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Champa was a historical kingdom that existed independently throughout various periods from 192 to 1832, spanning coastal provinces from Quang Binh to Binh Thuan and the Central Highlands territories within the cultural sphere of ancient Champa.
Therefore, many Champa relics in the Central region remain almost intact today, serving as endless inspiration for Vietnamese travelers and the world at large. Join Vntrip to explore the most stunning Champa relics in Central Vietnam below.
1. My Son Sanctuary (Quang Nam)
Located approximately 70 kilometers from Da Nang city, in Duy Phu commune, Duy Xuyen district, Quang Nam province, My Son Sanctuary is an architectural complex consisting of numerous unique Cham temples and structures. Forgotten for centuries, it wasn't until 1885 that this site was rediscovered, and in 1999, UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage Site, a testament to Asia's lost civilization.
My Son Sanctuary. Image: Collection
The overall sanctuary comprises two hills facing each other in an East-West direction, situated at the intersection of a stream, dividing the area into clusters of small temple towers named alphabetically A, B, C, D... Each cluster is surrounded by brick walls, with a central main tower and smaller subsidiary towers or structures surrounding it. Each tower serves a distinct function, honoring the deities of the Cham people's beliefs. The main temple symbolizes Mount Meru, while the subsidiary temples venerate the guardians of the earth and sky.
Stunningly picturesque ancient check-in corners. Image: Collection
Furthermore, at My Son Sanctuary, there are not only unique temple architecture but also invaluable cultural and spiritual values, including festivals like the Kate festival – one of the largest traditional festivals of the Cham people, folk art performances, fire-breathing dances, ritual dances, water puppetry, and more.
Inside the towers at My Son Sanctuary. Image: Collection
2. Banh It Tower (Binh Dinh)
Banh It Tower is situated on a gentle hill in Dai Le village, Phuoc Hiep commune, Tuy Phuoc district, Binh Dinh province. It is one of the oldest tower complexes remaining in Vietnam. This archaeological site consists of 4 different-sized towers, with an elevation of about 100 meters above sea level. Notably, all the towers are located on a hill with 200 steps leading up to them, surrounded by a spacious garden. Hence, even in the summer, you can feel the refreshing breeze.
Banh It Tower. Image: Collection
The stairs leading up to Banh It Tower. Image: Collection
This tower was constructed from the late 11th to the early 12th century during the reigns of the Cham kings Harivarman IV and V, blending the architectural styles of My Son A1 and Binh Dinh. Despite the strong influence of ancient Cham art and culture, Banh It Tower still exhibits distinctive characteristics of the local region. These towers are built from rough red bricks, yet the skilled craftsmen have created a harmonious and natural beauty. The bas-reliefs on Banh It Tower depict vivid scenes of human figures with elephant heads, and monkeys in dynamic dancing poses.
Every angle is picturesque. Image: Collection
A must-visit check-in spot in Binh Dinh. Image: Collection
3. Duong Long Tower (Binh Dinh)
Duong Long Tower is situated between the areas of An Chanh village, Binh Tay commune, and Van Tuong village, Binh Hoa commune, Binh Dinh province. It is recognized as the tallest brick tower complex still existing in Southeast Asia. The central tower reaches a height of 39 meters, with the North and South towers standing at 32 meters and 33 meters respectively.
Duong Long Tower. Image: Collection
All the towers here share a common architectural design divided into three distinct parts: the base, the body, and the tower roof. The base is built quite tall and sturdy, while the body of the tower is adorned with intricate decorative motifs typical of the Cham people. Additionally, the roofs are designed with gradually diminishing tiers, each displaying different motifs such as lions, elephants, the deity Nadin's bull, and the Naga serpent. All of these elements combine to give this tower complex a refined and unique beauty found only here.
This is the tallest brick tower complex still existing in Southeast Asia. Image: @______t.u.a.n___k.i.e.t
Although not as outstanding as other historical sites, Duong Long Tower is still a unique check-in spot. Image: @jessie.phan
4. Nhan Tower (Phu Yen)
Nhan Tower sits right in the heart of Tuy Hoa City (Phu Yen), on the northern bank of the Da Rang River. This architectural marvel by the Cham people is renowned for its mysteries yet to be unraveled.
