My Son Travel Guide
Travel to My Son - Jungle-Clad Cham Era Gem
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These are Vietnam’s most important Champ remains and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in a broad valley littered with the remains of Hindu temples My Son was a cultural and religious centre - the burial place of kings and religious leaders. Remains date back to the 4th century and shows a strong Indian influence. A visit is an intriguing glimpse into this important era of Vietnam’s history.
Construction at My Son was likely to have been started in the 4th century and became the main centre of the Cham culture in Vietnam allowing the dynastic royals to spiritually connect with the gods.
Inscriptions on stele show that there was an initial wooden temple in the 4th century, destroyed in a fire 200 years after construction. In the 7th century, King Sambhuvarman (Phạm Phạn Chi), who reigned from in the 6th and early 7th centuries rebuilt the temple using clay bricks and its remains can be seen today. More temples and tombs were built between the 7th and 14th centuries and there are a total of over 70 buildings in the complex which is split into several groups.
The battles of the 1960s and 1970’s wrought great damage on the site and yet a visit is still worthwhile, the temples half overgrown by the encroaching forest.
Attractions in My Son
The site is split into 10 groups and a ticket allows access to all groups along with the site’s museum.
Activities in My Son
Allow at least a half day for a visit.
Relaxing
The site is best visited early in the morning before it gets too hot and busy. Find a quiet spot and imagine what the site was like in its heyday. Magnificent.
Getting Around
The ruins lie some kilometres from the ticket booth, however the ticket price includes transport to the site. Visit as part of an organised tour.
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