| Tips and photos of unusual, out-of-the-way Hoi An attractions, posted by real travelers and locals. Hoi An Map |
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 that light... by SirRichardLeave a Comment
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 working the rice paddies by richiecdiscLeave a Comment
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 A UNESCO World Heritage
Site not to be missed! by sailor_p
My Son is one of the most stunning sights to see in Hoi An area. An ancient kingdom of Champa, the holy land became a religious centre under King Bhadravarman in the late 4th century and was occupied till the 13th century. Most of the temples were dedicated to Cham kings associated with divinities, especially Shiva, who was regarded as the founder and protector of Champa's dynasties.
During the American War, this area was completely devastated and depopulated in extended bitter fighting. During the war, the Vietcongs used the site as a hiding base. Today, the local authorities are attempting to restore as much as possible of the remaining sites. Archaeologists have divided My Son's momuments into 10 main groups - A, A', B, C, D, E,F,G, H and K. However, not all sites are opened for viewing by the tourists.
It would be a good idea to hire a car from Hoi An to visit the site. This would give you the option of arriving before or after the tour groups. The site is quite spectacular and atmospheric when you are one of the few people there. Also, having a car also allowed you to drive through the bridge to the main entrance. If you are going there by bus, you have to get off at the bottom of the hill and walked at least 1.5km to the entrance. Remember to wear something comfortable, it's a lot of walking within the My Son compound! Leave a Comment
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My Son, the Champa Kingdom's Capital, is located about an hour from Hoi An, and can be reached by cheap tour buses or by private taxi. Cheap tour buses cost a few dollars but they all arrive at the same time, so when you visit, the archaeological site will be packed. Taxis cost about 20 dollars and give you the chance to explore the site in a less crowded and rushed way.
My Son was a center for spirituality and worship of Champa Kingdom, which had their spiritual influence from India. In the past it would have looked like a forest of ceremonial towers - now, after much of the site has been destroyed by bombing during the Vietnam war, only about 25 of the original towers are left standing.
A path leads you through the site and past all significant monuments, although the best one that you'll see is the first one you'll encounter, after walking up the hill past the entrance. The main temple here is dedicated to SHiva, while others were used to keep the sacred books and for ceremonial purposes.
Once you get to My Son you need to buy an entrance ticket (55000 dong, july 2007) before crossing the bridge. here your ticket will be checked and you'll be directed to some parked green jeeps, who will drive you to the "real" site entrance, still some kilometres far... uphill and through dense forest. Leave a Comment
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 man working by xaver
May be because it was low season, but I did not see many tourists in Hoi An anyway, but walking through the small streets where people used to live and do their daily activites was amazing! Leave a Comment
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 A charming patio by SirRichardLeave a Comment
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 A gate by SirRichardLeave a Comment
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65 kms south west of Hoi An is the superb My Son Champa ruins.
It's nowhere near as impressive as Angkor, which so obviously influenced the style, added to which much of the site was destroyed or badly damaged by US mortar fire and B52 bombing in the American War.
But its location is magnificent, in the shadow of Cat's Tooth Mountain and its brooding intensity.
Best way to get here is to simply take the tourist bus from Hoi An. There are several to chose from - and most leave at approx 8am.
It takes approx 75 - 90 minutes, and usually give you just over 2 hours at the site (which is enough time to cover the ruins). Cost is less than US$2 (excluding entry fee).
We took the tour including the river trip back - not worth it. You still take the bus coming back and join the river approx half way between My Son and Hoi An, stopping off at the Thanh Ha pottery village on the way. There's nothing wrong with the trip - just not a particularly attractive stretch of river. Leave a Comment
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 row boat by galyLeave a Comment
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 Marble Mountain - Ngu Hanh Son
Village carvings by betska, 4 more photos
Meantime, our friend from USA rocks up at the bus depot and realises that the bus has left without him!!! He grabs a local with a motorbike, races after the bus and finally, all is well!
Moral to the story - don't leave sight of your luggage!!
The story goes that they have plundered the mountain for so much marble, they had to stop, or there would be no more mountain left, so the marble is now imported from China. The village of Ngu Hanh Son, at the base the mountains is lined with marble carving shops, selling everything from tiny charms up to huge monuments.
The "mountains" are actually a series of 5 marble & limestone peaks, which were once islands. They are named after the five elements - fire, water, soil, wood & metal.
The highest mountain, Thuy Son, is climbed by stairs built into the side of the hill. a lovely pagoda that can be climbed overlooks the beach and the views across the surrounding country are stunning, making it well worth the trek.
There are many caves & shrines to explore and these have become Buddhist sanctuaries. They also served as havens for the Viet Cong during the war.
One of the caves, Huyen Khing Cave has a high ceiling pierced by 5 holes. If you get here at around 11am-mid-day, you will see the sunlight filter through, illuminating the central Buddha -very "other-worldly".
Entry 15,000 dong.
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