My Son Sanctuary: The Complete Travel Guide

Q: Ticket price & Opening hours

As of April 2025, entry to My Son Sanctuary costs 150,000 VND for adults and 30,000 VND for children aged 5 to 15. Children under 5 can join along for free. The sanctuary opens its gates daily from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm, giving you plenty of time to explore the ancient ruins at your own comfort. If you want to beat the crowds and the heat, it’s best to arrive as early as possible. Whether you’re planning a half-day trip from Hoi An or Da Nang, this info will help you time your visit perfectly—and make the most of your journey into Vietnam’s fascinating past.

Take me to ...

My Interests ...

2 Adult (>12)

0 Child (4-12)

Create My Trip Now

How To Visit My Son Sanctuary (Vietnam’s Chams remains)

Visiting My Son Sanctuary reveals the layered history of Vietnam’s ancient Champa remains. Once the spiritual and political capital of the ancient Cham Kingdom, this complex lies just an hour from Hoi An or Danang. It offers a powerful glimpse into a civilization that thrived from the 4th to 15th centuries.

It is definitely worth to explore over 70 Hindu temples, each telling a story through intricate carvings and timeworn architecture. Although US bombings during the Vietnam War destroyed much of the site in 1969, conservation teams restored many key areas. Since UNESCO granted My Son World Heritage status in 1999, restoration has made the site more accessible and worth the visit.

Wander through jungle-clad ruins, capture stunning photos, and connect with Vietnam’s ancient history. Entrance tickets are affordable, and both guided tours and self-guided visits work well. If you’re in Hoi An or Da Nang, don’t skip this half-day adventure.

Where Is My Son Sanctuary and How to Get There

Not too far from Hoi An and the site is located in a jungle-clad valley surrounded by misty mountains, My Son Sanctuary sits in Quang Nam Province, Central Vietnam—roughly 45 kilometers southwest of Hoi An and some 70 kilometers from the beach city of Danang.

Before planning your visit, take a moment to consider how you want to get there. Several transportation options are available, and your choice can shape the entire experience. Whether you prefer a guided tour, a motorbike ride through scenic countryside, or a private car for comfort, each route adds something unique to your visit. Many travelers combine a visit to My Son with a relaxing afternoon back in Hoi An or a detour from Da Nang.

My Son Shuttle from Hoi An & Da Nang

For travelers in Hoi An or Da Nang looking to explore My Son without a private car or motorbike, shared shuttle buses offer a budget-friendly option. These daily shuttles run between both cities and the ancient ruins, giving you the cheaper options to explore independently while skipping the hassle of driving yourself.

Make sure to book your bus ticket in advance as they fill up fast, especially during high season.

Here’s a quick look at the typical bus schedule to My Son (as of April 2025):

Hoi An to My Son Sanctuary

8:00 AM: Depart from Hoi An old town

9:15 AM: Arrive at My Son

12:00 PM: Leave My Son

1:00–1:30 PM: Return to Hoi An

Da Nang to My Son Sanctuary

8:00 AM: Depart from Da Nang

9:15 AM: Arrive at My Son

12:00 PM: Depart My Son

1:30–2:00 PM | Return to Da Nang

Private Car or Taxi to My Son Sanctuary

This is the best option if traveling with kids or simply you prefer to travel more comfortable and not joining a group tours.

While not the cheapest (expect to pay around 1.000.000 VND/ $40 USD), this option gives you more flexibility. You can stop at Marble Mountains, make a detour to Da Nang, or even head north toward Hue (100km from Danang)—all on your schedule. The ride from Hoi An to My Son takes just 45 minutes.

Arrange a car easily through your hotel or directly with a local Grab driver (Grab is a ride hailing app works exactly like Uber)—just make sure to agree on the price beforehand. Once at the sanctuary, hire a private guide for about 500,000 VND (USD20) to learn about the history and the site. It worth the money you pay.

Motorbike Rental to My Son Sanctuary from Hoi An

Riding a motorbike in Vietnam offers a true sense of local experience, but it’s not for everyone, do it, only if you are able to ride a motorbike. The traffic in Hoi An and Central Vietnam can feel chaotic, and without proper insurance, any accident could lead to serious issues. That’s why we only recommend this option for experienced riders who understand the risks and already have coverage.

That said, if you’re confident on riding a motorbike, renting a scooter to reach My Son Sanctuary can turn into one of the most scenic rides of your trip. Ride through lush rice paddies, cross rustic bridges, and wind through jungle roads. Want to try street food or capture a breathtaking view? Just pull over—no tour schedule to follow.

