During the Vietnam War, this historic archaeological site suffered catastrophic damage when heavy U.S. aerial bombing targeted the valley because communist forces used it as a military base. The intense strikes obliterated many of its architectural masterpieces and left centuries-old structures reduced to piles of rubble. Today, deep bomb craters and lingering unexploded ordnance still bear witness to the severe wartime devastation inflicted upon the UNESCO World Heritage location.
You may also like: How to Visit My Son Sanctuary to Avoid the Heat and the Crowd
• Content by Tam Le, founder of HOIAN DAY TRIP
• Designed by Giang Cong Minh, co-founder of LS E&C LTD and his team
• Photo by Dang Cong Loi, Dao Xuan Son, Tam Le & others
Must Knows about My Son Sanctuary Vietnam
– Location/address: My Son village, Duy Phu commune, Duy Xuyen district, Quang Nam province, Vietnam
– Name’s meaning: My Son means ‘beautiful mountain’, not ‘my son’
– How to pronounce: /mee son/
– Other name(s): My Son Ruins, My Son Holy Land, My Son Site, My Son Ancient Ruins, My Son Temples, My Son Cham Towers
– Area: 142 hectares
– Age: 4th to 13rd centuries
– Number of buildings: 71
– Opening hour(s): 6 AM to 5 PM everyday (latest 5:30 PM)
– Ticket price: 150,000 VND for foreign adults and children older than 15. It’s free for small ages, but parents still have to pay 30,000 VND for the transfer service.
– Reason(s) to visit: ancient Hindu temples amid dense jungles, a Unesco world heritage site, performances of Cham people
– Best time(s) to visit: early morning, late afternoon, sunny days
– Time to spend: 1,5-3 hours
– Recognition(s): national heritage, special national heritage, Unesco world heritage site (1999)
– Travel blog: https://hoiandaytrip.com/my-son-sanctuary-travel-guide
– Food & drink: yes availables
– Shopping: yes available
– Tour guide: contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo)
– Fact: My Son Sanctuary is one of the most visited attractions in the region
My Son Sanctuary Vietnam on Map
Why Was My Son Sanctuary Bombed by US?
During the Vietnam War (which lasted from 1955 to 1975), this historic valley was heavily targeted and bombed by U.S. forces, with the most catastrophic and intensive destruction occurring during a single week in August 1969.
The heavy aerial bombardment took place because communist troops (the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army) utilized the dense jungle terrain and ancient ruins as a strategic military base, logistics hub, and hiding place. Surrounded by a ring of protective mountains, the secluded basin provided an ideal covert sanctuary for enemy combatants to store supplies, regroup, and launch operations away from major surveillance. Because opposing forces integrated themselves directly into the archaeological area, military planners designated the region a hostile zone.
During the Vietnam War, the Hon Tau Revolutionary Base situated in the rugged, forested mountain region served as a crucial strategic stronghold and headquarters for Da Nang area. Heavily protected by its natural caves and dense terrain, this resilient sanctuary housed vital command centers, hospitals, and supply networks that directed resistance operations despite relentless enemy bombardment. Sustained entirely by the unwavering loyalty and covert logistical support of local communities, the base stands historically celebrated as a true symbol of the people’s revolutionary determination.
Location of this base on Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YdiDCVniTVzExi5J9
The resulting carpet bombing aimed at rooting out these entrenched units unleashed devastating firepower on the location. This military necessity—weighed against the presence of an enemy force using cultural infrastructure as cover—led to the catastrophic destruction of numerous centuries-old structures and brick towers that had stood for generations.
Here are temples destroyed or most damaged by US bombs: A Temple, G Temple, E Temple, F Temple, H Temple.
According to local authorities in former Quang Nam province, from 1980 to the present, landmines have killed 23 people and injured 34 others in the communes surrounding the My Son towers.
HOIAN DAY TRIP Company daily organizes tours and transfers to My Son Sanctuary. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or hoiandaytripcompany@gmail.com or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
Bomb Shells & Craters in My Son Sanctuary
Inside D2 Building (within the biggest group of towers BCD), visitors can see two bomb shells. One of them was discovered on 10th May 2007 near the BCD Group, when some local residents searched metal pieces for sale. This bomb weighs up nearly 500 kg, and has a destructive power capable of blasting an area in diameter of over 500 meters. It was dismantled quickly after being found by the army.
Besides the bomb shell, there are many bombo craters left after the war around My Son Sanctuarty. Here are the spots that it’s easiest to find for visitors:
– 1 bomb crater in BCD Group (near the stone temple)
– 3-5 bomb craters in E-F Group (along the walking path)
We also recommend going to Zone 5 Military Museum of Da Nang (aka ‘Da Nang War Museum’) if like to see more things about the war in Vietnam.
HOIAN DAY TRIP Company daily organizes tours and transfers to My Son Sanctuary. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or hoiandaytripcompany@gmail.com or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
Guided Tours to My Son Sanctuary Vietnam
Here are popular guided tours to My Son Sanctuary:
– My Son Sanctuary Half Day Tour with Traditional Art Performance
– My Son Sanctuary Private Tour with Local Expert Guide
– My Son Sanctuary Early Morning Tour to Beat the Crowds
– My Son Sanctuary Afternoon Tour with Traditional Art Performance
– My Son Sanctuary Morning Tour with Thu Bon River Cruise
– My Son Sanctuary Afternoon Tour with Boat Trip on Thu Bon River
– My Son Sanctuary Sunset Tour to Avoid the Crowds
– My Son Sanctuary & Marble Mountain Tour
– My Son Sanctuary Tour with Chinese Speaking Guide
– My Son Sanctuary & Golden Bridge/Ba Na Hills Tour
– My Son & Hoi An Tour – World Heritage Site Tour
– My Son & Thanh Ha Pottery Village Tour from Hoi An
– My Son Sanctuary & Hoi An Coconut Village Tour
– My Son Sanctuary & Golden Bridge/Ba Na Hills Tour
– My Son Sanctuary & Tra Que Vegetable Village Tour
– My Son Sanctuary & Lady Buddha Tour from Da Nang
HOIAN DAY TRIP Company daily organizes tours and transfers to My Son Sanctuary. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or hoiandaytripcompany@gmail.com or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
Photos, Videos about My Son Sanctuary Vietnam
Here are beautiful photos and videos about My Son Sanctuary in Vietnam:
