Danang tours visit Museum of Cham Sculpture

The Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture is a collection of history and testimony to the rich heritage of the antique Cham Kingdom. This definitely has to be the destination to go to for all history and culture lovers. It is the abode of grand insight into Cham people’s art and history, preserving their legacy for posterity.

Background of the Cham Kingdom

The context of the Cham Kingdom is recreated

The Cham Kingdom was a bustling civilization that had reached its glory by the 2nd century and its decline by the 17th century, in today’s central and southern Vietnam. The Cham Kingdom was symbolized by an advanced culture deeply impressed by Hinduism and Buddhism. The Cham people built their intricate temples and created beautiful sculptures that mirrored their religious and artistic views.

The art is influenced by the Hindu and Buddhist cultures. One can easily identify Hindu deities such as Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, with the sculptures of Buddhist figures that are important in the people’s artistic expression. In these works, one does not only see the devotion of the Cham people but also their intricate craft and aesthetic sensibility.

Here, probably, the most important events that shaped the Cham kingdom were two: continuous fights with the neighboring states and the last one—absorption into the Vietnamese empire. Notwithstanding these turbulences, the Cham managed to leave a durable legacy of art and architecture that continues to amaze scientists and tourists.

Foundation and Development of the Danang Museum of Cham Sculpture

The formation and development of the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture

Constructed in 1915 by the French, the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture was the first building to house Cham artifacts found in the area. According to the museum’s history, the construction of this museum was under the leadership of one of the most famous French School of the Far East (EFEO) archeologists: Henri Parmentier. This museum structure was intended to be used to accommodate a collection of sculptures collected from Cham temples and towers throughout central Vietnam.

After its inauguration in 1919, the museum has seen a number of expansions and has been successively renovated to host the ever-growing collection size, besides maintaining the state of the facilities. The first major extension was done in the 1930s and the second in 2002, wherein new galleries, a restoration workshop, and a research center were included. These reinforced the leadership of the Museum in institutions concerned with Cham culture.

Location and Accessibility

The Museum’s location is right in the city center

Easily accessible Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture from any part of the city, it stands at No. 02, 2/9 Street, Binh Hien Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City. It is found at an intersection with 2/9 Street and Trung Nu Vuong Street, right opposite the Vietnam Television Center.

The museum is connected to various transport infrastructures serving the visitors, from public buses and taxis to credit cards or other personal modes of transport. Its location near other sites considered as tourist sites ensures that if one is in Da Nang, visiting the museum is an easy task.

Architectural Highlights of Danang Museum of Cham Sculpture

Architectural highlight of Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture

The Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture is well-designed to emphasize the fusion of European Gothic and traditional Cham styles. French architects Delaval and Auclai have a good blend of the Cham temple architectural design on the layout of the building, considering the pyramid-shaped roof, and the huge airy chambers filled up by natural sunlight.

The outside perimeter of the building is illustrated with ornate carvings and motifs that are very typical of the decorative art of the Cham people. Inside, large galleries organize the ability of the visitor to move easily from one room to the other, enjoying the artifacts in a very well-thought-out setting. Although the building has undergone restoration several times, the architectural style has remained unchanged and the features are still preserved today.

Exhibition Rooms and Collections

Collection of sculptures at the Exhibition Room

The Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture lays visitors on a sort of chronological journey of Cham art and culture. The main exposition rooms include Tra Kieu Gallery, My Son Gallery, and Thap Ma Gallery, in which important artifacts are shown that bring out different aspects of Cham history and artistry.

Tra Kieu Gallery: Exhibits sculptures which were from the Tra Kieu region, the gallery is a display of an early period of the Cham’s artistic development. The gallery houses statues of Hindu deities and fine carvings; it important exhibit that would have adorned Cham temples.
Sanctuary of materials from My Son Gallery: Homes for the materials from the My Son sanctuary with some of the finest examples of Cham sculpture. Highlights are the magnificent My Son E1 altar and the various Lingas and Yonis, symbols of Hindu worship.
Thap Ma Gallery: This is the material from Thap Ma, one of the important Cham sites, next only to My Son. The statues of the gods and goddesses stand glorious with detailed relief which describe scenes from the Cham mythology and everyday life.

