My Son Sanctuary — a complex of ancient Cham temple towers in a valley, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999 — is unmissable for anyone who loves history and architecture. This 2026 guide helps you fully understand a place that was the religious heart of the Champa kingdom for nearly a thousand years.
History of the Champa Kingdom
My Son was built from the 4th to the 13th century as a Hindu sanctuary dedicated to Shiva by the Cham kings. Over 70 fired-brick temples rose across many dynasties, showing a unique mortarless brickwork technique that science has yet to fully decode.
Tower Groups A, B, C, D
French archaeologists labeled the tower clusters with letters:
- Groups B, C, D: the best preserved, with the most beautiful towers and a museum displaying carved relics.
- Group A: once held the largest tower (A1), destroyed by bombing during the war and now being restored.
- Groups E, F, G, H: scattered about, some under restoration with international experts.
Tickets and Opening Hours
The 2026 admission to My Son is about 150,000 VND per visitor, which includes the electric shuttle from the gate to the tower area and a Cham art performance. The site opens roughly 6:00am to 5:00pm daily.
The Cham Dance Show and Electric Shuttle
At the performance hall near the gate, artists present the Apsara dance and traditional Cham instruments, usually a few shows a day (morning and midday). An electric shuttle ferries visitors the ~2km from the parking lot into the tower zone — easy on the feet and cool under the forest canopy.
Getting There from Da Nang and Hoi An
My Son is about 70km from Da Nang (~1.5 hours by car) and about 40km from Hoi An (~1 hour). Hiring a private car with driver is the most flexible — you can leave at 5:30am to enter the towers right at opening, and stop at a craft village or Hoi An on the way back.
Standing among brick towers a thousand years old in the morning mist, I felt I could hear the echo of an entire lost civilization.
Explore My Son Sanctuary
Book your admission ticket and a car with driver to My Son from Da Nang or Hoi An — an early pickup to enter the towers right at opening.
FAQ
How much is the My Son ticket in 2026?
About 150,000 VND per visitor, including the electric shuttle into the tower area and a Cham art performance.
What time of day should I visit My Son?
Early morning right at opening (~6am) is best — you avoid the harsh midday sun, beat the crowds, and get soft light for photos.
Is My Son closer from Da Nang or Hoi An?
It's closer from Hoi An (~40km, ~1 hour); from Da Nang it's about 70km (~1.5 hours). A car with driver lets you start early and stay flexible.
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