The route is clearly marked, and riding early lets you arrive before the crowds. You’ll have the ancient ruins almost to yourself.

Scooter rentals in Hoi An typically cost around 200,000 VND, (USD8) and even with fuel, it’s the most budget-friendly way to explore this must-visit site in Vietnam. And to rent a motorbike, rent one from your hotel, or anywhere in the old town of Hoi An (You are required to leave your passport).

A Brief History of My Son Sanctuary, Vietnam

Travel back to the 4th century, when the powerful Champa Kingdom began to flourish along the central coast of Vietnam. As this influential maritime empire expanded, King Bhadravarman initiated the construction of the first temples at My Son Sanctuary, dedicating them primarily to the Hindu god Shiva, revered by the Cham people as the guardian of their kings.

Over the next few centuries, My Son transformed into a thriving spiritual center. Between the 7th and 13th centuries, the sanctuary reached its golden age, with more than 70 impressive structures built to honor Hindu deities like Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. Unlike the grand stone temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia or Borobudur in Indonesia, the Cham builders used red bricks and a mysterious technique—still puzzling modern engineers—to create seamless, mortar-free structures that have stood the test of time.

However, this era of peace and prosperity didn’t last. By the 15th century, the expanding Vietnamese kingdoms overpowered the Cham, leading to the fall of the Champa Kingdom. As the Cham influence faded, they abandoned My Son, and the surrounding jungle slowly reclaimed the sanctuary, cloaking it in silence and mystery for hundreds of years.

In 1898, French archaeologist Henri Parmentier rediscovered the ruins, and by the 1930s, restoration efforts had already begun. But once again, conflict struck. During the Vietnam War, the Viet Cong used the dense jungle around My Son as a strategic base. This led to devastating American carpet bombing campaigns that destroyed large parts of the complex. You can still spot bomb craters scattered across the site.

Fortunately, the story doesn’t end there. In the late 20th century, Polish conservationist Kazimierz Kwiatkowski stepped in. His tireless dedication helped preserve and restore My Son Sanctuary, eventually earning it UNESCO World Heritage status in 1999. He also played a major role in protecting the historic beauty of Hoi An, located just a short ride away.

Today, visiting My Son offers not only a glimpse into Vietnam’s ancient past but also a powerful reminder of resilience and cultural heritage. Whether you’re traveling from Hoi An or Da Nang, this worthwhile destination promises rich history, beautiful surroundings, and a story that continues to inspire.

What to See at My Son Sanctuary, Vietnam

When you arrive at My Son Sanctuary, it becomes instantly clear what draws travelers here — ancient ruins, jungle surroundings, and an atmosphere steeped in mystery and history. While time and conflict have taken their toll, over 70 structures still stand or partially survive, offering a fascinating look into Vietnam’s Champa heritage..

The Cham builders didn’t scatter the temples randomly. Instead, they organized them into distinct groups (or blocks) based on function, era, and architectural style. Each group reveals something unique about the religious and cultural life of the Champa Kingdom.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll find as you explore ruins of My son:

Group A:

Back in 2012, Mark wandered through Group A at My Son Sanctuary and found little more than a scattered pile of ochre-hued ruins, slowly surrendering to the jungle. Once the crown jewel of the complex, this area suffered near-total destruction during American B-52 bombings in 1969, leaving the temples in pieces for decades.

Fortunately, restoration efforts — led by a collaborative team of archaeologists — have begun breathing life back into this historically rich section. The most striking structure here is the A1 Temple, once a towering 28-meter masterpiece from the 10th century. Unlike other temples in the complex, it featured two main doors facing east and west, and six smaller shrines around it dedicated to the directional gods (Dikpalakas). Although the temple no longer stands in full form, its remaining base offers a clear picture of its original scale and significance.

As you walk through the site, don’t miss smaller surrounding ruins like A10 and A13. These remnants still showcase the signature architectural style of the Champa Kingdom, making Group A an essential stop for history lovers exploring central Vietnam.

Group B – C – D: The best of My Son Sanctuary

As you explore My Son Sanctuary, make sure to dedicate time to Groups B, C, and D — the largest and most impressive cluster of temples in the complex. Altogether, these groups house 27 temples, many of which date back to between the 10th and 12th centuries.

These structures stand as the most intact and detailed remnants of the Champa Kingdom, offering visitors the best examples of ancient Cham architecture. Dedicated to Bhadreshvara, a powerful incarnation of Shiva revered by the Cham people, the temples feature intricate brickwork, finely carved sandstone reliefs, and elaborate Hindu mythological motifs.

