My Son Sanctuary
The Cham people started building this sanctuary in the 4th century, and kept adding to it until the 13th century. My Son is a UNESCO Heritage Site — in a country with an abundance of Buddhist sites, this is a rare Hindu temple. The crumbling, elaborate stone structures have succumbed somewhat to the rich vegetation, which only adds to their evocative appeal. This site is an easy day trip from either Da Nang or Hoi An, as both are about an hour away by car.
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These ruins are significantly less well known than Angkor Wat, but similarly impressive – they do, however, attract far fewer visitors, allowing the atmosphere to resonate a little more strongly. There are a total of 71 buildings, so give yourself plenty of time to explore, and go early in the morning if you want to avoid the heat. Walkways connect the ruins and make it easy to explore You’ll notice that some structures have been somewhat restored, while a few are little more than rubble, and many are somewhere in between.
Because the construction of this temple spans 10 centuries, it helps to tell the story of Southeast Asian art. Take a tour with a guide so they can help you interpret the reliefs that depict scenes from Hindu mythology. The complex was designed according to Hindu beliefs; for instance, the building in the middle of the site represents the center of the universe.
It's more than just having a good time or visiting beautiful places (although that's absolutely a part of it!), it's about being part of a unique experience that stays with you.
