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Vietnam · Cultural

My Son Sanctuary

The sacred valley of the Champa Kingdom, where brick tower-temples tell of a culture with Hindu roots that lasted a thousand years.

About 1 min read

My Son Sanctuary
Photo: Chainwit. / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 · Licence

Discover

Discover

My Son is a group of brick tower-temples in a valley ringed by mountains, west of Hoi An. UNESCO describes it as the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom for most of its existence.

History

History

Between the 4th and 13th centuries, a culture whose spiritual roots lay in Indian Hinduism developed on the coast of today's Viet Nam. The Cham built and rebuilt the temples at My Son over many centuries. During the Viet Nam War, many were badly damaged by bombing.

People & Culture

People & Culture

Most temples were dedicated to Shiva, and their brick and sandstone carving shows the skill of Cham craftsmen. For us, My Son is a reminder that Viet Nam's history is not only the story of the Viet in the north, but also of a southern maritime kingdom that left a rich legacy.

Living Heritage

Living Heritage

The Cham remain one of Viet Nam's peoples today, keeping their language, religion and traditions. Cham dances are performed for visitors at My Son, and international restoration work continues.

Explore Further

Explore Further

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Dear-Asia is not affiliated with UNESCO. Names and World Heritage facts are taken from the official website of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.