Journey to My Son: A Hidden Treasure of Vietnam’s Ancient Past
If you’re anything like us—a bit obsessed with off-the-beaten-path travel and old stuff, and always looking for an excuse to escape the chaos of modern life—then you’ll love My Son Sanctuary. It’s nestled in the lush jungles of central Vietnam, and this UNESCO World Heritage site is like stepping into a history book. Or to be more precise, into a magical Hindu temple complex that feels like something from an Indiana Jones movie.
What’s the Deal with My Son?
My Son is an ancient Hindu temple complex built by the Champa Kingdom between the 4th and 14th centuries. It was dedicated to Hindu deities like Shiva, who clearly approved because these red-brick temples have survived the ravages of time—including bombs during the Vietnam War.
The temples were the spiritual and political heart of the Champa Kingdom, kings performed religious ceremonies here to secure divine favor. And most mind-blowing of all are inscriptions carved into stone slabs that are liberally sprinkled throughout the complex—intricate, elegant, beautiful—and utterly indecipherable to modern scholars. These enigmatic carvings remind us just how much we still don’t understand about the ancient world.
Getting About
It’s in central Vietnam, so if you’re staying in Hoi An or Da Nang, My Son is just a hop, skip, and a taxi ride away. Arrive at the parking lot, buy a ticket, and walk or take a shuttle up into the jungle (bring water; Vietnam is always hot). Along the way, you’ll pass a serene lake covered in lotus flowers—perfect for photographers—and towering jungle-covered mountains that will make you feel like you’ve entered a lost world.
Why Visit My Son?
The short answer? Because it’s amazing. The long answer? My Son offers a kind of tranquil beauty that’s the perfect antidote to Vietnam’s chaotic cities. The temples themselves are stunning, with intricate carvings of Hindu deities and mythological scenes. You’ll find yourself wondering, “How was this even possible a thousand years ago?”
During the Vietnam War, the Viet Cong used the temples as a base. The structures were bombed by American forces, yet many survived, standing as a testament to the ingenious construction methods of the ancients. Walking among these ruins, you can’t help but feel the weight of history.
For a deeper dive, I highly recommend hiring a guide. They’ll fill you in on all the juicy historical details, from the Champa Kingdom’s rise and fall to the spiritual significance of each temple. It’s well worth a couple of dong.
The whole place has an otherworldly vibe. It’s the kind of destination where your photos will look so spectacular that people will accuse you of photoshopping them. And if you’ve been to Bali and loved its temples, My Son will feel familiar, with its jungle backdrop and similar Hindu architecture.
Final Tips
Allow at least half a day to explore My Son. Wear comfortable shoes—it’s a lot of walking—and bring water. If you’re a history buff or just a wannabe Dr. Jones, this trip will be one for the books.
We’re working on a self-guided slow travel tour for Vietnam, including My Son. Stay tuned, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or slow travel tips. Happy wandering!