Historical Landmarks Between Tam Ky and Quang Ngai: Ky Anh Tunnels, Khuong My Cham Towers, and Thien An Pagoda
Located right alongside the main highway connecting Tam Ky, Chu Lai, and Quang Ngai are three distinct historical monuments: the underground laterite network of the Ky Anh Tunnels, the intricately carved 9th-to-10th-century brick sanctuaries of Khuong My Cham Towers, and the hilltop complex of Thien An Pagoda overlooking the Tra Khuc River.
Table of Contents (4 sections)
Stretching south from Da Nang through Tam Ky to the northern bank of the Tra Khuc River, the central heritage corridor connects four remarkable historical and architectural landmarks within a single comfortable day drive: the monumental granite sculpture of Heroic Mother Thu at Cam Hill, the hand-dug Ky Anh underground tunnel network, the 10th-century Khuong My Cham temple triad, and the hilltop sanctuary of Thien An Pagoda overlooking Quang Ngai. Travelling in a chauffeured private car allows families and history enthusiasts to link these sites directly from gate to gate.
Heritage Map: 4 Historical & Architectural Sites from Tam Ky to Thien An Mountain
Along the regional sightseeing route, the Heroic Mother Thu Monument, Ky Anh Tunnels, and Khuong My Cham Towers lie within Tam Ky Ward and the southern zone in the central coastal region, while Thien An Mountain and Pagoda sit on the northern bank of the Tra Khuc River in Quang Ngai Province. The table below outlines visiting hours and vehicle parking:
| Heritage Landmark | Distance from Central Da Nang | Daily Opening Hours | Historical & Architectural Significance | 4–16 Seat Private Car Parking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heroic Mother Thu Monument Complex (Cam Hill – Tam Ky) | 60 km south of Da Nang (approx. 70 minutes by private car) | 07:30 AM – 05:00 PM daily | Massive curved granite monument housing an indoor historical museum and tranquil lotus square | Spacious tourist parking plaza directly outside the main entrance gate |
| Ky Anh National Tunnels (Thach Tan Communal House – Tam Thang) | 64 km south (just 5 km east of Mother Thu Monument) | 07:30 AM – 05:00 PM daily | Historic underground tunnel system carved beneath white coastal sand and bamboo roots, linked to Thach Tan Communal House | Direct parking for 4–16 seat vehicles right in the courtyard of Thach Tan Communal House |
| Khuong My Cham Towers (Near Tam Ky Highway 1A – Expressway Junction) | 68 km south (4 km from central Tam Ky) | 07:30 AM – 05:30 PM daily | Triad of late-9th to early-10th-century Champa brick towers famous for ornate foliate brick carvings and Ramayana sandstone reliefs | Roadside heritage courtyard parking just 30 metres from the base of the three towers |
| Thien An Mountain Pagoda & Huynh Thuc Khang Tomb (Tra Khuc Riverbank) | 130 km south (on the eastern approach toward Sa Ky Port) | 06:00 AM – 06:00 PM daily | Late-17th-century hilltop pagoda featuring a sacred deep well, ancient bronze bell, and panoramic views of the Tra Khuc River | Paved mountain road leads private cars all the way to the upper hilltop parking lot |
If your group starts from Hue or wants to combine these heritage monuments with a 2-day coastal trip to Sa Ky Port, review our Hue to Sa Ky Port and Ly Son private car transfer and our Hoi An – My Son – Tam Thanh – Sa Ky Port 2D1N private car tour.
What Sets Ky Anh Tunnels and Khuong My Cham Towers Apart?
Located within a 10-minute drive of each other in Tam Ky, these two national monuments showcase extraordinary local craftsmanship across two different eras:
- Subterranean Engineering in Sandy Coastal Soil at Ky Anh: Unlike clay tunnels in other regions, Tam Thang’s surface consists of loose white sand. Local villagers excavated the Ky Anh tunnels into the dense dat coc (compacted gravel-laterite sublayer) beneath dense thorny bamboo groves, concealing tunnel entrances right under the floor of the ancient Thach Tan Communal House and village water wells.
- The Eponymous “Khuong My Style” of Champa Art: Built between the late 9th and early 10th centuries, the three North, Centre, and South towers at Khuong My display such refined scrolling botanical motifs carved directly into red brick and sandstone steps that art historians named an entire period of Champa sculpture the Khuong My Style.
Effortless Access for Seniors at Mother Thu Monument and Thien An Pagoda
- Drive Straight to the Summit of Thien An Mountain: Rising over 100 metres above the Tra Khuc River on the way toward Sa Ky Port, Thien An Mountain features a paved road climbing directly to the pagoda courtyard and the tomb of patriot Huynh Thuc Khang. In a well-maintained 4-seat, 7-seat, or 16-seat Sun Travel private car, seniors step out right at the summit gate without climbing steep stone staircases.
Plan Further Heritage Journeys Across Central Vietnam
To link Tam Ky and Quang Ngai with Binh Dinh Cham towers or the Central Highlands, see our South Central Vietnam and Central Highlands road trip handbook.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ky Anh Tunnels, Khuong My Towers & Thien An Pagoda
For a private car itinerary visiting Ky Anh Tunnels, Khuong My Cham Towers and Thien An Pagoda in Quang Ngai, what is the reference price?
There is no separate listed fare for a heritage trip to Ky Anh Tunnels, Khuong My Cham Towers and Thien An Pagoda. The figures below are for the closest listed route, Hoi An / Da Nang → My Son – Tam Thanh – Sa Ky Port (2 days, 1 night): 4-seat car from US$152, 7-seat car from US$178 and 16-seat van from US$235 (including fuel, road tolls and parking). The fare for a heritage trip to Ky Anh Tunnels, Khuong My Cham Towers and Thien An Pagoda is quoted after checking your pickup and drop-off points, itinerary and departure time.
How far apart are the Heroic Mother Thu Monument, Ky Anh Tunnels, and Khuong My Cham Towers in Tam Ky?
All three sites sit within a compact 4 to 7 km radius around Tam Ky: driving from the Heroic Mother Thu Monument to the Ky Anh Tunnels takes just 10 minutes (5 km), and continuing to the Khuong My Cham Towers takes another 10 minutes (6 km).
Is there an admission charge to visit the Heroic Mother Thu Monument Complex in Tam Ky?
No admission fee is charged at the Heroic Mother Thu Monument Complex; visitors can walk the main granite plaza and visit the exhibition museum inside the monument free of charge.
Can 7-seat SUVs and 16-seat vans drive all the way to the top of Thien An Mountain in Quang Ngai?
Yes. A wide paved road winds up Thien An Mountain, allowing 4-seat, 7-seat, and 16-seat private vehicles to park directly outside the upper courtyard of Thien An Pagoda and Huynh Thuc Khang Tomb.
What is included in the Da Nang – Heroic Mother Thu Monument private car rate (ST-ROUTE-044)?
Base rates include fuel, road tolls, and parking fees; flexible schedule coordination applies when notifying Sun Travel in advance of your scheduled pickup per agreed trip terms.
📚 More Travel Guides
