My Son
Discover My Son
My Son (Vietnamese: Mỹ Sơn) is a set of ruins from the ancient Cham Empire in the central coast of Vietnam. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. My Son was built by the Champas who ruled Central Vietnam from c.200-c.1700 CE until annexed by the Vietnamese in the 19th century. Influenced by Hinduism, the Champas built temple complexes in Central Vietnam. The best-known and preserved temple still in daily use by Buddhists is the Po Nagar Cham Tower in Nha Trang. The temples of My Son were the most important temples of the Champa Kingdom. Bricks were used to build the temples, without mortar, and sculptures of gods, priests, animals, and scenes of mythical battles and devotion adorned the walls. These temples were places of worship of Lord Vishnu.
What to Experience in My Son
Taste of My Son...
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Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsMy Son, being a UNESCO site, has a flat admission charge of 150,000 dong per person (December 2022), payable at the ticket office near the entrance, and applies regardless of how you get there. To travel 43 km from Hoi An to My Son you have several options: All vehicles will stop at a designated car park near the entrance and ticket office. After entering and crossing a bridge, you will find a designated station (that doubles up as a depot) where you can take an electric bus to the ruins free of charge; however for the sake of convenience, some electric bus drivers may drive onto the bridge itself to pick up passengers. The distance between the bridge and the site of the ruins is around 2 km, and while it's an easy uphill walk you might be better off taking the bus if you are pressed for time or if it is very hot. You can explore the ruins by foot, with nothing more challenging than a slight hill to negotiate....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
All vehicles will stop at a designated car park near the entrance and ticket office. After entering and crossing a bridge, you will find a designated station (that doubles up as a depot) where you can take an electric bus to the ruins free of charge; however for the sake of convenience, some electric bus drivers may drive onto the bridge itself to pick up passengers. The distance between the bridge and the site of the ruins is around 2 km, and while it's an easy uphill walk you might be better off taking the bus if you are pressed for time or if it is very hot. You can explore the ruins by foot, with nothing more challenging than a slight hill to negotiate. Maps of the area tend to give the impression that the site is larger than it actually is. There are plenty of comfortable, rustic-looking benches along the way. Near the ticket office there is a Champa Museum, describing many of the artifacts and the history of the site.
Where to Stay
There is no accommodation in My Son. The nearest hotel is about 2 km down the road from the ticket office. Most visitors visit My Son as a day-trip from Hoi An, Da Nang, or even Hue. There are a few guest houses close by where accommodation may also be available. Don't wander too far from the clearly-marked walking tracks between the sites. Although authorities say that the area has been cleared of unexploded ordnance, you're a long way from help in case of an accident.
Money & Budget
There is a souvenir shop within the site. It sells generic Vietnam souvenirs and also a selection of items influenced by Champa culture. Numerous roadside cafes and restaurants line the road from Hoi An to My Son. Tour buses never stop at them because drivers, guides, and tour operators do not earn "commissions" at these places. The first open-air restaurant on the left coming into My Son is owned by a local family. Mr Duong has lived in My Son since 1995, when My Son village was created by the Vietnamese Government and funded by Italy in anticipation of UNESCO WHS status. Duong provides good food, drinks, rest (hammocks), and parking. Prices a little high but reasonable for My Son.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
Don't wander too far from the clearly-marked walking tracks between the sites. Although authorities say that the area has been cleared of unexploded ordnance, you're a long way from help in case of an accident.
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of My Son
Ruins at My Son, Vietnam
a very old building with a bunch of windows
On our way to My Son Sanctuary, we stopped to admire the view.
The rural life of a father and son in Hamedan, one of the cities of Iran.
a close up of a baby laying on a bed
a close up of a person's skin with water drops on it
a young boy with a toothbrush in his mouth
a blue and red boat on a body of water
Ruins at My Son, Vietnam
a very old building with a bunch of windows
On our way to My Son Sanctuary, we stopped to admire the view.
The rural life of a father and son in Hamedan, one of the cities of Iran.
a close up of a baby laying on a bed