Introduction:
Hoi An, also Fai-Fo or Faifoo is perhaps Vietnam’s most delightful town. Once a major trading port dating from the 15th to 19th centuries. the town owes its easygoing provincial demeanor and remarkably harmonious old-town to happenstance.
Hoi An’s early history is that of the Cham. It was known first as Lam Ap and later as Faifo, the commercial capital of the Champa Empire which occupied much of what is now central and lower Vietnam, from Hue to beyond Nha Trang until the 14th century. During this time, it developed into a prosperous trading port visited by trading fleets from as far afield as the Arabian Peninsula. After the Cham people moved to settle in Nha Trang, the Nguyen Lord re-established it as a trading port in 1595. Hoi An became the most important trade center in Southeast Asia in the 16th and 17th centuries, where foreign merchants came here from every corner of the world including the Japanese, the Chinese and the Portuguese. The majority of Hoi An's most beautiful architectures were built in this period.
Its importance began to fade at the end of the 18th century as trade slowly moved north to the larger and more industrial port of Da Nang, leaving the town a forgotten backwater. The result was that Hoi An remained almost untouched by the changes and wars to Vietnam through the next two centuries. Nowadays, it is one of Vietnam’s most wealthy towns with romantic riverside setting, a culinary mecca and important tourism center.
When to go
Hoi An has a calm mild weather throughout the year, with two seasons: rain and dry. The rainy season comes from September to January while the dry season fills the rest of the year. The average temperature ranges between 25 °C to 30°C with the hottest months are June, July and August. The highest recorded temperature is 38°C. Winter-like weather lasts from November to January, the weather is quite comfortable with temperature ranging between 19 to 24°C.
In monsoon season, there might be heavy showers which cause floods at times. As a result, the number of travelers come to town during this time decrease. Meanwhile, dry seasons is the best time to visit the town thanks to its mild and beautiful weather with low humidity, less rain and warm sunshine.
Getting there
Hoi An has no airport, thus visitors have to fly to the nearby Da Nang International Airport which is about 35km away. From here, it takes about 40 minutes by car to the town. Some international flights are from Bangkok, Singapore Siem Reap, and Hong Kong. For domestic route, there are daily flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang.
There is no railway station in Hoi An, too. The nearest one is in Da Nang which have many domestic trains from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue and Nha Trang.
Buses from major cities of Vietnam to the town are available. For long-haul distance for example from Hanoi, it is often overnight buses. From Hue, it takes about 2.5 hours by car to get to the town. From Da Nang, city bus runs every hour from bus stations. Buses run daily from southern provinces such as Da Lat, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Top things to do and see:
Japanese Covered Bridge: This beautiful little bridge is emblematic of Hoi An. A bridge was first constructed here in the 1590s by the Japanese community in order to link them with the Chinese quarters across the stream. The entrances to the bridge are guarded by weathered statues: a pair of monkeys on one side, a pair of dogs on the other.
Tan Ky Old House: Located at 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Tan Ky House, constructed almost two centuries ago by a Vietnamese family, has been lovingly preserved through seven generations. The owner of the house has preserved its interior design and old furniture, as well as many relics of the prospering trade and cultural ex-changes among the Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese during the late 17 century. While visiting the small town Hoi An, you must also visit this Old House of Tan Ky to encounter great Vietnamese historical and cultural significance.
The Chinese Assembly Hall: Originally a traditional assembly hall, this structure was later transformed into a temple for the worship of Thien Hau, a deity from Fujian province. The gaudy, green-tiled triple gateway dates from 1975. The mural on the right-hand wall depicts Thien Hau, her way lit by lantern light as she crosses a stormy sea to rescue a foundering ship. Opposite is a mural of the heads of the six Fujian families who fled from China to Hoi An in the 17th century.
