The ancient, prosperous port city of Hoi An on the coast of Central Vietnam is today, a tourist mecca. Historical sites nearby are added attractions. Accommodation in Hoi An is suited to every purse and finding a Hotel in Hoi An Vietnam is no problem . Anantara Hoi An Resort, scenically built in star class boutique style on the Thu Bon river bank and in close proximity to beautiful beaches the Unesco World Heritage site of My Son is an excellent choice of accommodation for the discerning up market traveller.
My Son Sanctuary located in the mountainous border of Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam Province, Central Vietnam was built by the Champas , Rulers of Central Vietnam (c. 200-c. 1700CE). During the 4th -13th centuries a unique culture influenced by the Hinduism of India originated on the coast of Vietnam . One of the best example of this culture is My Son Sanctuary, declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999.
The Sanctuary is built on an elevation surrounded by mountains.
The site at My Son dates from the 10th -13th centuries. The extensive period of time is reflected in the diverse styles of architecture . Many of the finest surviving architectural monuments were built during the latter part of the 10th century. All towers are built using fired brick and stone pillars and are decorated with Hindu mythological scenes in bas-relief. The main tower (kalan) is symbolic of the sacred mountain Meru at the center of the Universe. The human world is symbolized by the square or rectangular base (bhurloka) and is constructed from blocks of brick or stone and decorated with reliefs. Rising above this is the main tower Buhvakola built entirely of bricks and with applied columns and an east facing false door.
The plain interiors have small niches for lamps. On a plinth in the center was the Shivalingam symbolizing the spirit world. The towers were separated from their roofs(suraloka) by a decorated frieze The original coverings of these roofs were of gold or silver leaf. The overall style of architecture and décor at My Son is derived directly from India.
The temples are in varying stages of disrepair with restoration still taking place.
There are nine groups of temples labeled A-G with three major sites A,B-C-D and E-F. The G,H,and L ruins are smaller and a little tricky to find.
Near the ticket office of My Son is the Champa Museum.
There are several ways to reach My Son Sanctuary from Hoi An. A round trip on a motorbike taxi, hiring a motor bike or a chauffeur driven car or by joining a tour group are convenient ways of reaching My on. A boat will take you upto about 40 km from My Son.
Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
