The Complete Guide To My Son Sanctuary

When you think of the places to visit in Vietnam, names like Ha Long Bay, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang might be the first few names to come to mind, but there’s one such place that does not get that much attention, but for sure deserves a lot more. That place is My Son Sanctuary, a famous in our Vietnam tour packages.

My Son Sanctuary: An Overview 

My Son Vietnam stands as a majestic architectural finesse of the ancient Champa civilization. In My Son Sanctuary’s sophisticated temples and towering structures, each stone whispers tales of a vibrant past. 

Explore the complex carvings and highly decorated designs that adorn every corner of My Son Sanctuary Vietnam, offering a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural significance of this sacred site. 

In the modern day, these ruins are one of the most famous tourist attractions and are a famous addition, by the name of My Son Sanctuary tours.

Location of My Son Sanctuary Vietnam

My Son Sanctuary is located in Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam Province, in central Vietnam. It is situated approximately 45 kilometres South-East of Da Nang City. Making it one of the best things to do in Da Nang. 

Address: Thánh địa Mỹ Sơn, Duy Xuyên District, Quảng Nam, Vietnam 

How to get there: Convenient modes to travel include Private Car, Jeep, Bicycle, Motorbikes or a guided bus. 

Entry fees:  My Son Sanctuary: 150,000 VND 

My Son Sanctuary Tour Guide: 100,000 VND 

Timings: 6:30 AM-5:30 PM 

Dress Code: Official regulations call for “civilised tourism” and ask visitors to remember that this is a religious site. We advise modesty and to save the beachwear and the like for the beach. 

Note that covering knees and shoulders is not strictly enforced. However, staying cool and protecting yourself from the sun is probably more important as the My Son Valley holds the heat of the day. 

Things To Do in My Son Sanctuary Vietnam

1. Visit the Marble mountains

The Marble Mountains, known as “Ngu Hanh Son” in Vietnamese, are a cluster of five limestone and marble hills located just south of Da Nang in central Vietnam.

Here’s Why It’ll Amaze You: 

These mountains are named after the five elements: Thuy (Water), Moc (Wood), Hoa (Fire), Kim (Metal), and Tho (Earth). Each mountain is said to represent one of these elements.

2. Take a hike to the Cat Ba national park 

Cat Ba National Park is a protected area located on Cat Ba Island, the largest island in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. Established in 1986, it covers an area of about 109 square kilometres (42 square miles), encompassing both land and marine ecosystems. 

The park is known for its diverse array of habitats, including limestone karsts, tropical rainforests, mangrove forests, and freshwater swamps. It is home to a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, including many endemic and endangered species such as the Cat Ba langur, one of the world’s rarest primates. 

3. Explore the Bhadreshvara temple of Shiva

Dedicated to Lord Shiva – known by varied local names like Bhadreshvara. The Bhadreshvara Temple, also known as the Po Nagar Cham Towers and one of the top Hindu temples in Vietnam. 

It is a historical Hindu temple complex built by the Cham people, who were an ancient civilization in the region. The temple complex dates back to between the 4th and 14th centuries AD. It also reflects influences from Buddhism and indigenous Cham beliefs. 

4. Taste Vietnam’s finest local cuisine

Vietnam cuisine boasts a rich culinary tradition with a diverse array of local dishes that reflect its history, geography, and cultural influences. Here are some popular Vietnamese dishes, served in some of the best restaurants in Vietnam.  

• Pho: Perhaps Vietnam’s most famous dish, pho is a flavourful noodle soup consisting of broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat (usually beef or chicken). It’s often enjoyed for breakfast but can be eaten at any time of the day. 

• Banh Mi: A delicious Vietnamese sandwich made with a French baguette, filled with various ingredients such as pork, pâté, cucumber, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chilli peppers. It’s a perfect blend of Vietnamese and French culinary influences. 

• Bun Cha: A dish originating from Hanoi, bun cha consists of grilled pork served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce. It’s often enjoyed as a light and refreshing meal. 

• Com Tam: Known as broken rice, com tam is a popular dish in southern Vietnam. It typically includes grilled pork chops, shredded pork skin, a steamed egg cake, pickled vegetables, and fish sauce. 

• Goi Cuon: Also known as Vietnamese spring rolls or fresh rolls, goi cuon are made with rice paper wrappers filled with shrimp, pork, herbs, and vermicelli noodles. They’re served fresh and often accompanied by a peanut dipping sauce. 

Interesting fact about My Son Sanctuary Vietnam

One fascinating aspect of My Son Sanctuary Vietnam is its astronomical significance and alignment with celestial phenomena. Recent studies have revealed that several of the temple towers at My Son Vietnam were strategically positioned to align with the movements of the sun and stars, making it one of the best things to do in Vietnam. 

Archaeologists have found evidence suggesting that certain structures within the sanctuary were oriented to mark the solstices and equinoxes. During the summer solstice, the sun’s rays penetrate through specific openings in the temple towers, illuminating sacred symbols and chambers within.