Museum of Sa Huynh Culture: The museum was established in 1994, and displays a unique collection of artifacts from Sa Huynh culture, considered to be the first settlers of the port town, who cooperated and traded with countries in Southeast Asia, South India and China. This collection provides visitors with useful information about the ancient Sa Huynh culture’s inhabitants and is mostly related to burial customs, conceptions of life and death, the developmental history of the region, and relationships with other cultures. Of particular significance is a collection from Bai Ong, a site on Cham Island which traces Sa Huynh culture back by 3000 years. These collections are considered the largest and most unique collection of Sa Huynh artifacts in Vietnam.
Museum of Trade Ceramics: The Museum of Trade Ceramics showcases the origins and history of the town and the region in the context of historic trade and relationships with foreign nations such as China, India, Japan, the Philippines and Thailand. The building housing the museum is itself an attractively restored traditional wooden house of Hoi An’s old quarter, which on account of design similarity and an historically significant local Japanese trading community is likened to those of Kyoto.
My Son: The site of Vietnam’s most extensive Cham remains, My Son enjoys an en-chanting setting in a lush jungle valley, overlooked by Cat’s Tooth Mountain (Hon Quap). Featuring about 20 structures of the most important intellectual and religious center of the kingdom of Champa it may have served as a burial place for Cham monarchs. It was rediscovered in the late 19thcentury by the French, who restored parts of the complex. My Son is today a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Tra Que Vegetable Village: Tra Que is a small village located in Cam Ha Commune, 3km north of Hoi An. Tourists are often fascinated by watching the farming procedures of local farmers, including: raking the ground, sowing, watering, picking vegetables and many other activities. Moreover, tourists learn about the organic farming techniques and try their hand at actual farming. The farmers don’t use chemical or fertilizers, but a kind of algae found only in a lagoon in Tra Que. Thanks to this technique, Tra Que herbs and veggies are widely recognized for their quality, safety and especially for their outstanding taste and flavor.
Kim Bong Carpentry Village: Kim Bong Village is notable for its carpentry (including cabinet making and shipbuilding) and traditional woodworking products. Established in the 15th century, it reached its peak in the 18th century. The products had been used in many famous architectural buildings, including the Imperial capital in Hue.
Cham Island: A breathtaking cluster of granite islands set in aquamarine seas, around 15km directly offshore from Hoi An, the Cham Islands make a wonderful excursion. Until very recently they were closed to visitors and under close military super-vision, but it’s now possible to visit as a day trip, dive or snorkel the reefs, or stay overnight.
Cua Dai Beach: Cua Dai beach offers an unrivaled seaside escape from the ancient streets of Hoi An. This 3km stretch of fine white powdery sands is positioned just north-east of Hoi An, making it the perfect place to easily find your own patch of paradise. The water is very clear with tropically blue waves that are gentle enough for swimming and floating around. There are even changing huts on the beach along with a few bungalows here and there.
Cooking classes: With access to fresh agricultural products and a long culinary tradition, Hoi An is a top spot for a cooking class. Many restaurants here offer these class such as Morning Glory – one of the first cooking schools in town, and the Red Bridge which takes a pleasant river boat ride to get there.
What to eat:
As with other places in Vietnam, food in Hoi An is mouth-wateringly delicious and affordable. There are a number of local delicacies with worldly influences specific to the town that can persuade one stick around for a while. Prepare yourself for a gastronomic delight of Hoi An.
Banh mi: A light, fluffy, thin-crusted baguette filled with roast pork, pate, raw and pickled vegetable, herbs and sauce. Try Banh mi Phuong at Phan Chau Trinh Street which the famous American chef Anthony Bourdain considered as the best banh mi in Vietnam.
Cao Lau: Cao lau is perhaps Hoi An’s most famous dish. It is made with chewy, udon-like noodle served with pork slices, bean sprouts, crunchy rice crackers, Vietnamese herbs, pork broth and chili jam. Cao lau does not taste like any other dishes, but nobody can recognize it as being comparable to Chinese or Japanese cuisines. It’s easy to find a place serving Cao Lau, from street-side stalls to restaurants.
