Cham Museum Da Nang | Tickets, Opening Hours & Things to See

If you’re in Da Nang and looking for a quick yet enriching visit, I highly recommend the Cham Sculpture Museum. It’s located right across from the Dragon Bridge, so it’s very easy to find. The place isn’t huge, but it holds the largest existing collection of religious sculptures from the Champa Kingdom. You’ll see some truly impressive pieces, many of them over 1,000 years old.

There are over 300 original sculptures, including bas-reliefs, statues, and lintels – all well displayed with clear explanations in both English and Vietnamese. The museum gives a great overview of Hindu influence in Central Vietnam’s history, without being overly academic. The visit takes around 30 to 45 minutes, it’s air-conditioned, quiet, and honestly, well worth your time.

The History of the Cham Museum in Da Nang

This museum didn’t just appear overnight. The idea of bringing Cham sculptures together in Da Nang dates back to 1902, with a project led by Henri Parmentier and the École française d’Extrême-Orient (EFEO). At the time, pieces were scattered across Da Nang, Quang Nam, and neighboring provinces. Some ended up in France, others in Hanoi or Saigon, but most remained here, in what was then called the Garden of Tourane.

The building was constructed in 1915, inspired by Cham architecture, based on a proposal by Parmentier. Two French architects, Delaval and Auclair, designed the plans. The museum opened to the public in 1919, and was expanded in the 1930s to include new galleries: Tra Kieu, My Son, Thap Mam, Dong Duong, and more.

Since then, the museum has undergone several renovations, most notably in 2016. Today, you’ll find a clear visitor path, informative signage, and even rooms dedicated to pottery, music, and contemporary Cham culture.

In 2011, the museum was officially recognized as a first-class museum in Vietnam, a status that highlights its key role in preserving Cham heritage, especially given its proximity to My Son and Tra Kieu.

What to See at Cham Museum in Da Nang

As soon as you enter the museum, you’ll find over 300 artifacts spread across different rooms according to their geographic origin. The collection includes sandstone and terracotta sculptures dating from the 5th to the 15th century, featuring Hindu and Buddhist deities, fertility symbols, sacred animals, and architectural elements. It’s a solid overview of the spiritual and artistic heritage of the Champa Kingdom.

The museum is divided into 12 regional halls (My Son, Tra Kieu, Thap Mam, Quang Nam, Binh Dinh, etc.) and 4 themed galleries. These include exhibits on Cham pottery, traditional festivals, and even recent archaeological discoveries, like those at Phong Le, just outside Da Nang.

The most striking piece? A massive Buddhist sculpture depicting a seated king, probably the King of Indrapura, the only Cham ruler known to have embraced Buddhism. The posture is unusual: legs flat on the ground, hands on the knees, almost like a Buddha seated on a chair.

If you’re interested in Cham culture, I also recommend visiting the My Son Sanctuary (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and making a stop along the way at the Bang An Cham Tower, well preserved and often overlooked by tourists.

Cham Museum Audio Guide (in English)

Good news: the museum offers an audio guide in English. It makes the visit much more engaging, especially if you’re not an expert in Cham art.

Here’s how it works:

• Step 1: Connect to the museum’s free Wi-Fi.
• Step 2: Open your browser and go to chamaudio.com.
• Step 3: Choose your language (English, French, or Vietnamese) and select the pieces you want to learn about. You can also scan the QR codes next to each sculpture or follow a guided route through the interface.

It’s simple, convenient, and gives you a much better understanding of what you’re looking at. Highly recommended if you have a bit of time.

Cham Museum Da Nang: Practical Information

Address: No. 02, 2 Thang 9 Street, Da Nang

Tickets and Entry

The entrance fee to the Cham Sculpture Museum is very affordable. Expect to pay 60,000 VND per person (about €2.20), making it a budget-friendly cultural stop.

No need to book in advance. Just buy your ticket at the entrance, in cash or sometimes via QR code (VNPay) if you have a local payment app. There’s no online booking, so don’t bother checking Viator or similar platforms.

The museum is open daily, usually from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. I recommend visiting in the morning when it’s cooler and more pleasant.

How Much Time to Plan for the Visit?

Allow 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the museum at a relaxed pace.

If you use the audio guide, plan for 1.5 to 2 hours, especially if you enjoy reading the exhibit panels and taking your time.

There’s no café on site, so it’s best to come early in the morning or late afternoon, then follow up with a coffee or a walk along the Han River, just next door.

How to Get There from Hoi An to Da Nang Museum

Getting to the Cham Sculpture Museum from Hoi An is easy, and you have a few options:

• By scooter: This is the most flexible solution. It takes about 45 minutes (roughly 30 km) via the scenic coastal road that passes An Bang beach. Free parking is available right in front of the museum.
• By private car: If you prefer more comfort, you can book a private driver. Hoi An Transport Service and other local companies offer round-trip transfers for around 550,000 to 600,000 VND, depending on the type of vehicle.

The museum is right across from the Dragon Bridge, so it’s very easy to spot once you’re in downtown Da Nang.

What to See Around the Cham Museum

Once you’ve finished your visit, you’re perfectly located to explore several interesting spots either on foot or within a few minutes by scooter:

• Dragon Bridge: Just across from the museum. If you’re there on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday evening at 9:00 PM, don’t miss the show where the dragon breathes fire and water. It’s a bit kitschy, but still pretty impressive.
• Han River: Take a walk along the riverbanks. It’s a pleasant area, especially in the late afternoon, and you’ll find a few cafés with a view.
• Pink Cathedral: Just 5 minutes away by scooter, this colonial-era church is still in use today. It’s small, photogenic, and often overlooked by tourists.
• Han Market: If you’re up for a bit of local shopping, this market is nearby. You’ll find snacks, souvenirs, and a glimpse into everyday life in central Vietnam.

My Opinion

If you’re interested in Vietnam’s history or planning a trip to My Son Sanctuary, I highly recommend stopping by this museum first. It’s clearly the best place to understand the art and religion of the Champa Kingdom, especially if you’ve never heard of this civilization before.

The exhibition is well organized, the pieces are impressive, and the overall atmosphere is quiet and pleasant, with clear descriptions. Special mention to the French audio guide, which makes the visit much more enjoyable and informative.

Plan for about 1 to 1.5 hours if you’re curious. And for just a few tens of thousands of VND, the ticket is absolutely worth it. Honestly, it’s one of the most interesting museums I’ve visited in Vietnam.