Between the 2th and 17th centuries, the Champa Kingdom, based on a unique culture which owed its spiritual origins to Indian Hinduism developed on the coast of Viet Nam, ruling much of South and Central Vietnam. A millennium ago, My Son, as the main Champa center, was the counterpart of other South-East Asia's great cities such as Angkor, Bagan, or Ayathuya, and the longest inhabited (from the 4th to the 14th century). Its temple complex is the largest Champa site in Vietnam, and one of the foremost Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia. The impressive tower temples of My Son, set in a verdant valley, are largely ruined, but it is still possible to grasp the importance of the site and see the effects of time and vegetation. For beautiful specimen of Cham sculpture, you'd have to check the Cham Museum in Danang, whereas the best preserved structures are further south. My Son Sancturary is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
[CLICK on any picture to see a larger image and details, to add to selection, to order, and to download wallpaper.]
