My Son Holy land - A World Cultural Heritage
One of the most
stunning sights in the Hoian area, Vietnam’s most important Cham site.
My Son Site is in the verdant valley surrounded by hills and overlooked
by massive Cat’s Tooth Mountain (Hon Quap). Clear brooks (perfect for a
dip) run between the structures and past nearby coffee plantations.
Located
approximately 55km west of Hoian. In My Son, there are several temples,
among which is the largest temple of the Champa Kingdom, and more than
70 structures of different architectural styles. They were built of
brick and stone between the 7th and the 13th
centuries. My Son has been compared with other famous sites of Southeast
Asia such as Angkor (Cambodia), Bagan (Myanmar), Ayuthaya (Thailand) and
Borobudur (Java).
Only 10km from My
Son, on the way back to Hoian, is Tra Kieu Citadel, a ancient capital of
the Champa King dom. Unfortunately, Tra Kieu Citadel, also called
Citadel of the Lion, has been heavily damaged by the effects of time.
According to Thuy Kinh Chu (15th century), the system of
outer walls, moats and bastions was built with Chinese martial
techniques. Imposing temples were dedicated to the Spirits. |
