My Son Vietnam Travel Guide


My Son Vietnam Travel Guide
A Vagabond Life

My Son Vietnam Travel Guide A Vagabond Life

My Son, nestled in the heart of Vietnam’s Quang Nam province, is an ancient sanctuary that once served as a spiritual and religious center for the Champa Kingdom. This archaeological site, dating back to the 4th century, showcases a remarkable collection of Hindu temple ruins, intricately carved with depictions of Hindu deities and myths. Surrounded by lush mountains and verdant valleys, My Son was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its historical and cultural significance.

However, this serene and historical site bears scars from its more recent past. During the Vietnam War, My Son was heavily bombed by American forces in an attempt to target Viet Cong soldiers believed to be taking refuge among its ruins. The bombing caused significant damage to the ancient temples, leaving many in ruins. Despite this, restoration efforts have been underway, aiming to preserve and rehabilitate what remains of this once-majestic site. Today, visitors to My Son can reflect on its grandeur and resilience, a poignant reminder of the destruction of war and the enduring spirit of cultural heritage.

My Son Vietnam Table of Contents

My Son Vietnam Map
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My Son Vietnam

How To Get To My Son Vietnam

My Son is 42 km west of Hoi An in central Vietnam.

Bus

There are no direct public buses that run directly to My Son. You can get a public bus to Phan Kim, about 9 km north from park entrance, from there you will need to take a taxi to and from My Son. It is important to understand that there may not be taxi’s waiting at My Son when you wish to return to Phan Kim so you may have difficulty on the return leg.

Private Car / Driver

It is possible to hire a driver to take you to My Son from Hoi An, the driver will wait for you while you visit the site.

Tour

Taking a tour from Hoi An is probably the most straight forward way to visit the sanctury. There are multiple tour companies offering trips to / from Hoi An and can usually be organised through your hotel or guest house.

 

Things To See & Do My Son Vietnam

The My Son Vietnam Archaeological Site is approached via a long path that winds it way through the jungle, a very lovely way to start the visit.

One of the remaining temples at the My Son site.

A bomb crater from when the Americans carpet bombed the area during the American war not only destroying much of the Archaeological site but killing thousands of Vietnamese civilians.

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