Start with Group B, home to several key sites, including the standout B5 temple. This temple, once used for preparing food offerings to the gods, now draws attention with its detailed exterior carvings and preserved structure. With its resemblance to the smaller shrines in Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, B5 offers excellent photo opportunities — so it’s worth arriving early before tour groups crowd the spot.

Next, step into Group C, where the majestic C1 temple towers above the jungle floor. Still mostly intact, this temple showcases beautiful bas-reliefs and stone sculptures, reflecting the same craftsmanship seen in Group B. As the centerpiece of Group C, it often becomes a focal point for guides to start the tour.

Finally, visit Group D, where smaller temples like D1 and D2 now serve as indoor galleries. These covered spaces display a range of artifacts and sculptures recovered from the surrounding ruins, adding more depth to your understanding of Vietnam’s ancient history.

We recommend spending the majority of your time here — the preservation, scale, and artistic details make these clusters the true highlight of My Son Sanctuary, and one of the most worthwhile historic sites in Central Vietnam.

Group E – F – G: Hidden Corners of My Son

Although Groups E, F, and G may not showcase the grandeur of the main temple clusters, they offer something uniquely rewarding: peaceful corners to explore without the crowds. Tucked away from the main thoroughfare, these groups provide a more intimate and reflective experience at My Son Sanctuary.

Start with Group E, where the standout E1 Temple—dating back to the 8th century—still stands tall, dedicated to Shiva. Unlike many other structures at the site, this temple includes an opening that lets you step inside and admire the space from within. Around the main structure, you’ll find a well-preserved pedestal, an altar, and a detailed carving of Nandi, Shiva’s sacred bull, all thoughtfully placed throughout the area.

Next, wander into Group F, which sits adjacent to Group E. This smaller cluster once played a vital role in religious worship, especially in honoring various Hindu deities. The F1 Temple, although currently under reconstruction, still offers glimpses into its past through scattered carvings and worn reliefs that hint at the craftsmanship of the Champa civilization.

Finally, make your way up the gentle slope to Group G, perched on a small hill near the more famous Groups B, C, and D. Despite its smaller scale and visible erosion, Group G became one of our favorite spots. It feels quieter and more atmospheric. Here, you’ll discover several auxiliary buildings that may have served as storage rooms, administrative spaces, or ceremonial preparation areas. The G1 Temple in particular stands out with its three-door design and intricately carved base reliefs, inviting a closer look at Cham architecture.

Together, these clusters add depth to your visit and remind you that My Son Sanctuary isn’t just about grandeur—it’s also about the quiet beauty hidden in its lesser-known corners. So take your time, explore these peaceful ruins, and enjoy one of Vietnam’s most historic hidden gems.

Group H & K

As you near the end of your journey through My Son Sanctuary, make a quick detour to explore Groups H and K. These two lesser-known clusters may not have the intricate design of the main temple groups, but they still add a layer of quiet charm to your visit—especially if you’re not completely “templed out.”

Group H, built between the 8th and 11th centuries, features a handful of simple, compact structures. Although U.S. bombing raids caused significant damage here, restoration work has brought the site back to life and nears completion. The temples may be small, but their worn brick walls still carry the weight of centuries of history in Central Vietnam.

Right after, follow the trail toward Group K, where a lone tower stands tucked away from the main path. This small, stand-alone structure dates back to the 8th century and offers a final glimpse into the spiritual world of the Champa Kingdom. Although Group K also suffered heavy damage, what remains feels peaceful and reflective.

Use this path as a scenic loop that gently leads you back toward the car park. With fewer visitors lingering here, it’s the perfect place to soak in the sounds of the jungle and reflect on the fascinating stories you’ve uncovered during your trip.

If you’re exploring My Son Sanctuary from Hoi An or Da Nang, don’t skip these quiet corners—they might just be the unexpected highlight of your day.

The My Son and Champa Museum (Look Into Vietnam’s Ancient Past)

Before you dive into the ruins, step inside the My Son Sanctuary Museum for a more rounded understanding of this sacred site and the ancient Champa Kingdom. Though small in size, the museum delivers a surprisingly rich and engaging introduction to Cham culture, religion, and temple architecture.

Inside, you’ll find a well-curated collection of artifacts—statues, stone reliefs, and intricate carvings—all carefully excavated from My Son and nearby sites in Quang Nam Province. Each piece tells a story, shedding light on the spiritual and political life of the Cham people who once ruled Central Vietnam.

As you move through the exhibits, you’ll gain insight into how the Cham artisans constructed their temples using innovative brick-laying techniques that continue to puzzle modern engineers. These displays help bring the surrounding ruins to life by placing them in their full historical and cultural context.