Chicken rice or Com ga: Com ga is as popular in Hoi An as pho in Ho Chi Minh City. It includes seasoned rice and shredded chicken, served with a side of fresh onions, greens and herbs. Try Ba Buoi chicken rice at 22 Phan Chau Trinh Street, Huong chicken rice at 60 Le Loi Street and Ba Ty chicken rice at no 23, Phan Chau Trinh Street. The price ranges from VND 30,000 - 35,000 for plate.
White rose dumplings: It is a type of shrimp dumpling comprising of two small 2-inch diameter rounds of rice paper, with a dime-sized lump of meat filling right in the center. When the rice paper is steamed, the edges get soft and chewy and warp a little, making the dumpling look like a white rose. Many people like these cakes not only for their delicious flavor but also for their beautiful shape. Nearly every restaurant offers this dish as do plenty of street-side and market stalls.
Wonton (Hoành thánh): Wonton is made with rice flour and filled with ingredients such as shrimps, pork, and eggs. There are three types of hoanh thanh: fried wonton, wonton soup and wonton noodle soup. All are served with fresh vegetables, bean sprouts and coriander. You can dip it in soy sauce and chili.
Quang noodle: This noodle is a complex mixture of texture and flavors. The yellow turmeric noodles, shrimp, pork, rice crackers, roasted peanuts, fresh herbs served with very little light broth that sets mi quang apart from other Vietnamese noodles like pho or bun.
Banh xeo: Meaning ‘sizzling cake’, this dish has turmeric-infused batter that’s fried with shrimp and pork, and topped with beansprouts. It’s rolled in rice paper, ready to dip.
Hoian Surrounding:
Danang
Da Nang is located on the east coast of Vietnam, a thriving seaport midway between capital of Hanoi in the North and Ho Chi Minh city, in the South. The region is renowned for its scenic beauty, with endless stretches of unspoiled sandy beaches, crystal blue seas and luxurious, tropical hinterland. According to US-based Forbes Magazine, Da Nang’s 30km-long beach is among the six most luxurious in the world. It is an ideal destination for tourists to relax with its tropical air, sun and breeze, beautiful long wide sandy beaches, dark blue water and wide roads.
Da Nang is close to three famous historical sites which are listed by UNESCO as World Heritages. They are:
* Hoi An ancient town: 30 km to the south – 25 minutes driving
* Hue, Imperial city: 110 km to the north – 2,5 hours driving
* My Son, ruins from the Cham civilization: 60km to the southwest – 1,5 hours driving.
Destinations in there:
Cham Museum: Cham museum founded in 1915 and was first named Henry Parmenties. The open-air Cham Museum was built according to ancient motifs of Champa architecture. More than 300 fascinating sandstone carving statues (altars, lingas, garudas, images of Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu) are the world's finest collection of ancient Cham stone carvings. This is really a big attraction for every tourist.
Marble moutain: 12km (7.5 miles) Southwest of Danang, the Marble Mountains are a beautiful natural setting which is made up of five limestone outcrops in isolation from the surrounding plains, each riddled with caves and grottoes, with some made into pagodas and shrines. Each mountain represents one of the five elements of the universe, being water, wood, fire, metal and earth. At the foot of Marble Mountain is located Non Nuoc Hamlet. You can buy marble statues or colored marble bracelets and rings... the handicraft products made by many marble workers who can be found busy with sculptures and marble bas-reliefs. A very interesting destination for tourists.
My Son
My Son, located 69 km southwest of Danang, was an imperial city during the Cham dynasty, between the 4th and 12th centuries. My Son Sanctuary is a large complex of religious relics that comprises more than 70 architectural works. They include temples and towers that connect to each other with complicated red brick designs. The main component of the Cham architectural design is the tower, built to reflect the divinity of the king.
