My Son Sanctuary is a UNESCO-listed complex of Cham brick temples in a wooded valley west of Hoi An and Da Nang. A visit reveals the Hindu religious and artistic heritage of Champa. Allow two to three hours on site for the museum, temple groups and perhaps a Cham performance. The included electric shuttle helps with the approach, but the ruins still require outdoor walking.
As of 8 November 2026, official sources list 150,000 VND for international visitors, 100,000 VND for Vietnamese visitors, and visiting hours of 06:00–18:00. Published ticket-sale cutoffs conflict: 17:00 in the heritage board’s guide versus 17:30 on its ticket information page. Arrive well before 17:00 and recheck your visit date.
My Son Sanctuary: essential facts for visitors
| Planning question | Useful answer |
|---|---|
| What is it? | Cham Hindu temple complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1999 |
| Current address | My Son Hamlet, Thu Bon Commune, Da Nang City (historically Quang Nam Province) |
| Distance from Hoi An | Approximately 45 km; allow about 1–1.5 hours by road as a planning estimate |
| Distance from Da Nang | Approximately 68 km; allow about 1.5–2 hours by road, depending on traffic |
| Advertised 2026 adult ticket | Foreign visitors: 150,000 VND; Vietnamese visitors: 100,000 VND |
| General visiting hours | 06:00–18:00; aim to buy tickets before 17:00 |
| Typical on-site time | 1.5–3 hours depending on heat, walking ability and showtimes |
| Included services | According to the operator: site museum, electric shuttle and scheduled Cham performances |
Why is My Son Sanctuary a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
My Son was a major religious centre of the Champa kingdoms. Its Hindu sanctuaries date broadly from the 4th to 13th centuries. UNESCO inscribed it in 1999 under criteria (ii) and (iii) for cultural interchange and testimony to Champa’s place in Southeast Asian history. The ruins preserve a religious and political story, not merely a scenic backdrop. Read the UNESCO assessment for the wider context.
Many temples were dedicated to Shiva, with symbolic references to Mount Meru, Hindu imagery, brick reliefs and sandstone sculpture. Cham builders transformed influences from India into their own distinctive architectural tradition. A guide or museum explanation can help you recognise why a carved threshold or tower foundation matters.
Conflict damaged many monuments, and Vietnamese and international teams have undertaken conservation. Not every structure is intact or open. UNESCO also notes climatic and archaeological conservation pressures. Protect the site by using designated paths and never climbing on or touching original brick.
What to see at My Son: temples, museum and the shuttle
Explore the brick tower groups
My Son contains multiple temple groups, not a single building. Use the signs to distinguish excavated remains, preserved towers and restored elements; follow current marked paths because individual areas may close for conservation or bad weather.
Expect uneven paving, steps and stretches of sun. The shuttle does not reach each tower doorway. If walking is difficult, ask staff about the shortest usable route and assistance rather than assuming that the whole site is step-free.
Start with the museum if you want historical context
The My Son museum explains religious imagery, building methods and archaeological finds. Museum entry is included with the standard site ticket, according to the operator. Its visitor guide lists museum hours of 06:00–17:00, earlier than the ruins’ advertised closing. Visit before the temples if you would like context for the symbols.
Use the included electric shuttle appropriately
The operator says the admission ticket includes an electric shuttle from the visitor facilities toward the ruins. It reduces the approach walk, not walking between every group. Ask for assistance at the transfer stop when needed. Official service guidance lists inclusions.
My Son Sanctuary tickets and opening hours in 2026
Two useful 2026 sources agree on the advertised standard adult rate: Da Nang’s official tourism guide and My Son’s online ticket information page list 150,000 VND for international visitors and 100,000 VND for Vietnamese visitors. The heritage board’s visitor guidance also lists 30,000 VND for children aged 5–15; this category may be displayed differently on online ticket pages, so confirm a child’s entitlement before purchasing.
A proposed price rise mentioned online is not the same as an enacted entrance charge. Check the live checkout before paying. Standard tickets cover the museum, electric shuttle and scheduled performances; a personal guide is extra. The board has advertised 100,000 VND per guide ticket for one to five guests, but confirm current availability and language.
The ruins are listed as open 06:00–18:00, while published ticket-sales cutoffs are 17:00 in the site guide and 17:30 on the online information page. This does not mean the ruins close at 17:00. To avoid a missed entry, arrive before the earlier listed cutoff.
