A short drive out of Hoi An took us to the temple city of My Son, a UNESC World Heritage Site and major Champa Kingdom legacy dating to the 7th and 8th centuries. The Cham, who originally spoke a Malayo-Polynesian language, are thought to have come from Borneo in the 4th century. They were prominent in Vietnam and parts of Cambodia and Laos until the their decline which began in 1308. The South China Sea at one time was called the Champa Sea.  

Crossing over a foot bridge to reach the sanctuary, your eye is drawn to the surrounding mountains, where one can imagine the people might have lived.

There are nearly 70 individual structures. Aside from some sandstone sculpture, everything is made from bricks.

 

My Son is close to the Ho Chi Minh Trail and there was much bombing damage done here during the Vietnam American War. Reconstruction is on-going.
The Cham practiced Hinduism, although today the descendent Cham people (a small Vietnamese minority) are predominantly Muslim. There are undeniable Indian influences.
There is no observable mortar used.
Guardian monsters, carved of sandstone, decorate the buildings.
A frieze depicts musicians and dancers that must have performed here. We got a look at what that must have been like.

A variation of the traditional pot dance seen in India.

Probably a diety in lotus position carved from sandstone.
Was the image sculpted after the bricks were assembled or before?
The phallus is a reference to fertility.
Two figures, male and female, stand in niches side by side in what may represent a marriage. They wear elaborate headdresses that signify high status.
We were treated to a fabulous performance indoors under colored lights.