According to records on the stone stele, the prime foundation of the ancient My Son architectural complex was a wooden temple to worship the Siva Bhadresvera genie. In the late 16th century, a big fire destroyed the temple. Step by step, historical mysteries were unveiled by scientists. Through stone stele and royal dynasties, they proved My Son to be the most important Holy Land of the Cham people from the late 4th to the 15th centuries. For many centuries, the Cham built Lip, a mutually linked architectural complex, with baked bricks and sandstone. The main temple worships the Linga-Yoni, who represents the capability of invention. Beside the main tower (Kalan) are several sub-towers worshipping Genies or deceased kings. Although time and the wars have destroyed some towers, the remaining sculptural and architectural remnants still reflect the style and history of the art of the Cham people. Their masterpieces mark a glorious time for the architecture and culture of the Cham, as well as of Southeast Asia.
Each historical period has its own identity, so that each temple worshipping a genie or a king of a different dynasty has its own architectural style full of different impression. All of the Cham towers were built on a quadrate foundations and each comprises three parts: a solid tower base, representing the world of human beings, the mysterious and sacred tower body, representing the world of spirits, and the tower top built in the shape of a man offering flowers and fruits or of trees, birds, animals, etc., representing things that are close to the spirits and human beings.
After the My Son ancient tower complex was discovered, many of its artifacts, especially statues of female dancers and genies worshipped by the Cham people, worship animals and artifacts of the daily communal activities, were collected and displayed at the Cham Architecture Museum in Danang city. Although there are not many remnants left, those that remain display the typical sculptural works of cultural value of the Cham nationality. Furthermore, they are vivid proof, confirming the history of a nationality living within the Vietnamese community boasting of a rich cultural tradition.
My Son Holy see is right in the valley surrounded by mountains. That makes it more holy and mysterious. This is really a photographic site to enjoy, given that you are willing to put up with the hard and bumpy ride to this jewel of the Champa civilization.
Hoi An & Surrounding
Introduction:
Hoi An, also Fai-Fo or Faifoo is perhaps Vietnam’s most delightful town. Once a major trading port dating from the 15th to 19th centuries. the town owes its easygoing provincial demeanor and remarkably harmonious old-town to happenstance.
Hoi An’s early history is that of the Cham. It was known first as Lam Ap and later as Faifo, the commercial capital of the Champa Empire which occupied much of what is now central and lower Vietnam, from Hue to beyond Nha Trang until the 14th century. During this time, it developed into a prosperous trading port visited by trading fleets from as far afield as the Arabian Peninsula. After the Cham people moved to settle in Nha Trang, the Nguyen Lord re-established it as a trading port in 1595. Hoi An became the most important trade center in Southeast Asia in the 16th and 17th centuries, where foreign merchants came here from every corner of the world including the Japanese, the Chinese and the Portuguese. The majority of Hoi An's most beautiful architectures were built in this period.
Its importance began to fade at the end of the 18th century as trade slowly moved north to the larger and more industrial port of Da Nang, leaving the town a forgotten backwater. The result was that Hoi An remained almost untouched by the changes and wars to Vietnam through the next two centuries. Nowadays, it is one of Vietnam’s most wealthy towns with romantic riverside setting, a culinary mecca and important tourism center.
When to go
Hoi An has a calm mild weather throughout the year, with two seasons: rain and dry. The rainy season comes from September to January while the dry season fills the rest of the year. The average temperature ranges between 25 °C to 30°C with the hottest months are June, July and August. The highest recorded temperature is 38°C. Winter-like weather lasts from November to January, the weather is quite comfortable with temperature ranging between 19 to 24°C.
In monsoon season, there might be heavy showers which cause floods at times. As a result, the number of travelers come to town during this time decrease. Meanwhile, dry seasons is the best time to visit the town thanks to its mild and beautiful weather with low humidity, less rain and warm sunshine.
