Cham Museum, Da Nang

Museum in Da Nang

CC BY-SA 4.0 / RG72

The Cham Museum in Da Nang is one of the top attractions in Da Nang, offering a unique window into the ancient Champa civilization that once thrived along Vietnam's central coast. Located at the junction of Bach Dang and Trung Nu Vuong streets beside the Han River, the museum blends history, architecture, and artistry in a serene, beautifully designed space. It is often visited on walking tours of Da Nang thanks to its central location and captivating collection.

Inside, the museum reveals a world of sandstone sculptures, intricate carvings, and artistic treasures spanning over a thousand years of Cham cultural history. This spot is one of the best places to see in Cham Museum for travellers who appreciate archaeology, detailed stonework, and timeless religious art. From mythic creatures to Hindu deities, each gallery showcases stories carved into stone.

History and Significance of Cham Museum
Things to See and Do in Cham Museum
How to Get to Cham Museum
Practical Tips on Visiting Cham Museum
Where to Stay close to Cham Museum
Is Cham Museum Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Cham Museum
Nearby Attractions to Cham Museum

History and Significance of Cham Museum

The Cham Museum was founded in 1915 by the École Française d'Extrême-Orient (EFEO) to protect Cham relics discovered across central Vietnam. Artefacts were originally displayed outdoors near the Han River before the museum officially opened in 1919. Over the decades, it expanded several times to include new galleries, research spaces, and exhibits on contemporary Cham culture.

The Cham people, who built temple complexes such as My Son, were a significant maritime civilization influenced by Indian Hinduism and Buddhism. Their kingdoms flourished between the 2nd and 15th centuries, leaving behind temples, sculptures, inscriptions, and architectural motifs that shaped the cultural heritage of central Vietnam. Today, the Cham Museum stands as the most comprehensive collection of this heritage anywhere in the world.

Things to See and Do in Cham Museum

The museum houses more than 500 displayed artefacts from a collection of over 2,000 items. Galleries are arranged by archaeological site, including My Son, Tra Kieu, Dong Duong, and Thap Mam. This layout allows visitors to understand the stylistic differences between Cham regions and periods, as well as the evolution of Cham art over time.

Key highlights include three national treasures. The My Son E1 Altar presents an intricate scene of monks living in a forested sanctuary. The Tra Kieu Altar, celebrated for its detailed carvings, represents a pinnacle of Cham sculptural artistry. The Tara Bodhisattva statue, the only bronze treasure in the museum, stands gracefully with impressively preserved detail.

The building itself is equally fascinating. Designed by French architects Delaval and Auclai, it blends European Gothic influences with Cham motifs such as pyramid-shaped roofs and wide, light-filled corridors. Despite renovations and expansions, the museum retains its early 20th-century character and historic charm.

How to Get to Cham Museum

The nearest airport is Da Nang International Airport, located a short drive from the museum and easily accessible by taxi or ride-hailing service. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Da Nang on Booking.com.

Travellers arriving by rail can reach the museum from Da Nang Railway Station in just a few minutes by taxi or motorbike taxi. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Traveling by car is simple, with major city roads leading directly to the museum’s riverside location. Parking is available along nearby streets and public areas.

Practical Tips on Visiting Cham Museum

Best time to visit Cham Museum: Morning or late afternoon for quieter galleries.
Entrance fee in Euros: Approximately 2-3 EUR per person.
Opening hours: Typically open daily from morning to late afternoon.
Official website: Information available through Da Nang cultural and tourism pages.
How long to spend: 1-2 hours to explore exhibits comfortably.
Accessibility: Mostly ground level with smooth walkways.
Facilities: Restrooms, benches, shaded outdoor areas, and a small gift shop.
Photography tip: Natural daylight from the gallery windows highlights stone textures beautifully.
Guided tours: Local guides or audio tours offer deeper context.
Nearby food options: Cafés and restaurants located along Bach Dang Street.

