Thánh Địa Cát Tiên — Attraction in Xã Quảng Ngãi

This archaeological site still breathes with the spirituality of the ancient peoples of more than a thousand years ago. Despite everything this country and its various peoples have been through, it is amazing to still see the Shaiva (Shaivism) heritage - an important chapter in the history of the peoples of Vietnam and particularly the Cham peoples.

The site itself has been excavated but isn’t reconstructed as other sites have been like in My Son near Da Nang. However, the Shiva Lingam is in its actual historical site whilst the other icons are in the museum across the road and in the national museum.

The Shiva Lingam’s shrine is up a few flights of stairs which go through jungle so do make sure to wear bug-repellant spray. I came during the rainy season but was blessed with sunshine for the duration of my visit. The site manager is a kind person, and personally showed me around. We were able to converse through the wonders of Google Translate :) the museum has fast free wifi. Please do leave a donation to support the upkeep of the site. I hope business people will come forward to support the excavation of the entire site which has many, many more un-excavated sites along a 15km stretch of the river.

Remember that the museum is closed between 11:30am and 1:30pm daily when you plan your visit. Though far from Ho Chi Minh City (3-4 hrs drive one way) it is doable, but probably makes more sense to visit if you’re already staying at the Cat Tien National Park which is...

Full of mysteries and unanswered questions. We might not know who established this place just yet, but through the artifacts discovered at the site, Cát Tiên is, undoubtedly, one of the most important archaeological discoveries in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. I hope one day Cát Tiên will get the attentions it deserves from the international community, just like My Son Sanctuary. Most of the artifacts are now on display at Lâm Đồng Museum (200km away). It is important, in my opinion, that they will be returned to where they were brought to light - a special area right next to Đồng Nai River & Cát Tiên National Park, the tripoint of Đạ Tẻh, Cát Tiên & Đồng Nai. At the exhibition centre, you will meet a very kind and knowledgeable lady who will show you the place and answer any of...

Historical artifacts from 2,500years ago - during the Cham Dynastic reign, was discovered in this area and now a museum is built to house the relics of the past. Also discovered was the largest Linga & Yoni ever found in Vietnam that represented the religious practices & influence at that time. The nearby hill range is believe to hold special energy significant for Cham temples to be build back then. The meandering Dong Nai borders this historical site towards the South which forms the border of Cat Tien National Park and thus offering the area a great escape from Saigon to enjoy the jungles of Vietnam, ride a major river of the country and encounter a historical remains of a major dynasty that once ruled a big...