Getting there
Hoi An has no airport, thus visitors have to fly to the nearby Da Nang International Airport which is about 35km away. From here, it takes about 40 minutes by car to the town. Some international flights are from Bangkok, Singapore Siem Reap, and Hong Kong. For domestic route, there are daily flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang.
There is no railway station in Hoi An, too. The nearest one is in Da Nang which have many domestic trains from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue and Nha Trang.
Buses from major cities of Vietnam to the town are available. For long-haul distance for example from Hanoi, it is often overnight buses. From Hue, it takes about 2.5 hours by car to get to the town. From Da Nang, city bus runs every hour from bus stations. Buses run daily from southern provinces such as Da Lat, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Top things to do and see:
Japanese Covered Bridge: This beautiful little bridge is emblematic of Hoi An. A bridge was first constructed here in the 1590s by the Japanese community in order to link them with the Chinese quarters across the stream. The entrances to the bridge are guarded by weathered statues: a pair of monkeys on one side, a pair of dogs on the other.
Tan Ky Old House: Located at 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Tan Ky House, constructed almost two centuries ago by a Vietnamese family, has been lovingly preserved through seven generations. The owner of the house has preserved its interior design and old furniture, as well as many relics of the prospering trade and cultural ex-changes among the Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese during the late 17 century. While visiting the small town Hoi An, you must also visit this Old House of Tan Ky to encounter great Vietnamese historical and cultural significance.
The Chinese Assembly Hall: Originally a traditional assembly hall, this structure was later transformed into a temple for the worship of Thien Hau, a deity from Fujian province. The gaudy, green-tiled triple gateway dates from 1975. The mural on the right-hand wall depicts Thien Hau, her way lit by lantern light as she crosses a stormy sea to rescue a foundering ship. Opposite is a mural of the heads of the six Fujian families who fled from China to Hoi An in the 17th century.
Museum of Sa Huynh Culture: The museum was established in 1994, and displays a unique collection of artifacts from Sa Huynh culture, considered to be the first settlers of the port town, who cooperated and traded with countries in Southeast Asia, South India and China. This collection provides visitors with useful information about the ancient Sa Huynh culture’s inhabitants and is mostly related to burial customs, conceptions of life and death, the developmental history of the region, and relationships with other cultures. Of particular significance is a collection from Bai Ong, a site on Cham Island which traces Sa Huynh culture back by 3000 years. These collections are considered the largest and most unique collection of Sa Huynh artifacts in Vietnam.
Museum of Trade Ceramics: The Museum of Trade Ceramics showcases the origins and history of the town and the region in the context of historic trade and relationships with foreign nations such as China, India, Japan, the Philippines and Thailand. The building housing the museum is itself an attractively restored traditional wooden house of Hoi An’s old quarter, which on account of design similarity and an historically significant local Japanese trading community is likened to those of Kyoto.
My Son: The site of Vietnam’s most extensive Cham remains, My Son enjoys an en-chanting setting in a lush jungle valley, overlooked by Cat’s Tooth Mountain (Hon Quap). Featuring about 20 structures of the most important intellectual and religious center of the kingdom of Champa it may have served as a burial place for Cham monarchs. It was rediscovered in the late 19thcentury by the French, who restored parts of the complex. My Son is today a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Tra Que Vegetable Village: Tra Que is a small village located in Cam Ha Commune, 3km north of Hoi An. Tourists are often fascinated by watching the farming procedures of local farmers, including: raking the ground, sowing, watering, picking vegetables and many other activities. Moreover, tourists learn about the organic farming techniques and try their hand at actual farming. The farmers don’t use chemical or fertilizers, but a kind of algae found only in a lagoon in Tra Que. Thanks to this technique, Tra Que herbs and veggies are widely recognized for their quality, safety and especially for their outstanding taste and flavor.
Kim Bong Carpentry Village: Kim Bong Village is notable for its carpentry (including cabinet making and shipbuilding) and traditional woodworking products. Established in the 15th century, it reached its peak in the 18th century. The products had been used in many famous architectural buildings, including the Imperial capital in Hue.
Cham Island: A breathtaking cluster of granite islands set in aquamarine seas, around 15km directly offshore from Hoi An, the Cham Islands make a wonderful excursion. Until very recently they were closed to visitors and under close military super-vision, but it’s now possible to visit as a day trip, dive or snorkel the reefs, or stay overnight.
Cua Dai Beach: Cua Dai beach offers an unrivaled seaside escape from the ancient streets of Hoi An. This 3km stretch of fine white powdery sands is positioned just north-east of Hoi An, making it the perfect place to easily find your own patch of paradise. The water is very clear with tropically blue waves that are gentle enough for swimming and floating around. There are even changing huts on the beach along with a few bungalows here and there.
Cooking classes: With access to fresh agricultural products and a long culinary tradition, Hoi An is a top spot for a cooking class. Many restaurants here offer these class such as Morning Glory – one of the first cooking schools in town, and the Red Bridge which takes a pleasant river boat ride to get there.
What to eat:
As with other places in Vietnam, food in Hoi An is mouth-wateringly delicious and affordable. There are a number of local delicacies with worldly influences specific to the town that can persuade one stick around for a while. Prepare yourself for a gastronomic delight of Hoi An.
Banh mi: A light, fluffy, thin-crusted baguette filled with roast pork, pate, raw and pickled vegetable, herbs and sauce. Try Banh mi Phuong at Phan Chau Trinh Street which the famous American chef Anthony Bourdain considered as the best banh mi in Vietnam.
Cao Lau: Cao lau is perhaps Hoi An’s most famous dish. It is made with chewy, udon-like noodle served with pork slices, bean sprouts, crunchy rice crackers, Vietnamese herbs, pork broth and chili jam. Cao lau does not taste like any other dishes, but nobody can recognize it as being comparable to Chinese or Japanese cuisines. It’s easy to find a place serving Cao Lau, from street-side stalls to restaurants.
Chicken rice or Com ga: Com ga is as popular in Hoi An as pho in Ho Chi Minh City. It includes seasoned rice and shredded chicken, served with a side of fresh onions, greens and herbs. Try Ba Buoi chicken rice at 22 Phan Chau Trinh Street, Huong chicken rice at 60 Le Loi Street and Ba Ty chicken rice at no 23, Phan Chau Trinh Street. The price ranges from VND 30,000 - 35,000 for plate.
White rose dumplings: It is a type of shrimp dumpling comprising of two small 2-inch diameter rounds of rice paper, with a dime-sized lump of meat filling right in the center. When the rice paper is steamed, the edges get soft and chewy and warp a little, making the dumpling look like a white rose. Many people like these cakes not only for their delicious flavor but also for their beautiful shape. Nearly every restaurant offers this dish as do plenty of street-side and market stalls.
Wonton (Hoành thánh): Wonton is made with rice flour and filled with ingredients such as shrimps, pork, and eggs. There are three types of hoanh thanh: fried wonton, wonton soup and wonton noodle soup. All are served with fresh vegetables, bean sprouts and coriander. You can dip it in soy sauce and chili.
Quang noodle: This noodle is a complex mixture of texture and flavors. The yellow turmeric noodles, shrimp, pork, rice crackers, roasted peanuts, fresh herbs served with very little light broth that sets mi quang apart from other Vietnamese noodles like pho or bun.
Banh xeo: Meaning ‘sizzling cake’, this dish has turmeric-infused batter that’s fried with shrimp and pork, and topped with beansprouts. It’s rolled in rice paper, ready to dip.
