Location: Duy Tan Commune - Duy Xuyen District - Quang Nam Province (about 70km southwest of Danang and 40km from Hoi An)
Best time to visit: Early morning, before it gets too hot, and when it is not too crowded
My Son Hindu Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the central portion of Vietnam, is a notable example of the ancient Champa culture. It was an independent state from roughly the 2nd century until it was overrun by Vietnam in the 17th century. In the midst of a tropical jungle setting, the spectacular Hindu-themed ruins exhibit many exquisite stone sculptures, temples, and towers.
My Son was both a political center and a royal burial place, with more than 70 monuments dedicated to Hindu gods and goddesses, the most notable of which, Shiva, was considered the Champa kings' protector. Their mastery of red bricks and sandstone is impressive.
My Son, like many other historic sites around the world, was ravaged by time and conflicts before being rediscovered and repaired by the French in 1898 after a lengthy period of neglect. Unfortunately, the complex was severely damaged during the most recent conflict, when the Americans attacked the area knowing that the Viet Cong utilized it as a hideout, erroneously believing that the enemy would not attack a holy site.
The majority of the central structure, however, was spared from the bombs, and portions of the ruins have since been reconstructed. Overall, this Hindu sanctuary reminds tourists of other similar Southeast Asian sites, such as Cambodia's Angkor Wat. For history buffs, this is a must-see attraction.
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