Things to Do in My Son Sanctuary with Kids

Kids will have a chance to learn about a new culture. My Son Sanctuary is firstly known as a complex of ancient Hindu temples built from the 4th to 14th centuries. For those who live in different parts of the world, Hinduism is a new religion, so this place provides a good chance to know about it. It’s introduced into the region by Indians who traveled by boat from India. If going with a guide, he/she will introduce gods/goddesses and tell visitors untold stories or mythologies, including secret building techniques. Owners of My Son Sanctuary are Cham people who had their own kingdom Champa (which disappeared in the 19th century). Their culture shared similarities with those who live in Cambodia, Myanmar or Indonesia in the Southeast Asia region. See more information & details

Kids will see an unspoiled nature, walk through forests and have the chance to watch animals. Temples in My Son Sanctuary are encircled by well-preserved forests belonging to a nature reserve. This is home to numerous floral and fauna species, many of them can be strange for kids. While walking along trails under the shade of big trees and crossing gentle streams or past lotus lakes, children will enjoy watching natural scenery or animals. If possible, let’s go in the early morning or late afternoon when it becomes cooler. Birds, lizards, monkeys, etc may appear. Additionally, the air in My Son Sanctuary is extremely fresh.

At My Son Sanctuary, kids can watch traditional performances of Cham people. Several times a day, this mini show occurs in the Performing House, quite close to the main temples. In which, Cham male and female artists, from different ages and experiences, will dance, sing or play their traditional musical instruments. Everything is ‘live’ making kids feel more interested and easier to learn about a new culture. It’s really worth watching. After the show, visitors can stand by artists to take some pictures to save memory. See more information & details

On the other side, My Son Sanctuary is not too far from the city. It takes visitors about 1 hour to get there by car from Da Nang or Hoi An, two nearest cities. Even if want to visit this place from the Da Nang International Airport or Da Nang Railway Station, the drive is still the same. To sightsee its temple, 1,5 to 2 hours is needed. For that reason, parents just spend 1/2 day for both transport and visiting. Sure, it won’t be too long for kids (they won’t be tired). If possible, let’s go in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the strong heat, especially when your children come from non-tropical countries.

If stay in Hoi An, families with kids can enjoy a boat ride on Thu Bon River to get back from My Son Sanctuary. It’s about 30 minutes from Cau Lau boat station to Hoi An’s Old Town. In which, kids will see rural sceneries along the banks of Thu Bon River, the largest river in the province. If boarding in the late afternoon, it’s possible to watch the sunset and enjoy the golden reflection on the river as well as cool breeze. Because this way is unpopular, families with kids can escape from noisy and busy traffic on the street, to get back to Hoi An. See more information & details

In My Son Sanctuary, traces of the Vietnam War are still seen, such as bomb holes by the temples, large bombs discovered on site, or ruins. If coming from outside of Vietnam, kids will know what happened in the country at that time. This war is a major conflict in the Cold War in the 20th century. By that, have lessons about the value of peace.