While the museum isn’t grand, it packs a punch with its thoughtful layout and informative panels. If you’re coming from Hoi An or Da Nang, and especially if you’re interested in ancient architecture or Southeast Asian history, it’s worth spending 20–30 minutes here before walking into the main sanctuary.

In short, don’t skip the museum—it’s a compact but valuable part of your My Son travel guide experience.

Apsara Cham Folk Art Performance

It is worth to spend an extra time and catch one of the beautiful Cham Apsara dance performances held at My Son Sanctuary—a must-see addition to your experience. These dance shows bring Cham history and culture to life through graceful movements, rhythmic music, and traditional costumes bursting with color.

Dancers use every step and gesture to share stories passed down through generations, offering a rare and authentic glimpse into the soul of this ancient civilization. The music, performed with traditional instruments, adds another layer of depth and emotion to each performance.

Apsara dance performances usually take place twice a day

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Join the Katê Festival

Every year during the 7th lunar month, the Cham community comes together to celebrate the Katê Festival—one of their most significant cultural and spiritual events. Rather than focusing solely on the past, this celebration breathes life into My Son Sanctuary, turning it into a stage for living tradition.

The festival honors both ancestors and Hindu deities through a mix of ceremonial rituals, heartfelt prayers, and captivating music. As the festivities unfold, visitors can follow colorful processions winding through the temples, enjoy traditional folk dances, and observe sacred offerings presented with deep reverence.

Beyond the rituals, the Katê Festival offers a full cultural immersion. Local artisans showcase Cham crafts, while food stalls serve up authentic Cham dishes packed with rich flavors and heritage. Experiencing Katê doesn’t just enhance your visit—it transforms it. You’ll witness My Son not as a silent ruin frozen in time, but as a site alive with cultural pride and ancient rhythm.

FAQ: Things to know before visiting My Son Sanctuary

Ticket price & Opening hours

As of April 2025, entry to My Son Sanctuary costs 150,000 VND for adults and 30,000 VND for children aged 5 to 15. Children under 5 can join along for free.

The sanctuary opens its gates daily from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm, giving you plenty of time to explore the ancient ruins at your own comfort. If you want to beat the crowds and the heat, it’s best to arrive as early as possible.

Whether you’re planning a half-day trip from Hoi An or Da Nang, this info will help you time your visit perfectly—and make the most of your journey into Vietnam’s fascinating past.

When's the best time to visit

When planning your trip to My Son Sanctuary, keep in mind that timing and weather play a major role in shaping your experience. If you visit during the wet season, you’ll likely spend two soggy hours trudging through muddy paths. On the other hand, if you show up at midday during the dry season, you might find yourself longing for your hotel pool instead of soaking in the ancient atmosphere.

To make the most of your visit, aim for the dry season between February and April. During these months, the weather tends to be more forgiving—dry, warm, and less humid—making it far easier to wander the ruins without overheating or getting drenched. If you’re considering June or July, you can still enjoy the site, but brace yourself for intense heat and higher humidity levels.

Regardless of the season, arriving early in the morning is the best time of the day to visit the site. Not only will you skip the blazing midday sun, but you’ll also dodge the large tour groups that usually flood in around 10:00 am. Even better, the soft early light casts a golden hue over the ruins, creating a peaceful, almost mystical atmosphere—perfect for taking photos and enjoying the sanctuary in relative quiet.

Visiting My Son with Kids

If you’re exploring Vietnam with kids, My Son Sanctuary works surprisingly well as a family-friendly site.

The site connects each temple group with wide, well-maintained paths—perfect for strollers or travel prams. Navigation feels easy and straightforward, even for younger visitors. Of course, our toddler ditched the stroller pretty quickly and happily dashed around on their own, fully embracing their role as a tiny explorer!

To make things easier for parents, several stalls within the complex sell snacks and drinks. All in all, My Son offers a nice blend of history, space to roam, and convenience for families on the move.

Tips for visiting my Son Sanctuary

Dress Respectfully

While My Son doesn’t enforce strict temple dress codes like other Southeast Asian sites such as Angkor wat temples, it’s still respectful to cover your shoulders and knees. Also, wear comfy walking shoes—you’ll cover a lot of ground. And don’t forget a lightweight raincoat, especially if you’re visiting during the wetter months.

Stay hydrated

Yes, it gets hot, so drink plenty of water. You can buy bottled water at the entrance of the My Son, or take a reusable water bottle.

Hire a Local Tour Guide

To really connect with the history and meaning behind what you’re seeing , consider hiring a local tour guide. Not only will they bring the site to life with stories and context, but you’ll also support the local community.