My Son Temples

The My Son Temples were built between C200AD and many were rebuilt and maintained during the rule of the Champas who ruled central Vietnam until the 1700's.

Some buildings are still so structurally sound that you can still walk inside them. Unfortunately many were damaged and destroyed during the Vietnam war. Craters left from B52 bomb drops still haunt the temple sites.

Nick and I didn't really know what to expect, we booked a tour through our hotel and were taken to the temples (which are a 90 minute drive from Hoi An) in our own private car with our own private tour guide. By this point it was already more than we expected, and then when we got to the site we were amazed.

It makes you think: what was it like over a thousand years ago when these buildings were in use.

The temples were used to worship both Buddhist and Hindu gods as in many areas of Vietnam the two religions were combined into one. The architecture of the temples portrays this joining, featuring detail in the brickwork of both ideologies.

1. Baptism area My Son Temples

2. The largest temple in the group.

3. In the centre of town

4. Male baptism area

5. The largest in tact temple of the group, we actually were able to walk inside this one. The weather was hot that day and the design of the temples include vents to allow hot air to escape making the temples very pleasant and cool on the inside.

6. After the tour, our tour guide was kind enough to show us to one of the best tailors in town where Nick had his suit made, right next door was this amazing restaurant where we had an amazing five course dinner.

More on our Hoi An adventures tomorrow

Hayley Jane

xx