Nestled among verdant hills and lush jungles in central Vietnam lies the enchanting My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that bears testament to the captivating history of the ancient Champa Civilization.
And taking a My Son Sanctuary Tour during your trip in Central Vietnam is by far one of the best activities!
My Son Sanctuary is home to over 70 ancient Hindu temples and structures? Dating back as far as the 4th century, these mystical temples offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions.
For those seeking a different experience, this captivating tour will transport you back in time as you explore the ruins of this once-grand religious center, surrounded by lush forests.
Want to know more? Here’s everything you need to know when taking a My Son Sanctuary Tour!
3 My Son Sanctuary Tour Packages
Before jumping into the main topic and go through all the information you need to know about My Son, here are the 3 absolute best tours to My Son Sanctuary from Da Nang and Hoi An:
BEST MY SON TOUR OVERALL: Full-Day Hoi An Old Town and My Son Tour
BEST MY SON TOUR FROM DA NANG: My Son Sanctuary Tour from Da Nang
BEST MY SON TOUR FROM HOI AN: My Son Sanctuary Luxury Trip With Lunch
My Son Sanctuary Tour – Overview
Want to know more about My Son before visiting? In this section, we’ll cover the essentials you must know. I personally traveled to My Son from Hoi An as I was taking a break from my Da Nang itinerary, and I’m excited to tell you everything about it here below.
Why It’s Better to Take a My Son Sanctuary Tour
Booking a tour offers several advantages over visiting independently, such as expert knowledge from an experienced guide who share fascinating insights into the site’s history, the opportunity to meet like-minded travelers, and enjoying comfortable transportation to and from the site.
These benefits combine to create a more enjoyable, informative, and stress-free experience, making a guided tour the ideal choice for exploring this remarkable historical site in Vietnam.
I rented a motorbike from Da Nang to Hoi An and I wish I took a half-day tour or a full-day trip – While the road was pretty decent, the traffic isn’t in some areas of the Vietnamese countryside, and the way to My Son was very hot.
How to Find a Private My Son Tour?
To find a private tour to My Son temple complex, the most convenient and cheapest way is to book online. This allows you to compare prices, read reviews, and choose the ideal tour package that suits your needs.
There aren’t many tour operators around Da Nang, so you’ll want to make it as easy as possible. Private tours from Hoi An cost about $70 while day trips from Da Nang will set you back around $235.
All in all, I recommend traveling to Hoi An and staying one more day to take a slightly cheaper tour.
Best Time to Visit My Son Sanctuary
The ideal time to visit My Son Sanctuary is between February and April when the weather is comfortably warm. Also, it’s best to come in the early morning or late afternoon, as it allows you to avoid the heat and crowds. Keep in mind that in October through December, you’ll most likely get cold and rainy days, so the experience won’t be as enjoyable.
How Long Does a Tour of My Son Take?
A typical tour of My Son Sanctuary will last around 5 hours, including travel time from Hoi An or Da Nang and the stops along the way. During this time, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the complex and learn about its history from their knowledgeable guide.
How Long Does it Take to Visit My Son Sanctuary?
The actual time you’ll spend in the My Son Sanctuary is anywhere between 1 to 3 hours as there are different sections with different temples, separated in groups, as you can see below.
Best My Son Tour From Da Nang
The best tour from Da Nang to My Son Sanctuary is this one, which lasts 5 hours and takes your around the sanctuary and includes the entrance tickets.
Your adventure begins with a convenient hotel pickup, followed by an 80-kilometer drive through picturesque landscapes towards the enchanting My Son Sanctuary.
As you explore this architectural marvel, your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights into the rich history and cultural significance of the site that once the Champa used as a worshipping site.
Witness the evolution of the sanctuary over ten centuries, from its humble wooden beginnings in the 4th century to the stunning stone temples that were built and restored between the 7th and 13th centuries.
With more than 70 temples built during this time, My Son became the heart of Hinduism in the Champa Kingdom.
Our tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Da Nang City, transportation according to the itinerary, entrance fees, bottled drinking water, and an English-speaking guide. What more could you need?
Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the captivating history and breathtaking beauty of My Son Sanctuary. Book your guided tour today and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Best My Son Tour From Hoi An
In case you’re staying in Hoi An and want to visit My Son Sanctuary from here, then this private tour is the one for you.
Departing from your hotel in Hoi An in the early morning, you’ll travel to My Son in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
Before immersing yourself in the rich history and stunning ruins of My Son ruins, enjoy a short traditional music and traditional dance performance, which is great to start the organized tour.
Truth be told, I went to the Hoi An Traditional Art Performance Theatre the day before and the show is very similar to the one at My Son, so I decided to skip it and enjoy the site with fewer tourists.
My Son, a major religious site for the people of the Champa Kingdom between the 4th and 13th centuries, is steeped in history and cultural significance. Discover the political capital of Tra Kieu and the commercial capital of Hoi An, which played crucial roles in the Champa culture and Kingdom’s prosperity.
As you explore the temple complex, marvel at the intricate brickwork and sculptures depicting gods, priests, animals, and mythical battles that adorn the walls.
This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional English-speaking guide, all fees, private transportation, and an air-conditioned vehicle for a comfortable and unforgettable experience.
To sum up, there’s no better way to visit My Son than by taking this trip from Hoi An!
Tips for Taking My Son Sanctuary Tours
To make the most of your visit to My Son Sanctuary, it is essential to plan ahead. The best time to visit is during the early morning when the site opens at 6:00 AM, as it offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Also, when visiting My Son Sanctuary, hiring a local guide is highly recommended, as they can provide a more in-depth understanding of the site’s fascinating history and cultural significance.
But there’s more – Read below to prepare and make the most of your tour to My Son Sanctuary
Best Time to Visit
For the ultimate My Son Sanctuary experience, I recommend planning your visit between February and April when the weather is pleasantly warm. To avoid the crowds and make the most of your time, aim to arrive in the early morning or late afternoon.
Not only will this ensure a more peaceful and serene atmosphere, but you’ll also be able to enjoy the stunning views without the harsh glare of the midday sun.
I sure got burnt after spending 3 hours at the sanctuary!
However, if you’re planning a trip from October through December, be prepared for colder temperatures and rainy days that might make the experience less pleasant.
Hiring a Tour Guide
Engaging a local guide can greatly enhance your experience at My Son Sanctuary, as they are knowledgeable about the site’s history, culture, and unique features.
Local guides can offer valuable insights that may not be readily available through guidebooks, providing a deeper understanding of this fascinating site.
It’s worth noting that you can hire a tour guide directly at My Son Sanctuary, after the ticket office, in case you decided to travel by yourself, and the cost is 100,000 VDN, or about $5, and has to be paid on top of the entrance ticket.
Also, note that while booking at the sanctuary is cheaper than joining a tour, you’ll only visit the main part with the tour guide, while a group tour will take you all around My Son Hindu Sanctuary, and that is so much better.
Essential Items to Bring
When visiting My Son Sanctuary, it is important to pack essential items for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Bring a day pack with a refilled water bottle, nutritious snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
In addition, wear comfortable clothing and footwear, and consider bringing a long piece of cloth to cover up and not get sunburnt.
History of My Son Sanctuary
My Son Sanctuary was built by the Champa Kingdom between the 4th and 14th century CE, worshipping Hindu divinities and using a unique construction process. However, as time went by, the sanctuary was forgotten and reclaimed by the jungle until its rediscovery by the French in 1885.
Unfortunately, during the Vietnam War, My Son Sanctuary was bombed extensively by the Americans, reducing the number of monuments to 17.
Construction and Expansion
My Son complex is an ancient Hindu temple complex, built by the Champa people between the 4th and 13th centuries. The complex was used as a religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom for many centuries.
The earliest structures at My Son were built in the 4th century, with construction continuing until the 13th century. Over this period of time, more than 70 structures were constructed, including towers, temples and shrines dedicated to Hindu gods.
