My Son (pronounced mee son) meaning ‘beautiful mountain’ has derived its name from its lush mountainous setting in which lies its impressive temple ruins. Dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, they were built by the Champa kings from the 4th to the 14th centuries. Once the capital of the Champa Kingdom, the temples were used as a site for their religious ceremonies and it is now believed to occupy the longest inhabited archaeological site in Indochina.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site survived many years of neglect before being rediscovered by the French in 1898. Until 1968 they remained, remarkably, in almost perfect condition, having been sheltered from the worst excesses of weather by the surrounding hills. Regrettably, however, man achieved what nature could not and B52 bombers, unfortunately, destroyed most of the towers during the war. While only 20 of the 70 temples still stand, there are enough remains to gain some sense of their original grandeur and purpose.
Many travellers visit My Son on a day trip from Hoi An or Da Nang. You can uncover the My Son ruins and surrounding countryside on our signature experience with a local guide. Speak to our experts to see how you can incorporate a visit here into your Vietnam holiday.
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