The galleries of the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture are propounded with details and insights of the achievements in artistic and cultural output by the Cham civilization; hence, students and general enthusiasts of the region’s history must visit it.

National Treasures

Three national treasures are kept in the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture: the E1 altar from My Son, the Tra Kieu altar, and the Tara Bodhisattva statue.

My Son E1 Altar: It is one of the most intricately created artifacts and the most important of the Cham artifacts. It is decorated with reliefs representing all sorts of gods in Hindu mythology and other mythological scenes, essentially captioning the religious devotion and the artistic competence of the Cham people.
Tra Kieu Altar: The Tra Kieu altar is famed for fine workmanship, as it is decorated with carvings of Hindu gods and complex floral designs. This is representative of the high level of artistic skills attained by the Cham sculptors.
Bodhisattva Tara Statue: This is a bronze statue representative of the Buddhist deity Tara, considered a very precious and rare artifact. This typifies religious diversity in the kingdom of Champa and sophistication in metalworking.

These treasures indicate the religious practices of the Cham people; at the same time, they also talk about the remarkable artistry of these people and hence stand as invaluable treasures in the cultural history of Vietnam.

Visitor Experience at Danang Museum of Cham Sculpture

The Cham Museum in Da Nang is interesting, shedding light in depth upon the artistic and cultural heritage of the Cham civilization. The museum is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with an entrance fee purposely friendly to all visitors, whether local or international.

The museum participates in a number of services provided to attempt to enhance the visiting experience: audio guides, human tour guides, and educational programs. They offer the visitors an opportunity to get maximal understanding through artifacts and knowledge of the Cham people, making a visit more interactive and instructive.

Visit first to the Tra Kieu Gallery, next to the My Son Gallery, and then on to the Thap Ma Gallery. If the early morning or late afternoon then it is free of crowds and makes for a more pleasurable experience.

Visitor Etiquette and Guidelines

The following is encouraged for visitors to the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture in order to respect the artifacts and the cultural heritage:

Do not touch the artifacts: The sculptures and other artifacts are fragile and can be destroyed by touch.
Observe the dress code: Dress modestly to accord with the cultural and religious importance of the art pieces on display.
Respectful behavior: Do not make noise inside the museum. Maintain respect on the museum premises.

It is by following these guidelines that the visitors shall preserve the collection of the museum for posterity, for others to enjoy in the coming ages.

Conclusion

A visit to the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture is not just like visiting ancient artifacts, but extremely lively for the previous glorious civilization of Cham. It should be a great place to visit with its rich collection, excellent location, and unique architectural style for those who are desirous of knowing more about the history and culture of Vietnam. Whether history or cultural touring interests you, this will surely be an invigorating experience, enriching your perspective of the Cham heritage.

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AMAZING DANANG - HOI AN - HUE TOUR: 5 DAYS

Hue Vietnam

Visiting Marble Mountain

Hue Charm Beauty

Hue Ancient Houses

Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An Thu Bon

Danang city

Danang city Beach

This tour takes in all of these for central of Vietnam just with 5 days, the perfect way to experience central Vietnam at its best. Impress Travel Team will welcome you in Danang international airport, then transferring to Hoi An for sightseeing of city by visiting Japanese Covered Bridge Pagoda, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall and take experience of lantern making workshop, transferring to Hue crossing Danang city, visiting marble mountain, Lang Co beach. The next destination of this trip is Hue imperial city, we will get stared to visit Thien Mu pagoda by the impression of cruising dragon boat then keeping on discovering Hue city by sightseeing in the Old Imperial City and Tu Duc Tomb. The last day of this tour return Danang city for shopping and Danang airport to home or next destinations.

