When it comes to the hottest tourist destinations in Central Vietnam, we cannot overlook iconic names like Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary – a unique ancient architectural complex recognized by UNESCO. As a “one-of-a-kind” destination in our country, many domestic and international tourists are eager to explore this place. To make your journey truly fulfilling, let’s explore everything that makes Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary so attractive with Rêu.
An Overview of Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary
Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary is a complex of temple and tower structures built by the Cham people, located deep in a valley surrounded by towering mountains. It was constructed from the 4th to the 14th century to worship gods. This is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites recognized in 1999 and a particularly important national relic that needs preservation, reflecting the rich history and religion of the ancient Cham kingdom.
With a diameter of 2km, this complex includes over 70 architectural works, mainly towers and temples, with intricate sculptures and bas-reliefs, showcasing the unique art and construction techniques of the Cham people. The fascinating aspect of these structures is the brick construction without mortar, which has remained durable through centuries, baffling researchers worldwide.
Due to its unique architecture, Mỹ Sơn is often compared with other impressive religious structures in Southeast Asia such as Pagan (Myanmar), Prasat Hin Phimai (Thailand), and Borobudur (Indonesia), etc.
How to get to Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary?
To reach this fascinating destination, visitors can choose from various means of transportation:
How To Get To My Son Sanctuary From Hoi An
To get to Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary, visitors can start from Hội An, a famous ancient city located about 40 km away. There are several transportation options to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
- Motorbike: Motorbikes are popular and favored by many travelers when moving from Hội An to Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary. With a motorbike, you can freely explore and enjoy the countryside scenery, vast rice fields, and peaceful villages along the way.
- Car: Cars or taxis are convenient and comfortable, especially suitable for groups of travelers or families. The travel time from Hội An to Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary by car is about 1 hour. Visitors can choose to rent a self-drive car or hire a car with a driver.
- Bus: The bus is the most economical choice, with ticket prices ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 VND/person/way. Visitors can catch a bus from the center of Hội An to Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary.
How To Get To My Son Sanctuary From Da Nang
Located in Duy Xuyên District, Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary is about 69 km from the center of Đà Nẵng City. Given the longer distance, the following means of transportation are optimal options to consider:
- Motorbike: The journey takes about 1.5 hours by motorbike, depending on speed and traffic conditions. The route is quite easy, through National Highway 1A and National Highway 14B, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides of the road while traveling.
- Car: Traveling by car means you don’t have to worry about the weather and have space to rest on the way. The ideal car travel time from Đà Nẵng to Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary is only 40 minutes.
- Bus: Currently, there are bus routes from Đà Nẵng to Duy Xuyên Town, after which you can take a motorbike taxi or taxi to Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary. Although travel time may be longer than other means (about 2 hours by bus), this is still the most cost-effective option.
Opening Hours and Ticket Prices for Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary
You might wonder about the My Son Hoi An ticket price and its opening hours when planning a visit to Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary, which is crucial to ensure your trip goes smoothly and conveniently. Here is the necessary information:
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM every day of the week.
- Reference Ticket Prices: 100,000 VND for domestic visitors; 150,000 VND for international visitors.
The ticket includes entrance fees and electric shuttle services from the parking lot to the site. Additionally, visitors have the opportunity to visit the museum and watch traditional Cham art performances, gaining a deeper understanding of the unique culture and art of this ethnic group.
What Makes Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary So Tourist-Attractive?
Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary is nestled amidst a lush green tropical forest, offering visitors a peaceful, quiet, and fresh environment. Not only is it attractive due to its exquisite architecture and long history, but it also captivates with its unique cultural and artistic experiences.
Exquisite Centuries-Old Architecture
The temple and tower structures here are a testament to the talent and creativity of the ancient Cham people. With intricate and meticulous carvings and outstanding architectural skills, these structures have remained steadfast for centuries. This not only attracts researchers and architects but also fascinates any visitor who comes to see them.
Visiting the Museum at Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary
The Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary Museum displays and preserves many valuable artifacts related to the culture and history of the Cham people. Visitors can learn about the construction, development, and decline of the Cham kingdom through the artifacts, images, and models displayed in the museum. This is an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the Cham civilization and the cultural value that Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary offers.
Katê Festival of the Cham People
At Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary, visitors can participate in and experience the vibrant, sacred atmosphere of the Katê festival. Held annually in the 7th lunar month, the Katê festival includes many religious ceremonies, cultural and artistic activities, and folk games, helping visitors understand more about the spiritual and cultural life of the Cham people.
Enjoying the Apsara Dance
One of the experiences not to be missed when visiting Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary is enjoying the traditional Apsara dance of the Cham people. The graceful, elegant dance moves, combined with traditional music, create a unique artistic space. The Apsara dance is not only a symbol of beauty and elegance but also carries interesting stories about the gods and legends of the Cham people.
Want to explore more of Hoi An best tourist attractions? Best Things To Do In Hoi An.
Should You Go On A Solo Travel or Tour To Mỹ Sơn, Hội An?
When deciding to visit Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary, travelers have two main options: going independently or joining a tour. Each choice has its own pros and cons, depending on the preferences and needs of each visitor.
| Travel Type | Solo Travel | My Son Hoi An Tour |
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Read more: Best 5 Beaches In Hoi An.
Must-know Tips For Visiting Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary
When planning a trip to Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary, there are some important things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
- Time: Visit Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary early in the morning when the weather is cool and not too crowded to enjoy the visit more freely.
- Clothing: Visitors should wear comfortable, respectful clothing as this is a sacred place. Especially, bring a hat, sunscreen, and water if visiting in the summer.
- Safety and Environmental Protection: Follow regulations on monument preservation, do not climb on architectural structures, and maintain cleanliness by not littering.
- Weather: Check the weather forecast before going and prepare raincoats or umbrellas if needed. The best time to visit the sanctuary is from December to April, when the weather is the coolest and it is not yet the rainy and stormy season of Central Vietnam.
- Accommodation: After a long day exploring Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary, you will need a comfortable and convenient place to rest. To fully explore and participate in activities in the ancient town, choose accommodation near the city center.
Located amidst vast, peaceful rice fields, Rêu Boutique Hotel Hội An boasts a prime location in the heart of Hội An City. Not only a place for relaxation, it is also a space for visitors to connect with themselves and immerse in timeless tranquility.
Book a room at one of our suites today to enjoy a wonderful holiday and fully explore the beauty of Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary. Our friendly and professional staff is always ready to serve and provide you with unforgettable moments.
Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary is not only an important historical monument but also a symbol of cultural and religious fusion, offering visitors meaningful and profound experiences of a once-glorious civilization in Southeast Asia. RÊU hopes that the above information will make your journey to explore Hội An even more splendid.
