Nguyen Cong Khiet, director of the My Son Sanctuary Cultural Heritage Management Board, confirmed on March 16 that the highly anticipated restoration of the E and F tower groups commenced last month and is slated for completion by 2029.
This renewed project signifies a pivotal step in conserving one of Southeast Asia’s most significant ancient spiritual sites.
“We have been diligently preserving and stabilizing the towers over the years while awaiting the resumption of this restoration phase,” Khiet shared with *Tuoi Tre* (Youth) newspaper.
“International experts are now meticulously cleaning and segregating materials at the tower groups. The restoration will kickstart with tower F1, and we are expediting the process.”
These intensified efforts are part of a comprehensive initiative to rejuvenate My Son’s historic structures, affording visitors a unique opportunity to observe the metamorphosis of this once-sacred space.
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| Restoration of an F Tower at My Son Sanctuary in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam, is underway and expected to be completed by 2029. Photo: B.D. / Tuoi Tre |
The Quang Nam authorities and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism are ensuring that the Indian experts have conducive living and working environments.
The restoration of the two tower groups is anticipated to bolster My Son’s historical integrity and augment its allure for tourists.
Within the sanctuary, the E and F groups hold exceptional importance. The E group encompasses eight towers, designated as E1 through E8, with all but E7 (previously restored from 2011 to 2013) exhibiting severe deterioration.
In contrast, the F group consists of three structures. Unfortunately, tower F3 has already collapsed, while F1 and F2 remain structurally fragile.
F1, unearthed in 2003, awaits restoration and is currently sheltered for protection. Its walls are marred by cracks, its bricks have faded, and the mortar binding them has weakened.
Pending restoration, authorities had bolstered vulnerable structures with iron supports and allocated substantial resources to impede further degradation.
The current restoration endeavor builds upon earlier work initiated in 2014.
From 2017 to 2022, India financed a VND55 billion ($2.2 million) project to restore towers in the K, H, and A groups, leading to the recovery of 734 artifacts and the discovery of a distinctive Linga-Yoni altar within tower A10.
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| An aerial view of My Son Sanctuary, showcasing its historic structures amidst the lush landscape. Photo: B.D. / Tuoi Tre |
In 2024, archaeologists made a fascinating discovery—unearthing a sacred pathway leading to tower K, which garnered attention from Vietnam’s scientific community.
India’s pledge of additional support in 2020 for conserving the F tower group and the Dong Duong Buddhist Monastery site further underscores their commitment to preserving Vietnam’s rich Champa heritage.
The restoration team comprises both international experts and adept local artisans, including a local craftsman skilled in producing the bricks necessary for tower restoration using traditional methods. However, the artisan’s kiln must be relocated from its current residential area.
“We are hopeful that the authorities will facilitate a new kiln site in Duy Phu Commune, approximately one kilometer from My Son, to ensure a steady supply of bricks for the project,” Khiet expressed.
My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, stands as a testament to the region’s rich cultural and historical legacy.
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