Tours Itinerary

Day 01

DA NANG ARRIVAL & HOI AN HALF DAY SIGHT SEEING (L)

Upon arrival Danang international airport, greeting by Impress Travel’s guide & transfer to the Hoi An(approximately 35 minutes drive). Check in hotel and enjoy lunch in local restaurant.
Afternoon we will visit Hoi An, Hoi An is a picturesque riverside town south of Danang City. Known as Faifo to early western traders, it was one of South East Asia’s major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Now, this beautifully preserved historic city is best seen on foot.
First visit Japanese Covered Bridge: the first bridge on this site was constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream. The bridge was provided with a roof so it could be used as a shelter from rain and sun.
Phuc Kien Assembly Hall: Chinese pagoda built around 1690 and then restored and enlarged in 1900. It is typical of the Chinese clans that were established in the Hoi An area. The temple is dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau (Goddess of the Sea and Protector of Sailors and Fishermen).
Lantern making workshop: Visit one of the lantern workshops in Hoi An. The framework of lantern will be made by the industry itself and clients can observe locals making silk cloth on the lantern.

What is included today: Transfer, tour guide, lunch, hotel in Hoi An, entrance fee

Day 02

HOI AN – DA NANG – HUE (B, L)

Breakfast and morning free at leisure.
Depart at 13.00 PM to Hue. Journey from Hoi An over scenic mountainous roads with spectacular views over the coastline. We will visit Marble Mountains, it is a cluster of five marble and limestone hills located in Ngu Hanh Son ward, south of Da Nang city in Vietnam. Halfway between Danang and Hue lies the dramatic Hai Van Pass, the high dividing line between the climate zones of north and south Vietnam. Continue southwards passing Lang Co beach, a lovely stretch of beach curving outwards between a clear blue lagoon and East Sea.

What is included today: Transfer, tour guide, breakfast, lunch, entrance fee, hotel in Hue

Day 03

PERFUME RIVER BOAT TRIP - HUE CITY SIGHT SEEING (B,L)

Enjoy breakfast in hotel, depart at 8 am, embark on a local boat and cruise down the Perfume River to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, an elegant seven-tiered octagonal tower which has become Hue’s most widely recognizable monument. During the early 1960s, this became a center of anti-government protest, and the site of the famous self-immolation of the monk Thich Quang Duc.
Sightseeing in the Old Imperial City, this former site of the old capitol has a moat and ten ornate gates guarding a palace, temples, gardens and tombs. Its most prominent feature is a tall flag tower.
Then Visit the Imperial Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, The final resting-place of this Nguyen Dynasty emperor and scholar was built before his death. A lake, pavilion and theatre still exist on the grounds

What is included today: Transfer, tour guide, entrance fee, breakfast, lunch, boat trip in Hue, hotel in Hue

Day 04

HUE - DA NANG (B, L)

After breakfast, return to Da Nang City.
Visit Marble Mountain – Marble Mountains is a natural masterpiece bestowed to the land of Da Nang, Vietnam. With the harmonious beauty of the ecological area and the spiritual and cultural life, this destination attracts a lot of visitors from all over the world.
Visit Cham museum. It’s home to several cultural artifacts in the Central and Central Highlands of Vietnam, preserving the spirit of the ancient Champa Kingdom
All day free at leisure or shopping at Han Market. This is a paradise for shopaholics. Not only can you find Da Nang specialties here, it is also an ideal place to shop for souvenirs.
Overnight in Danang.

What is included today: Transfer, tour guide, breakfast, lunch, hotel in Da Nang

Day 05

DA NANG DEPART (B)

Breakfast in hotel before leaving to airport for flight return home or excursion to the other part.
Finish a memorable trip of Central Vietnam. We wish you enjoyed your trip and hope to see you again!

What is included today: Transfer, breakfast

What’s included in this trip

Private car as tour program indicated.
Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
English- speaking guide
Entrance fees.
Boat Trip to visit Tra Que village, ticket for activities in Farm
Bicycle
Cooking class in Hoi An
Twin-share accommodation with daily breakfast; ( AC room).

What’s excluded in this trip

Airport taxes
Personal insurance
Expenditure of a personal nature, tips, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, emergency transfers & etc
Visa to Vietnam

Homestays in Hue	Hotels in Hue
Homestay in Hoi An	Hotels in Hoi An
Resorts in Danang	Hotels in Danang

Ranana

You feel like organized tour, but you are in a privet tour. Impress Travel make the different.

We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.

Ebrahim

Tour of Vietnam

Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!

Solly Pochee

The tour was fantastic

I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee

Bernard Lim

Great value for money with 4 stars hotel

Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.

Derek.Schooling

We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel

This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.

My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .

We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress