Overview of My Son Sanctuary

My Son Sanctuary is an architectural complex of ancient Champa temples and towers located in Thu Bon commune, Da Nang City. This was the most important religious and political center of the Kingdom of Champa from the 4th to the 14th century. My Son is a place of worship for Hindu gods, especially Shiva, and is also the tomb of Champa kings. The complex includes more than 70 architectural works made of brick and sandstone, reflecting the once brilliant civilization.

American Sanctuary Son

My Son Sanctuary was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in 1999. Coming here, visitors will admire the unique construction techniques of the Cham people, when bricks are stacked on top of each other without the need for conventional adhesives. The relic site is still active and holds traditional Cham music and dance performances (Apsara dance) every day. This is an attractive destination to explore ancient culture right in Da Nang City.

Outstanding attractions in My Son Sanctuary

Tower Group A and Tower A'

Tower A1

Tower Group A, with the famous A1 main tower, is the most representative group of ancient Champa architecture. Although only the foundation remains, this is where visitors can best observe the unique construction techniques of the Cham people. This area helps visualize the scale and sophistication of sculpture.

Tower Group B, C, D

Tower group B

This is an area with many remaining buildings relatively intact and rich in sculptural value. Groups B and C are home to many worship statues and reliefs depicting Hindu gods. Group D is mainly auxiliary towers and archives, helping visitors understand the function of each type of architecture in the Champa religious complex.

Tower K (Reconstruction Area)

K Tower

Tower K is unique because it was partially restored, allowing visitors to visually observe the materials and construction methods of the Cham people. This is a vivid example of heritage conservation work in My Son. In this area, visitors can often watch experts describe carving techniques.

My Son Museum

American Museum Son

My Son Museum is located near the entrance to the relic, displaying important archaeological artifacts found. Artifacts include altars, statues and relief copies. Visiting the museum helps visitors have an overview of the history, art and development of the Champa civilization.

Performance Stage

Performance stage

This stage is where shows are held Performing traditional Cham arts, such as Apsara dance and festival dances. This is an activity that attracts a large number of tourists, bringing a vivid cultural experience. Tourists should check show times so as not to miss the opportunity to enjoy.

Here are suggestions for other attractions near My Son Sanctuary:

  • Traditional craft villages: Nearby villages of brocade weaving and Cham Pa ceramics to learn about the traditional crafts of the Cham people.

  • An Lanh Lake: A large artificial lake in the area, suitable for taking photos and relaxing after a long walk.

  • Natural stream area: Several small streams flow through the mountainous area, providing a cool and peaceful green space.

Best time to travel

The most ideal time to visit My Son Sanctuary is during the Dry season, lasting from February to the end of August. During this period, the weather in Thu Bon commune (Da Nang City) is usually dry, sunny but not too hot, very convenient for walking to explore the ancient towers. In particular, traveling in February and March is the most beautiful, when the air is still chilly and cool after Tet, making it easier for tourists to trek and take photos with beautiful natural light.

While the dry season is the top choice, visitors should note that from June to August the weather can become very hot at midday. In contrast, the rainy season in My Son usually takes place from September to the end of January of the following year, bringing heavy and prolonged rains. Although tourism in this season is less crowded and the landscape is somewhat damp and mossy, it is not favorable for outdoor movement and can interrupt Champa art performances. Therefore, to have the most complete experience, visitors should choose to depart early in the morning during the dry season months.

Travel information

By air

Da Nang International Airport (DAD)

  • Popular flight routes: Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to Da Nang (DAD), Hanoi (HAN) to Da Nang (DAD), and other international routes.

  • Operating airlines: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, Pacific Airlines and many international airlines.

  • Arrival airport: Da Nang International Airport (DAD), located in Hoa Thuan Tay ward, about 50–60 km from My Son Sanctuary.

  • Meanings of transportation from the airport to My Son: Taxi, private rental car, or technology vehicle.

  • Note:

    • After landing at DAD, visitors need to rent a car for about 1 - 1.5 hours to get to My Son (Thu Bon commune).

    • You should book the airport pick-up and drop-off service in advance (via hotel or travel company) if traveling in a large group to get a better price.

    • Reference ticket price (excluding taxes and fees): Ho Chi Minh City to and from Da Nang: about 1,500,000 - 2,500,000 VND/way (general).

By road

Popular route variable:

  • From Da Nang center (Hai Chau Ward) to My Son: About 40 km, travel time 1 - 1.5 hours, go through National Highway 1A - DT610 road.

  • From Hoi An ward (Da Nang City) to My Son: About 25 km, travel time 45 minutes - 1 hour.

  • Reputable bus company: Local travel companies provide package tours with shuttle bus.

  • Reference ticket price: Package tour (including car, ticket): 600,000 - 1,000,000 VND/person.

Departure bus station:

  • In Da Da Nang: Da Nang Central Bus Station (in Hoa Minh ward).

  • At My Son: There is no large bus station, only tourist parking at the entrance area.

Note:

  • My Son does not have a direct railway line.

  • Inter-provincial buses usually only stop at the center of Da Nang Nang or Hoi An.

Movement within the My Son area

  • Popular means of transport:

    • Transfer tram: Operates from the entrance gate of the relic site to the main tower groups (about 2 km), mandatory for visitors.

    • Taxi/Motorbike taxi / Technology vehicle: Easy to find in the area entrance gate area and parking area.

    • Motorbike / car rental: Very suitable for tourists who want to freely visit.

  • Reference motorbike rental price:

    • Motorbike: 100,000 - 150,000 VND/day

    • Scooter: 150,000 - 250,000 VND/day

  • Car / tourist car rental address:

    • Tourists should contact large travel and transportation companies with clear business registration in Da Nang. Some reputable companies that tourists can refer to include:

      • DANAGO Tourism Joint Stock Company

      • VITRACO TOUR Transport & Travel Company Limited

      • Vietravel Tourism Company - Da Nang Branch

      • Vietnam Tourism Joint Stock Company VITOURS

      • Tuan Dung Travel Company Limited

Accommodation information

The most ideal accommodation options for tourists visiting My Son are often concentrated in developed urban areas, mainly Hoi An Ward (about 25 km from My Son) or central wards of the city. Da Nang (about 40 km away).

Luxury (4–5 stars)

Novotel Danang Premier Han River

Novotel Danang Premier Han River

Novotel Danang Premier Han River is a 4-5 star international standard hotel located in the center of Hai Chau Ward, Da Nang. The hotel has a modern design, full amenities such as swimming pool, gym, spa and Sky Bar with panoramic views of the Han River. According to reputable booking sites, room prices at Novotel Danang Premier Han River range from 2,500,000 - 4,000,000 VND/night, depending on room type and time of booking.

Hotel Royal Hoi An - MGallery

Hotel Royal Hoi An - MGallery is located in Hoi An Ward. This is a high-class 5-star hotel, designed in a modern style combining delicate Asian features, with a rooftop swimming pool and a restaurant serving diverse cuisine. According to Agoda and booking sites, the average room price is about 2,800,000 - 5,000,000 VND/night, depending on room type. If you want more options for a high-end vacation in the area, you can consider other quality hotels:

  • Muong Thanh Grand Holiday Hoi An (Hoi An Dong Ward) - 4-star coastal hotel - Price about 1,800,000 - 3,000,000 VND/night.

  • Sanouva Danang Hotel (Hai Chau Ward) - Central 4-star hotel - Price about 1,500,000 - 2,500,000 VND/night.

Resort (Resort, Villa)

Anantara Hoi An Resort

Anantara Hoi An Resort is located along the Hoai River, in Hoi An Ward. This is a luxury 5-star resort, providing separate bungalows and suites in a quiet, green space, with classic French architecture. According to Booking.com and booking sites, room prices at Anantara Hoi An Resort usually range from 3,500,000 - 6,000,000 VND/night, depending on room type and tourist season.

For diverse options for tourists who love nature and want to find a peaceful space, you can refer to some other resorts:

  • Boutique Hoi An Resort (Hoi An Dong Ward) – 4-star resort with private beach – Price from 1,800,000 – 3,500,000 VND/night.

  • Sunrise Premium Resort & Spa Hoi An (Ngu Hanh Son Ward) – Large resort on the beach of Da Nang – Price from 2,800,000 - 5,500,000 VND/night.

  • Hoi An Garden Palace & Spa (Hoi An Ward) - Quiet resort in the middle of nature - Price from 1,500,000 - 2,800,000 VND/night.

Experience (2–3 stars, Homestay, Guesthouse)

An Bang Beach Hideaway Homestay

An Bang Beach Hideaway Homestay is located near An Bang beach (Hoi An Dong Ward), about 30 km from My Son. The homestay is designed to be simple and cozy, suitable for tourists who want to experience sea life at a reasonable cost. Room prices range from 700,000 - 1,200,000 VND/night, depending on room type and included services.

Tuan Minh Hotel

Tuan Minh Hotel is a 3-star hotel, usually located in Thanh Khe or Son Tra Ward areas (Da Nang). The hotel has modern, clean rooms with full basic amenities. According to booking sites, the average price is about 800,000 - 1,300,000 VND/night for 2 adults.

For travelers who love a cozy space, reasonable cost but still fully equipped, the following places are worth a try:

  • Flame Flowers Homestay & Cafe (Hoi An Ward) - Homestay with lovely design, near the Old Town - Price from 600,000 - 900,000 VND/night.

  • The Corner Homestay (Hoi An Ward) - Homestay with open, friendly space - Price from 550,000 - 850,000 VND/night.

  • Minh Tam Hotel & Apartment (Son Tra Ward, Da Nang) – 2-3 star hotel on the beach in Da Nang – Price from 800,000 – 1,400,000 VND/night.

Cuisine and cultural ceremonies festival 

My Son Sanctuary is an area of relics and high-class cuisine often concentrated in surrounding areas such as Hoi An Ward and the city center. Da Nang. Cuisine in the area near My Son is rich in traditional flavors of Quang Nam and Cham specialties.

Famous restaurants

Morning Glory Restaurant 

Morning Glory Restaurant

Morning Glory Restaurant is located in the center of Hoi An Ward. This is one of the most famous restaurants, specializing in serving Vietnamese traditional and street dishes, prepared and presented in a delicate and clean way. The restaurant space is designed in a classic, cozy style. The average price is from 250,000 - 450,000 VND/person.

Danang Com Nieu Restaurant 

Located in the center of Hai Chau Ward, Da Nang Com Nieu Restaurant is famous for traditional Vietnamese cuisine, especially claypot rice dishes and three-region country dishes. Luxurious space, professional service, very suitable for family or partner meals. Average price 200,000 - 400,000 VND/person. Some other high-class culinary places you can refer to in the area near My Son:

  • The Deck House Restaurant (Hoi An Dong Ward): Coastal restaurant with beautiful view, serving Asian and European cuisine. Price is about 300,000 - 600,000 VND/person.

  • Aubergine49 Restaurant (Hoi An Ward): Famous for Fusion cuisine and high-class service. Price is about 400,000 - 800,000 VND/person.

Local cuisine

Quang noodles

Quang noodles are an indispensable specialty dish of this area. Large, chewy noodles, flavored with rich broth made from shrimp, meat or chicken, served with crispy grilled rice paper and roasted peanuts. The flavor of Mi Quang in Hoi An Ward area is usually sweet and delicate. Suggested address:

  • Quang Ba Bon Noodle Shop (Hoi An Ward): Famous for its traditional recipe, rich in Quang flavor.

  • Roadside eateries (Dien Ban Dong Ward): Often serve Quang noodles, fish sauce vermicelli, grilled meat vermicelli at affordable prices, with local flavors method.

Cham Pa little gai leaf cake

Cham Pa cake with little gai leaves

Banh it with gai leaves is a popular traditional dish of the Cham and Vietnamese people in the region. The cake has a shiny black shell made from hemp leaves, and is filled with fragrant, lightly sweet green beans. This is a unique snack or dessert, often sold at markets and monument gates. Suggested address:

  • Hoi An Ward Central Market: There are many stalls selling banh it gai leaves and other folk cakes.

  • Shops selling specialties near the gate of My Son Sanctuary (Thu Bon commune): Tourists can buy them as gifts.

Experiential Cuisine

Eating at homestays (Hoi An Ward Homestay)

Many Homestays in Hoi An Ward offer "family dinner" services or traditional cooking classes. Visitors can learn how to make Cao Lau, make Banh Vac (rose cake) or enjoy rustic dishes in the space of an ancient house.

Eco-tourism area cuisine (Ba Na Commune)

The Ba Na Commune area (about 60km from My Son) has many restaurants serving local dishes of the Co-tu people and ecological and historical cuisine. Using raw materials from mountains and forests. This is a culinary experience combined with a unique ecological resort.

Cultural Experience & Festivals

Kate Festival (of the Cham people)

Kate Festival

Kate Festival is the biggest festival of the Cham people following Brahmanism, usually taking place around September or October of the solar calendar. This is an opportunity for Cham people to remember their ancestors and gods. Although My Son is not the main venue, the festival atmosphere spreads throughout the areas where many Cham people live nearby.

Cham Art Performances

At My Son Sanctuary, the Relics Management Board organizes traditional Cham music and dance performances (such as Apsara dance and Ghinang and Paranung drums) every day at the stage area. This is the most frequent and easily accessible cultural activity for tourists to learn about Cham Pa art.

Other cultural festivals in the area:

  • Nguyen Tieu Festival (Hoi An Ward) - Full moon of the first lunar month: Light lanterns, release flower lanterns, creating a magical sparkling landscape.

  • Cau Ngu Festival (An Hai Ward/Son Tra) - Taking place in spring: Traditional festival of fishermen along the coast of Da Nang to pray for favorable weather and good fishing.

Amusement area

My Son Sanctuary is a historical relic site, so large-scale entertainment activities Large groups are often concentrated in neighboring areas such as Hoi An Ward and central wards of Da Nang.

Hoi An Impression Park 

Hoi An Impression Park

Hoi An Impression Park, located in Hoi An Ward, is a large-scale cultural and artistic entertainment area. This place recreates the history and bustling trading culture of Hoi An Ancient Town through commercial streets and traditional craft villages. The highlight is the spectacular real-life show "Hoi An Memories", an impressive entertainment experience.

VinWonders Nam Hoi An 

VinWonders Nam Hoi An is located in Quang Phu Ward, is the leading entertainment complex in the region. This place combines a modern entertainment area (thrilling games), a cultural discovery area (Folk Island), and a wildlife conservation area (River Safari), suitable for families and young people.

Da Nang also has many attractive places to visit and experience suitable for both tourists and locals who want to relax and explore:

  • Ba Na Hills Tourist Area (Ba Na Commune) - Theme park and mountain resort, famous for the Golden Bridge and French Village.

  • My Khe Beach (Ngu Hanh Son Ward, An Hai Ward) - World famous beach, suitable for water sports activities.

  • Son Tra Night Market (Son Tra Ward) - Space for shopping, enjoying seafood and local snacks.

Suggested tours

Experience tours

My Son Half-Day Tour (Explore Cham Heritage)

  • Itinerary: City center. Da Nang (or Hoi An Ward) - My Son Sanctuary (visit temple tower area, watch Champa art performance) - End and return.

  • Transportation: Tourist car.

  • Reference tour price: 550,000 – 750,000 VND/person (depending on departure point).

  • Suggested organizer: Danang Green Travel.

Adventure - discovery tour

My Son Craft Village & Buffer Zone Discovery Tour 1 day

  • Itinerary: Da Nang/Hoi An - My Son Sanctuary - Visit Thanh Ha Pottery Village (Hoi An Tay Ward) - Explore Bay Mau coconut forest (Hoi An Dong Ward area) by basket boat - Enjoy local cuisine.

  • Transportation: Car + Boat basket.

  • Reference tour price: 750,000 - 1,100,000 VND/person.

  • Suggested organizer: Hoi An Discovery Tour.

Marble Discovery Tour Son & My Son 1 day

  • Itinerary: Da Nang - Visit the Marble Mountains (cave, pagoda) (Ngu Hanh Son Ward) - Lunch - My Son Sanctuary (visit the relic site) - Return in the evening.

  • Transportation: Car.

  • Reference tour price: 700,000 - 950,000 VND/person.

  • Suggested organizer: Vietmountain Travel.

Family tour

My Son & Hoi An Ancient Town 1 day tour

  • Itinerary: Morning: Departure - My Son Sanctuary (visit mandarin) - Lunch. Afternoon/Evening: Hoi An Ancient Town (visit Cau Pagoda, old houses, shopping, enjoy street food) - Release flower lanterns on Hoai River.

  • Transportation: 16–29 seat tourist car.

  • Reference tour price: 700,000 – 1,000,000 VND/person (including sightseeing tickets and lunch).

  • Suggested organizer: Vietravel - Da Nang Branch.

Eco-tourism

2-day Ba Na Mountain - My Son eco-tour 1 night

  • Itinerary:

    • Day 1: Da Nang - Ba Na Hills (Ba Na Commune) - Golden Bridge, French Village - Overnight in Ba Na.

    • Day 2: Ba Na - Travel downstream - Visit My Son Sanctuary (Thu Bon commune) - Return to the city center.

  • Transportation: Car + Ba Na Cable Car.

  • Reference tour price: 3,500,000 – 5,000,000 VND/person (including cable car fees and accommodation).

  • Suggested organizer: Saigontourist.

Shopping and Souvenirs

The main souvenirs at My Son Sanctuary focus on handicraft products Technology bears the mark of Champa culture. Right at the entrance to the relic, visitors can find stalls selling miniature models of Cham towers, sculptures simulating the statue of Shiva or Apsara dancers made from wood or artificial materials. These are the easiest gifts to shop for, reflecting the unique carving art of the Cham people.

Cham Pa souvenirs

In addition to cultural products, tourists often combine shopping for culinary and handicraft specialties in the neighboring area of Hoi An Ward. Popular products such as Banh It Gai Gai or Banh Kho Me are great choices as gifts because they are easy to preserve. Other handicraft items such as Hoi An Lanterns and Cham Brocade Fabrics are also gifts of high cultural value, easily found at markets and souvenir shops.

Support information and other information

Emergency support information

If you have problems needing assistance regarding security, health or service quality, visitors can contact the authorities of Da Nang City (new). These are accurate and active information focal points, concentrated in the central area (Hai Chau Ward):

  • Da Nang City Police: 0236 3822 300 - 80 Le Loi, Hai Chau Ward.

  • Da Tourist Support Center Da Nang: 0236 3550 111 - 108 Bach Dang, Hai Chau Ward.

  • Da Nang City Market Management Department (Market Management): 0236 3624 190 - 327 Le Thanh Nghi, Hoa Cuong Ward.

In case of emergency, you can quickly contact the national switchboards: 113 (Police), 114 (Fire), 115 (Emergency).

Support information at My Son Relics

Right at the entrance gate and relic display area, visitors can find services and support following:

  • Relic Area Management Board: Has an office at the entrance gate, responsible for security, conservation and answering information about the site.

  • Tour guide: You can hire a professional tour guide right at the ticket counter or through travel companies to gain a deeper understanding of Cham history and architecture. Pa.

  • Tram Service: Compulsory use of tram from the entrance gate to the main tower (about 2 km).

  • Medical Desk: There is a small first aid room in the central area to serve visitors when necessary.

End of the medical journey My Son Sanctuary, where time seems to stop amid the mossy ruins, visitors not only admire ancient architectural works, but also touch the cultural depth of the once brilliant Champa Kingdom. Hopefully, these vestiges deposited in Thu Bon commune will give you a profound feeling about the history, art and perseverance of a civilization that has contributed to the precious heritage of Da Nang City today.