Where to Stay close to Cham Museum

Staying near the Cham Museum offers easy access to Da Nang's cultural landmarks and the vibrant riverfront. For a comfortable riverside stay, Brilliant Hotel provides great views and convenience. A chic option nearby is Avora Boutique Hotel, offering stylish rooms in the heart of the city. Budget travellers may enjoy Vanda Hotel, a short walk from the museum and close to major attractions.

Is Cham Museum Worth Visiting?

Cham Museum is absolutely worth visiting, especially for travellers who enjoy ancient history, sculpture, and cultural heritage. Its galleries offer a deep dive into the artistry and spiritual traditions of the Cham people, while its peaceful atmosphere provides a welcome break from Da Nang's busy streets. Whether you're visiting independently or as part of a city tour, the museum delivers a memorable and educational experience.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.2 (7,546)

Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture sits at 02 Đ. 2 Tháng 9, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng and showcases a compact but impressive collection of Cham stone sculptures, altars and cultural items including costumes and instruments; many pieces were excavated from sites like Mỹ Sơn and are well preserved, with an upper floor devoted to Cham arts and crafts. Visitors praise the extensive sandstone carvings that reveal Hindu-Buddhist influences, friendly staff, an affordable entry fee and a small garden outside, while noting that English labels can be sparse, it can get crowded at peak times and cooling may be inconsistent on hot days.

Monica Flux

2 weeks ago

"We visited the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture during our recent trip to Vietnam, and it was a highlight for anyone interested in ancient SoutheastAsian art and culture. The collection is impressive, featuring hundreds of sandstone sculptures, altars, and artifacts from the Cham civilization, dating back to the 7th-15th centuries. The pieces from My Son and other sites are beautifully preserved, and I loved how they showcase the intricate Hindu-Buddhist influences with detailed carvings of gods, dancers, and mythical creatures. The museum's French colonial building adds a charming historic vibe, and the layout is logical, guiding you through the evolution of Cham art. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the entry fee is very reasonable (around 40,000 VND). There's also a small garden outside that's perfect for a quick break. That said, it's not quite 5-star material. Some English signage could be more detailed or updated— I found myself relying on my phone for extra context on certain exhibits. It can get a bit crowded in peak hours, and the air conditioning struggled on a hot day, making parts of the visit slightly uncomfortable. Overall, highly recommend for history buffs or as a half-day activity in Da Nang. It's educational and visually stu ing, just plan to visit early to avoid the heat and crowds...."

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Miles

a week ago

"This museum perfectly complements a visit to the Cham Dynasty capital of "My Son". In fact many of the beautifully carved sandstone pieces on displaycome from this Archeological site. Whilst the main theme of this museum is the hundreds of stone carvings on display, many dating back to 9th/20th century, the upper floor of the museum is dedicated to the arts & crafts of the Cham people. Entrance fee is only 60k vnd..."

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Arijit Sen

a month ago

"One of the best musems we found in Vietnam. The amount of excavation present here is truly outstanding. It speaks volumes on the rich Hindu presencein this region in the past. Being a Hindu myself I feel immensely proud and surprised to understand how ancient this religion actually is...."

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FAQs for Visiting Cham Museum

Yes, photography is allowed, though flash should be avoided.

Some areas are naturally ventilated, while others are cooled.

Yes, most artefacts include English-language labels.

Yes, it offers an engaging and educational experience for families.

Late mornings and weekends see the most visitors.

Nearby Attractions to Cham Museum

Dragon Bridge: A striking modern bridge famous for its weekend fire shows.
Da Nang Cathedral: The iconic pink Gothic-style church in the city centre.
Han Market: Bustling local market with food stalls, souvenirs, and fresh produce.
My Khe Beach: A scenic stretch of white sand popular for swimming and sunsets.
Son Tra Peninsula: A natural reserve offering wildlife, viewpoints, and temple sites.

The Cham Museum appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Da Nang!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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