Here is our group visiting the Champa ruins at My Son, about an hour away from Hoi An in central Vietnam. The Champa kingdom controlled this part of SE Asia for a millenium and I'd barely heard of it! Who knew that Indians came to presen-day Vietnam and established a Hindu kingdom? These ruins are about a thousand years old. The Vietnamese eventually moved in and the Champa kingdom ended, but there are still a few descendants living in Vietnam today, who have mostly converted to Islam. Most Vietnamese, of course, practice a blend of Buddhism and ancestor-worship. There are a few Christians and an interesting sect called Cao Dai, which blends the world religions and has wonderfully colorful temples. Fascinating!
Here is our group visiting the Champa ruins at My Son, about an hour away from Hoi An in central Vietnam. The Champa kingdom controlled this part of SE Asia for a millenium and I'd barely heard of it! Who knew that Indians came to presen-day Vietnam and established a Hindu kingdom? These ruins are about a thousand years old. The Vietnamese eventually moved in and the Champa kingdom ended, but there are still a few descendants living in Vietnam today, who have mostly converted to Islam. Most Vietnamese, of course, practice a blend of Buddhism and ancestor-worship. There are a few Christians and an interesting sect called Cao Dai, which blends the world religions and has wonderfully colorful temples. Fascinating! 
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