Tucked between misty mountains and shimmering coasts, Vietnam’s ancient history offers a window into complex story of human civilization. For centuries, Vietnam's central coast was home to the Champa Kingdom, a vibrant maritime civilization deeply rooted in Hindu tradition. From the 2nd to the 15th century CE, the Cham people built soaring red-brick temples dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Devi, blending Indian iconography with local artistry. The My Son sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as the crown jewel of Champa architecture—its crumbling towers and intricate carvings still humming with sacred resonance.
Champa religious centers flourished in clusters all along its coast and interior. Notable sites include the Quang Nam (My Son), Khanh Hoa (Po Nagar), Binh Dinh (Thap Doi), and Ninh Thuan (Po Klong Garai), marking different regional expressions of Cham Hinduism. Over time, especially after the 10th century, Mahฤyฤna and later Theravฤda Buddhism gained influence, resulting in layered spiritual landscapes where Hindu and Buddhist imagery often coexist.
Vietnam’s ancient temple complexes reveal centuries of Southeast Asia’s rich tradition of trade and religious crosscurrents.
Bali remains the last bastion of Hindu tradition in Indonesia, with vibrant temple life and centuries-old architecture still alive. Mahabharata, Ramayana, statues of Ganesha, Vishnu, Devi, Shiva, pools named after Indian rivers form the tirtha (pilgrimage) route in Bali.