If you’ve not encountered the world of the Chams, you haven’t touched upon a significant chapter of history of Vietnam. Of the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam, Austronesian-speaking Cham people, and their traditions lend a unique perspective to the country’s cultural mosaic. History buffs often travel to the provinces around the central coast of Vietnam to observe how Cham heritage continues to shape local communities. To begin with, Da Nang, a coastal city in central Vietnam is the perfect place to get acquainted with the legacy of the Champa Kingdom and multicultural civilisation of the Cham culture. Further exploration of ‘My Son Sanctuary’ is unmissable, which is a standing testament of the rich and enduring cultural heritage of the Chams.
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Champa, a thousand-year-old heritage
Champa was an influential kingdom and their history is very interesting. In the beginning of the 4th century, a culture of explorers and traders, linguists and artisans began to flourish in today’s central and southern Vietnam. This influential maritime empire of the Champa Kingdom was strongly influenced by Indian, Southeast Asian, and local traditions and soon their artistic expression gave birth to Cham aesthetics- a hybrid style that became popular in the region. The Champa Kingdom also came to be known for their advanced brick-laying techniques and it can be seen at Cham temples (like Mỹ Sơn).
The Cham formed both the heart and leadership of the Champa Kingdom, shaping its cultural legacy. Given the expansive reach of the Champa kingdom, multiple clans and tribes descended from it. Although their history spans many eras, it is through their vibrant music, graceful dance forms, enduring architecture, colorful weavings, and spicy culinary traditions that the Cham identity remains most visible today.
In the 15th century, the Champa Kingdom fell to the Vietnamese people and further, the Vietnam War in the 20th century led to maximum harm and negligence of their architectural heritage. After much damage was done, it was the French researchers who took the lead in the 1900s and later the Polish archaeological groups and Vietnamese government who ensured the ongoing protection of the vibrant Cham way of life.
My Son near Hoi An
In Vietnam’s Quang Nom province, thrives the finest expression of Cham architecture. Recognized as the UNESCO site, Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary is less of a monument or a spiritual place but more of a hymn in stone and soil. My Son (pronounced mee son) means ‘beautiful mountain’and takes its name from its neighboring lush mountainous settings. It is here where the Cham culture reveals itself in quiet and powerful way. History tells us that the construction of these temples began under the reign of King Bhadravarman of the Champa Kingdom, who ruled from 380 until 413, and periodically continued until the 13th century under subsequent kings.
Originally comprising over 70 towers and temples across eight complexes, of which fewer than 20 remain today, My Son reflects the Champa Kingdom’s sophisticated architectural mastery. The influence of Indian Hindu art is mind blowing and reveals a long history of cultural exchange. Built in red brick and sandstone, the monuments are celebrated for their detailed carvings of gods, mythical figures, and natural motifs. The distinctive brickwork, invisible mortar, and how these constructions have endured time and weather often leave the visitors amazed. Only about 40 km from Da Nang, My Son is an essential stop for travellers.
Cham Museum in Da Nang
Scholars recognize Cham artifacts as exceptional works of art for their unique crafting on large-scale stone sculptures. Situated at the confluence of Bach Dang and Trung Nu Vuong streets, along the banks of the Han River, the museum captures the spiritual life, religion, and beliefs of the Cham people in Vietnam from ancient times to present, like none another. It’s fascinating to move through the museum’s six thematic spaces, where models of Cham-style houses, temples, and ritual settings give an insight into their beliefs, music, festivals, attire and artisanal heritage. In the different rooms and galleries, one not only gets to learn about the striking features of the artifacts but also about the geographical areas in which they were excavated -Dong Duong, Tra Kieu, Thap Mam, My Son, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Quang Binh, etc. It is like time travelling to the period between 7th to the 15th centuries.
These richest collection of Champa-era sculpture, often leave visitors awestruck by the striking parallels to Hindu and Buddhist divine figures. Among the 500 displayed artifacts (and thousands stored), the Bodhisattva Tara, Ganesha and Gajasimha statues, Trà Kiệu worship tower, Dong Duong pedestal, and the My Son E1 altar are some of the unmissable national treasures. To understand the intricacies, audio guide or a live guide is highly recommended.
Chăm`s pottery-making tradition and Kate festival – UNESCO recognized
The Chams stand as remnants of a civilization enriched with age-old rituals and exceptional craftsmanship. Their culture shines through in their festivals, storied relics and masterful crafts. One of their arts of pottery-making has been globally recognized and honoured by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in the year 2022. This is a much deserved recognition for one of the oldest surviving crafts in Southeast Asia, which needs urgent safeguarding for its skills and technique. Located in Phan Hiep commune, Bac Binh district in Binh Thuan province is popular among travellers for indulging in the quintessence of Cham pottery.
The Katé festival—an essential expression of Cham identity—was granted national intangible cultural heritage recognition in 2017. This folk festival of the Cham Brahman people, honours deities, the dead (ancestors) and heroes and also entails prayers and rituals for favourable weather, peace, and prosperity over three days of celebrations. The festival marks the homecoming of the Cham community and also attracts many tourists. A visit to Ninh Thuan province gives a close insight into the costume procession activities, traditional religious, cultural, and artistic rituals.
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After exploring the Cham Museum in Da Nang, do keep a day or two to relax at the My Khe Beach (Bãi biển Mỹ Khê). It is one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. If you are fond of street food and love exploring the city on foot, Da Nang’s famed golden Dragon Bridge is where you must spend an evening. The theme park lovers must not miss Bana Hills. Another recommended thing to do in Da Nang would be to try different types of coffee. Vietnam, being the second largest producer of coffee in the world, promises a very interesting and dynamic coffee scene. For the coffee lovers, it is truly a paradise. In addition to the regular Americano, one must try coconut iced coffee, avocado espresso, or the dirty coffee in Da Nang.
While travelling to My Son Sanctuary, one must make a stop at Hoi An-UNESCO World Heritage town. Also called the Yellow town, its postcard houses and the contagious charm will urge you to stay for a day or two. Once a small trading port, today it is one of the most culture-rich towns of Vietnam. Hoi An is a must-visit for its serene night-time magic when hundreds of lanterns take over the Thu Bon River. Every evening is special here but do look out for the lantern festival celebrated once every month.
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How to travel to My Son Sanctuary?
My Son Sanctuary is hardly a one-hour drive through lush countryside from Da Nang (40 kilometres) and a 90-minute trip from Hoi An (55 kilometres). Travellers can rent a car, take a taxi, or book a tour to My Son Sanctuary.
P.S.- The article was first published in the inflight magazine of Batik Air in January 2026!
