The "sacred road" of My Son: one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of modern times.

After numerous large-scale explorations and excavations, archaeologists have for the first time clarified the "sacred road" leading to the central temple complex of the My Son Sanctuary (Da Nang City). This remarkable discovery contributes to deciphering the ceremonial space of the ancient Champa people and is considered by experts to be one of the most important archaeological discoveries in Vietnam in modern times.

The My Son World Heritage Management Board (Thu Bon commune, Da Nang city) has officially announced the results of archaeological research and excavation of the architectural structure of the road leading from Tower K to the central temple complex of the My Son sanctuary. This is the result of close cooperation between the My Son World Heritage Management Board and the Institute of Archaeology (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism), implemented systematically and comprehensively over many years.

The unique appearance of the "sacred road" leading to the My Son sanctuary.

Archaeological exploration of this unique architectural route was first conducted in June 2023. In March 2024, the first official excavation was carried out over an area of ​​220m². In 2025, the research scope was further expanded, with a total excavation area of ​​up to 770m², aiming to further clarify the structure, scale, function, and role of the route within the overall space of the My Son sanctuary.

Excavation results revealed that scientists uncovered a section of road east of Tower K, approximately 75 meters long, running east-west but deviating about 45 degrees to the north. Thus, from the base of Tower K to the present time, the total length of the road that has been identified is 132 meters.

The road's cross-section is approximately 9m wide, with a carriageway width of 7.9m; the surface is treated with sand, gravel, and crushed brick, compacted tightly to a thickness of 0.15 - 0.2m, demonstrating the rather elaborate construction techniques of the ancient Champa people.

The "Sacred Road" is considered one of the most important archaeological discoveries in Vietnam in modern times.

Notably, both sides of the road are lined with brick walls, their foundations reinforced with a mixture of gravel and brick powder, ensuring durability.

Through excavation, archaeologists have identified four gate locations on the southern boundary wall. At these locations, traces of stone gate beams remain, with square mortise holes used for erecting stone pillars and round mortise holes for the rotating pillars of the gate, architectural details of high value in identifying the function and ceremonial nature of the road.

According to experts, the findings from the 2025 excavation have provided crucial scientific evidence, sufficient to confirm that this was indeed the "sacred road"—a ceremonial route leading deities, kings, and Brahman priests into the most sacred space of the Champa kingdom. This road is believed to have existed around the 11th-12th centuries, a period of flourishing development for the My Son sanctuary.

Preliminary comparative studies suggest that the "sacred road" at My Son is the only structure of its kind within the Champa archaeological site system.

This discovery further solidified the central religious role of My Son throughout Champa history. The sacred space of the sanctuary is envisioned as a whole that expanded or contracted over time, associated with different dynasties, rather than just a collection of isolated towers as previously understood.

In particular, preliminary comparative studies suggest that the sacred road at My Son is almost unique among known Champa relics. While most other Champa relics typically have a straight road leading from the outside to the central temple, the road at My Son leads into a vast complex of relics, reflecting the unique architectural thinking, spatial organization, and rituals of the ancient Champa people.

Remnants of doors and gates are visible on the eastern wall of the pathway.

Associate Professor Ngo Van Doanh, former Deputy Director of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences), stated that since the French discovered the My Son sanctuary in the late 19th century, the discovery of the sacred road leading to the central temple complex can be considered "the biggest archaeological event in Vietnam in modern times."

According to Mr. Doanh, the unique value of the road lies not only in its architectural style but also in its location and function as a gateway to the temple complexes, elements that had never been clearly recognized before.

The ancient road system runs alongside a dry stream bed within the My Son historical site.

Regarding future directions, Mr. Nguyen Cong Khiet, Deputy Director in charge of the My Son World Cultural Heritage Management Board, said that the unit will continue to cooperate with the Institute of Archaeology to develop a comprehensive research program to clarify the entire scale, structure, and appearance of the road within the overall context of the My Son sanctuary.

The discovery of this ancient road is valuable material for constructing a comprehensive account of the My Son temple complex.

Alongside this, restoration and preservation efforts are underway, gradually enhancing the heritage's value and aiming to organize tours for visitors along the "heritage route" that the ancient Cham people created, thereby contributing to the enhancement of the scientific, cultural, and legal value of the My Son World Heritage Site.

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/con-duong-thieng-my-son-phat-hien-khao-co-lon-bac-nhat-thoi-hien-dai.html