Cham performances: when and where to watch
At My Son, music and dance performances introduce visitors to Cham-inspired artistic traditions. They are contemporary cultural presentations, not a guarantee that you are witnessing an unchanged ancient temple ritual. Watch respectfully, avoid obstructing performers and seek permission before sharing close-up photographs of people.
The city tourism schedule effective 16 March 2026 lists Group G shows at 09:00 and 14:45 and Performance House shows at 09:45, 10:30, 11:15, 14:00 and 16:00. Bad weather or special events can alter the programme. Confirm at the entrance and choose one performance that fits your route.
How to visit My Son from Hoi An or Da Nang
From Hoi An: usually the easier half-day excursion
The heritage site lies about 45 km from Hoi An. Allow approximately 1–1.5 hours by road each way as a planning estimate, longer in traffic or rain. A morning trip often avoids the strongest heat. With a shared tour, ask how much time is actually spent inside My Son after other pickups.
From Da Nang: possible, but leave room for transfers
From Da Nang, the operator estimates roughly 68 km to My Son; plan 1.5–2 hours by road each way depending on pickup and weather. Private transport provides flexibility, not guaranteed faster access. For wider regional planning, consult our Da Nang travel guide.
Official tourism listings now give the address as My Son Hamlet, Thu Bon Commune, Da Nang City. Older UNESCO documents and guidebooks use Quang Nam Province, its former administrative location. Confirm the actual sanctuary entrance with your driver.
How long to spend at My Son: two useful visit plans
| Available time | Suggested visitor experience | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| About 90 minutes on site | Use the electric shuttle, focus on one or two accessible temple groups, read the key interpretation signs | Little flexibility for museum time or the next performance |
| About 2–3 hours on site | Start at the museum, explore the main marked paths at a relaxed pace, add one scheduled cultural presentation | Heat, rain, walking pace and shuttle waiting times |
These are editorial sample plans, excluding road transfers. Extend them for a guided tour, slower walking or a show. In heavy rain, choose a shorter safe route or adjust the visit rather than entering a restricted area.
Best time to go, what to wear and respectful heritage travel
Early morning often means cooler walking conditions. Rain can make paving slippery and close specific areas or performances. Check the forecast and the site’s current notices, especially before a lengthy road transfer.
Wear shoes with grip and bring water and sun or rain protection. Modest clothing is sensible for a sacred historic site, but do not invent a mandatory dress rule. Respect barriers and conservation work; ask management before drone use or commercial filming.
Cham heritage is living heritage: Cham communities and traditions continue today. Modern artistic performances help visitors learn, but are not unchanged ancient rituals. An authorised guide can connect architecture, history and ongoing conservation without reducing local culture to a photo opportunity.
Combining My Son with a private cultural journey
For a broader cultural route, compare Haivenu’s four-day Hue–Hoi An private cultural journey or 12-day Vietnam heritage itinerary. My Son tickets or guiding are not automatically included; check the confirmed proposal.
See tailor-made Vietnam tours or use Plan My Trip to share dates, pickup hotel, group size, mobility needs and interest in a specialist guide. Your quote can then distinguish transport, tickets and optional services.
Frequently asked questions
Is My Son Sanctuary worth visiting from Hoi An?
Yes, especially for travellers interested in Southeast Asian archaeology and Champa’s religious culture. My Son differs from Hoi An’s historic trading streets and requires a separate road transfer and time outdoors.
How much is My Son Sanctuary admission in 2026?
Official 2026 reference rates are 150,000 VND for international visitors and 100,000 VND for Vietnamese visitors. An older operator guide lists 30,000 VND for ages 5–15; verify child conditions before paying.
Are the electric shuttle and Cham dance show included?
The management board’s standard visitor guide includes the museum, shuttle, scheduled performances and archaeological site in the main ticket. Performances can change or be cancelled for weather or operational reasons, and a personal guide is a separate service.
Can I visit My Son without a guide?
Yes. You can explore the signposted visitor areas independently, while a locally authorised guide may help explain Hindu symbolism, Cham history and conservation. Arrange paid guiding separately if wanted; never enter restricted archaeological areas.
Is My Son Sanctuary the same as the My Son in older Quang Nam guides?
Yes. The sanctuary has not moved. Recent official tourism information lists its administrative address in Thu Bon Commune, Da Nang City; older books and UNESCO records commonly describe the former Quang Nam provincial jurisdiction.
Official sources to check before travelling
History and conservation: UNESCO. Admission, inclusion and ticket cutoffs: My Son management board and official ticket portal. 2026 travel details and shows: Da Nang tourism and its performance notice. Reviewed 8 November 2026; reconfirm prices, opening times and restrictions before visiting.