The Forgotten Kingdom of Champa: My Son Sanctuary in Vietnam

Nestled deep within the jungle, about 40 kilometers west of Da Nang, lies the ancient ruins of a kingdom buried by time and war—My Son Sanctuary. Once the most sacred religious center of the ancient Champa Kingdom, it is often referred to as the "Angkor Wat of Vietnam."

As you step into My Son Sanctuary, the first sight to greet you is a cluster of red-brick temples, consumed by time and moss. These structures, built between the 4th and 13th centuries, were constructed entirely from red bricks without the use of mortar. Remarkably, they still stand amidst the mountains and forests, a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient times.

Walking along the stone paths, weaving through shadows of trees and ruins, the air is filled with the damp, earthy scent. Each temple tower and every fractured stone carving seems to whisper, telling stories of a long-lost faith and civilization.

In some areas, remnants of bomb craters from the Vietnam War are still visible—a stark reminder of history's wounds, making these surviving cultural relics even more precious. When sunlight spills over the crumbling towers from the mountain peaks, the red bricks glow softly. In that moment, My Son truly lives up to its name, exuding a beauty that is both solemn and mysterious.

Post by PicknBounce | Oct 21, 2025