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Nestled in a lush green valley in Duy Phu commune, Duy Xuyen district, Quang Nam province, My Son Sanctuary emerges as a mysterious and magnificent historical painting. Dubbed the "miniature Angkor Wat of Vietnam," it is a unique complex of Cham temples and towers, marked by exquisite architecture and immense historical value.
Although the My Son Sanctuary is no longer intact, it still carries the impression of a once prosperous Champa kingdom.
The mysterious architecture of My Son Sanctuary
Stepping through the gates of the historical site, visitors feel as if they have entered another world, completely separate from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. The majestic Cham temples and towers stand tall, surrounded by the shade of ancient trees, creating a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.
At the foot of Mount Chúa, the sacred Hòn Đền peak is the Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary.
Nguyen Thanh Nhat (currently a student at An Giang University), who had the opportunity to visit My Son Sanctuary, shared: "Due to the passage of time, most of the temples and towers at My Son Sanctuary are covered in ancient moss, creating a unique and majestic appearance. Many towers are no longer intact, but generally, the architectural features of the Cham Pa civilization are still preserved, from the patterns to the columns and doors…".
The statues and carvings are incredibly lifelike and meticulously detailed.
My Son boasts over 70 temples and towers built between the 4th and 13th centuries, spanning several Champa dynasties. Due to war damage, by 1975, only 32 structures remained of the complex. Of these, 20 were still intact as they were originally. Each temple and tower is a unique work of art, showcasing the sophisticated construction and stone carving techniques of the ancient Champa people.
Some temples and pagodas still remain intact.
Visitors can spend hours admiring the exquisite patterns and sharp carvings on each brick and stone slab. Most remarkable are the building bricks, which were fired, cut into blocks, and then stacked on top of each other without the need for binders as is common today. Over the centuries, they have remained standing, and this is one of the greatest mysteries yet to be solved.
The mystery surrounding the bricks and the binding agent remains unexplained to this day.
The marks of time are etched onto these temples and towers.
Standing out among the historical sites is the K1 tower, considered a symbol of My Son. Built in the 10th century, the K1 tower was dedicated to the worship of Shiva, the supreme deity in Hinduism. With its unique architecture and exquisite decorative patterns, the K1 tower has become a source of inspiration for many artists and photographers.
In addition, visitors can also explore other temples and towers such as: A1 temple, B1 temple, C1 temple, G1 temple... Each temple and tower possesses its own unique beauty and holds fascinating historical stories.
Each temple has its own unique beauty.
Unique Cham culture in the valley of the gods
Visiting My Son, tourists not only get to admire the mysterious and unique architectural structures but also have the opportunity to learn about the culture, history, and beliefs of the ancient Champa people.
"To gain a deeper understanding of Cham culture, listening to the tour guide's explanations is something you shouldn't miss. The closing time here is 5 PM, so visitors should also remember to leave the temple complex before closing time. You can choose to take an electric tram from the entrance to the temple to save time," Thanh Nhat said.
In Champa religious beliefs, Linga and Yoni are sacred objects representing the masculine and feminine realms.
Visitors can also participate in traditional Cham art performances or enjoy Quang Nam's specialties to gain a deeper understanding of this region. Every day, the entire mountain forest is immersed in the symphony of Cham culture, recreated by talented artists.
The resonant sound of the Saranai horn blends with the rhythmic beat of the Ginang and Paranung drums, characteristic of Cham artisans. Visitors will be captivated by the graceful and skillful dances of the Apsara dancers. Inspired by the Apsara stone sculptures, this dance is one of the unique features of Cham Pa music.
Especially during festivals, My Son takes on a vibrant and lively beauty. Visitors can witness unique traditional rituals, distinctive folk dances, and enjoy the special dishes of the Cham people.
From the valley of the gods to the sacred mountain peak, these places are steeped in mystical tales and ancient folk art.
After strolling through the time-worn temples and towers of an ancient kingdom, Thanh Nhat shared: "Compared to many other temple complexes, My Son Sanctuary possesses a unique beauty of its own. Although not completely intact and covered in moss, this is precisely what gives it its distinctive character. One of the things I find quite appealing is that it attracts a lot of foreign tourists who choose to visit it when they come to Vietnam."
With its immense cultural and historical value, My Son Sanctuary was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It is an ideal destination for those who love exploring history, culture, and ancient architecture.
