Nestled in a two-kilometer-wide valley enclosed by two mountain ranges in Da Nang, Central Vietnam, Mỹ Sơn offers a fascinating encounter with the ancient Champa kingdom. Located 68 km southwest of Da Nang city center and 36 km south of Hội An, this UNESCO World Heritage site served from the 4th to the 13th century as a central site for religious ceremonies, royal burials, and national heroes.
Dedicated primarily to Shaiva Hinduism and the worship of Shiva (venerated locally under names like Bhadreshvara), Mỹ Sơn once encompassed over 70 temples and stone steles featuring historical inscriptions in Sanskrit and Cham. As perhaps the longest continuously inhabited archaeological site in Mainland Southeast Asia, it showcases remarkable historical evolution despite modern tragedy.
Though US aerial bombing in August 1969 destroyed a large majority of its architecture—including its iconic, majestic temple known as A1—you can still explore surviving brick temple sites, historical tombs, and an in-situ museum housing original sculptures alongside ongoing international restoration projects.
What to see at Mỹ Sơn
- Ancient Shaiva Hindu temple complex built by Champa kings between the 4th and 13th centuries
- UNESCO World Heritage site set inside a scenic mountain-surrounded valley
- Surviving brick ruins, historical royal tombs, and stone steles with Sanskrit and Cham inscriptions
- On-site museum displaying historical sculptures preserved directly at the complex
Visiting tips
Stick strictly to designated, well-traveled paths because unexploded land mines still render parts of the surrounding area dangerous.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Early morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Mỹ Sơn is easy to reach on Da Nang’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Da Nang travel guide.
See the full Da Nang travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.