My Son Sanctuary: Vietnam’s Ancient Cham Religious Site

Located over 40 kilometres west of Hoi An, My Son is the largest religious complex of the ancient Champa Kingdom in Vietnam. Often called “Vietnam’s Angkor Wat,” this site features Hindu temples built by the Cham people as early as the 4th century. Over several centuries, the Cham expanded the site into a sacred religious centre.

My Son is among Southeast Asia’s oldest archaeological ruins. It remained largely intact until the late 17th century, when the Nguyen Dynasty caused the decline of the Champa Kingdom, leading to the site’s gradual abandonment. In the early 20th century, Western archaeologists studied the site, leading to its protection and inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Nestled in a lush valley surrounded by mountains, the site once housed about 70 Hindu temples. The Cham temples, constructed from distinctive red bricks, showcase intricate Hindu architectural styles. Though smaller and less tall than Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, My Son’s structures are uniquely detailed. However, the red bricks are more vulnerable to weathering, so many temples have suffered damage and overgrowth, though some carvings remain well preserved.