chefs. It is recommended to book in advance through online hotel booking platforms like Klook for a great experience.

  • Address: My Son Village, Duy Phu Commune, Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam Province
  • Price: From 720,000 VND/night

3. Hoi An Golden Street HotelAnother option for accommodation when visiting the My Son Sanctuary is Hoi An Golden Street Hotel. It is highly regarded by many travelers for its excellent room quality and attentive service. Being a newly built hotel, it offers modern amenities and facilities, ensuring a memorable and comfortable stay.

  • Address: Nguyen Huu Do Street, Dien Nam Commune, Dien Ban District, Quang Nam Province
  • Price: From 300,000 VND/night to 400,000 VND/night

These are just a few suggestions, and there are other accommodation options available in the surrounding area as well. It is recommended to check for availability and make reservations in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay.

Thank you for reading the article on XuQuang.com
The article has been referenced from: klook.com

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