Located in a forested valley in Thu Bon Commune, Danang, the My Son temple complex, also known as My Son Sanctuary, was built between the fourth and thirteenth centuries. It is considered the religious and spiritual centre of the ancient Champa Kingdom.
According to documents from the My Son World Cultural Heritage Management Board, the sanctuary contains more than 70 temple and tower structures of the Champa civilization, preserving distinctive historical, cultural, architectural and artistic values.
In 1999, My Son Sanctuary was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
The temple complex is divided into several groups of structures. Each group consists of a main temple surrounded by smaller towers and auxiliary buildings.
According to the management board, one of the most remarkable features of My Son is its mysterious construction technique. Fired bricks were stacked tightly together without any clearly visible bonding material. The method remains an unsolved mystery to this day.
Although the site suffered extensive damage during wartime, the remaining structures continue to play an important role in the world's architectural, artistic and cultural heritage. In recent years, several restoration projects have been carried out with support from international experts, helping preserve the authenticity and historical value of the monuments.
The larger temples at My Son were built by the Cham people for religious worship, including the worship of Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. Numerous stone Linga-Yoni sculptures, symbols associated with Shiva, have also been discovered within the sacred spaces.
Intricately carved statues of deities, priests, plants and animals, along with decorative motifs, reflect the religious rituals and spiritual beliefs of the ancient Champa civilization.
Today, My Son Sanctuary continues to attract large numbers of domestic and international visitors interested in exploring the history and legacy of the ancient Champa Kingdom.