The architecture of My Son reflects both Indian and local influences, with some buildings featuring intricate carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
In its heyday, My Son was an important ancient site for worship and celebration for the Champa people. It was also used as a burial ground for members of the royal family and other prominent figures in Champa society. In addition to its spiritual significance, My Son was also an important political center for the kingdom.
Today, My Son is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical importance and unique architecture. Visitors can explore the ruins of this ancient sanctuary and learn about its long history as a spiritual center for the Champa people.
Rediscovery and Restoration
The site was rediscovered in 1885 by Henri Parmentier, who recognized its historical significance and embarked on initial excavations. However, it wasn’t until the 20th century that serious efforts were made to uncover and restore the temples at My Son.
In the 1920s, the École Française d’Extrême-Orient (French School of the Far East) initiated systematic excavations and documentation of the site.
Years later, in the 1980s, Polish archaeologist and architect Kazimierz Kwiatkowski had restored some of the ruined towers at My Son and cleared temples.
The architect wasn’t new to Vietnam, in fact, he lived here for 16 years restoring structures in Hoi An and the Imperial City of Hue, which were both recognized as Unesco World Heritage Sites.
In more modern history, India has helped funding My Son’s restoration, between 2020 and 2022, and that group of temples nowadays looks simply stunning.
My Son Sanctuary During the Vietnam War
After the end of the Vietnam War, the Vietnamese government, recognizing the significance of My Son Sanctuary, initiated efforts to preserve and restore what remained of the site. International organizations, such as UNESCO, provided support and expertise in the conservation and restoration work.
Destruction and Loss
During the Vietnam War, My Son Sanctuary, unfortunately, fell victim to the devastating effects of the conflict. The site, located in proximity to the Ho Chi Minh Trail, a strategic supply route for the North Vietnamese forces, became a target for bombings and military operations. This resulted in significant destruction and loss of the temples at My Son.
The American military, in an effort to disrupt enemy supply lines and communication networks, conducted heavy bombing campaigns in the region.
The strategic importance of the Ho Chi Minh Trail led to frequent airstrikes, and unfortunately, My Son Sanctuary was caught in the crossfire.
The bombings caused substantial damage to the temple complex, reducing many structures to rubble. The intricate carvings, delicate sculptures, and centuries-old architectural wonders were destroyed or severely damaged. The impact of the bombings was a tragic blow to the historical and cultural heritage of My Son.
Current Conservation Efforts
The current conservation efforts at My Son Sanctuary aim to not only repair the damage caused by the bombings but also to ensure the long-term preservation of the site.
Skilled artisans, archaeologists, and preservationists have been working tirelessly to reconstruct the damaged structures using traditional materials and techniques. The aim is to restore the My Son temples to their former glory, capturing the essence of the Champa civilization and its unique architectural style.
Education and public awareness initiatives play a crucial role in the conservation efforts at My Son Sanctuary. The local community, as well as visitors, are encouraged to appreciate and respect the cultural and historical value of the site.
Educational programs, guided and private tours, and interpretive signage provide insights into the significance of the temples and the need to protect and cherish this cultural heritage.
More Vietnam Travel Guides
- All Vietnam Travel Guides
- Awesome Things to Do in Hoi An
- Best Things to Do in Da Nang, Vietnam
- Amazing things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City
- Plan the Perfect 3-Day Hoi An Itinerary
- Plan The Perfect 5-Day Da Nang Itinerary
- Plan the Perfect 7-Day Central Vietnam Itinerary
- Dragon Bridge in Da Nang: Visitors’ Guide
- Ba Na Hills Tour – Complete Travel Guide
Final Thoughts – My Son Tours
As we come to the end of our journey through the mystical beauty of My Son Sanctuary, I hope that this blog post has inspired you to embark on your own adventure from Da Nang or Hoi An.
With its rich history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking natural surroundings, this ancient Hindu sanctuary offers a unique glimpse into the spiritual and cultural heritage of Vietnam.
Whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking a tranquil escape from the bustle of modern life, a visit to My Son Sanctuary promises to be an unforgettable experience! Enjoy the trip and the learning curve!