Hoian Surrounding:
Danang
Da Nang is located on the east coast of Vietnam, a thriving seaport midway between capital of Hanoi in the North and Ho Chi Minh city, in the South. The region is renowned for its scenic beauty, with endless stretches of unspoiled sandy beaches, crystal blue seas and luxurious, tropical hinterland. According to US-based Forbes Magazine, Da Nang’s 30km-long beach is among the six most luxurious in the world. It is an ideal destination for tourists to relax with its tropical air, sun and breeze, beautiful long wide sandy beaches, dark blue water and wide roads.
Da Nang is close to three famous historical sites which are listed by UNESCO as World Heritages. They are:
* Hoi An ancient town: 30 km to the south – 25 minutes driving
* Hue, Imperial city: 110 km to the north – 2,5 hours driving
* My Son, ruins from the Cham civilization: 60km to the southwest – 1,5 hours driving.
Destinations in there:
Cham Museum: Cham museum founded in 1915 and was first named Henry Parmenties. The open-air Cham Museum was built according to ancient motifs of Champa architecture. More than 300 fascinating sandstone carving statues (altars, lingas, garudas, images of Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu) are the world's finest collection of ancient Cham stone carvings. This is really a big attraction for every tourist.
Marble moutain: 12km (7.5 miles) Southwest of Danang, the Marble Mountains are a beautiful natural setting which is made up of five limestone outcrops in isolation from the surrounding plains, each riddled with caves and grottoes, with some made into pagodas and shrines. Each mountain represents one of the five elements of the universe, being water, wood, fire, metal and earth. At the foot of Marble Mountain is located Non Nuoc Hamlet. You can buy marble statues or colored marble bracelets and rings... the handicraft products made by many marble workers who can be found busy with sculptures and marble bas-reliefs. A very interesting destination for tourists.
My Son
My Son, located 69 km southwest of Danang, was an imperial city during the Cham dynasty, between the 4th and 12th centuries. My Son Sanctuary is a large complex of religious relics that comprises more than 70 architectural works. They include temples and towers that connect to each other with complicated red brick designs. The main component of the Cham architectural design is the tower, built to reflect the divinity of the king.
According to records on the stone stele, the prime foundation of the ancient My Son architectural complex was a wooden temple to worship the Siva Bhadresvera genie. In the late 16th century, a big fire destroyed the temple. Step by step, historical mysteries were unveiled by scientists. Through stone stele and royal dynasties, they proved My Son to be the most important Holy Land of the Cham people from the late 4th to the 15th centuries. For many centuries, the Cham built Lip, a mutually linked architectural complex, with baked bricks and sandstone. The main temple worships the Linga-Yoni, who represents the capability of invention. Beside the main tower (Kalan) are several sub-towers worshipping Genies or deceased kings. Although time and the wars have destroyed some towers, the remaining sculptural and architectural remnants still reflect the style and history of the art of the Cham people. Their masterpieces mark a glorious time for the architecture and culture of the Cham, as well as of Southeast Asia.
Each historical period has its own identity, so that each temple worshipping a genie or a king of a different dynasty has its own architectural style full of different impression. All of the Cham towers were built on a quadrate foundations and each comprises three parts: a solid tower base, representing the world of human beings, the mysterious and sacred tower body, representing the world of spirits, and the tower top built in the shape of a man offering flowers and fruits or of trees, birds, animals, etc., representing things that are close to the spirits and human beings.
After the My Son ancient tower complex was discovered, many of its artifacts, especially statues of female dancers and genies worshipped by the Cham people, worship animals and artifacts of the daily communal activities, were collected and displayed at the Cham Architecture Museum in Danang city. Although there are not many remnants left, those that remain display the typical sculptural works of cultural value of the Cham nationality. Furthermore, they are vivid proof, confirming the history of a nationality living within the Vietnamese community boasting of a rich cultural tradition.
My Son Holy see is right in the valley surrounded by mountains. That makes it more holy and mysterious. This is really a photographic site to enjoy, given that you are willing to put up with the hard and bumpy ride to this jewel of the Champa civilization.