Nhan Tower (Phu Yen). Image: @cuongkhii
Standing approximately 25 meters tall, Nhan Tower features a square-shaped base and a gradually tapering body towards the top. At the tower's peak sits a stone Linga statue—a spiritual symbol of the Cham people. Particularly unique is the tower's construction entirely from tightly interlocking baked bricks, providing exceptional durability. Studies show that these bricks are about 1.3 times lighter than regular bricks but offer significantly greater compressive strength and impact resistance.
Nhan Tower nestled right in the heart of the city. Image: @Sưu tầm
Nhan Tower crafted from unique materials. Image: @cuongkhii
Additionally, the adhesive used to bind these bricks together securely and without any visible seams was made from entirely natural ingredients. In the absence of cement in ancient times, the Cham people ingeniously utilized resin from dammar trees for construction. However, the precise formulation of these materials to create a strong adhesive capable of supporting such a large tower remains a mystery to researchers.
The tower illuminated with dazzling lights at night. Image: @Sưu tầm
5. Ponagar Tower (Khanh Hoa)
Ponagar Tower sits atop a small hill approximately 10-12 meters above sea level, at the mouth of the Cai River in Nha Trang. It represents the epitome of Cham culture, showcasing a remarkably unique architectural style—a golden emblem of the glorious era of Hinduism.
Ponagar Tower. Image: @cuongkhii
The Ponagar Tower archaeological site is divided into three zones, corresponding to three architectural tiers. The 'lower tier' constitutes the first level of the site, now reduced to ruins such as column bases and stone steps, hardly recognizable until reaching higher tiers. The 'middle tier,' known as the mandapa or guesthouse, served as a reception area where people prepared ceremonial attire before entering the main sanctuary for rituals. The 'upper tier,' though somewhat intact, features two rows of towers surrounded by four brick walls; however, only two walls remain today, weathered by time and human activity.
A famous check-in spot in Nha Trang. Image: @anyamezenceva
Ponagar Tower bears the marks of time's passage. Image: @dianasparrow
The name 'Ponagar Tower' refers to the tallest central tower, often used colloquially to denote the entire Ponagar tower complex. The main tower consists of four levels, reaching a total height of 23 meters, dedicated to Ponagar, the wife of the god Shiva. Inside the tower, numerous captivating carvings depict the daily activities of the ancient community: hunting scenes, boating, traditional dances, and more.
A super cool backdrop for your photos. Image: @manheeya
6. Pôklong Grai Tower (Ninh Thuận)
Pôklong Grai Tower, a stunning cluster of Champa towers, was built from the late 13th to early 14th century, situated on Trau Hill in the Bác Ái area of Phan Rang City, Ninh Thuận.
Pôklong Grai Tower. Image: @gatheredviews
The architecture of Champa Tower Po Klong Garai comprises three main towers: the main tower, the fire tower, and the gate tower. As you set foot on Trau Hill, the majestic beauty of the Cham towers standing proudly atop the hill comes into view. Upon closer inspection, the exquisite lines and unique architecture become even more apparent. Most of the towers are constructed from dark red baked bricks, bonded together with resin.
Most of the towers are constructed from dark red baked bricks. Image: @gatheredviews
The Main Gate consists of two interconnected doors along the East-West axis, standing at a height of nearly 9 meters, intricately adorned with meticulous carvings. It served as the entrance and exit for royal ceremonies, rituals, and guest receptions in ancient times. The Fire Tower features the distinctive architecture of traditional Cham Pa houses, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Sa Huynh civilization. Standing at 9.31 meters tall, 8.18 meters long, and 5 meters wide, the Fire Tower is designed according to the Bà La Môn beliefs. It served as the place of worship for monks and storage for the royal Cham Pa. Further inside lies the Main Tower, towering over 20 meters high with multiple levels. Stone animal sculptures and fire symbols adorn the corners of the tower. Inside, the king's altar, symbolizing his significant role in governing the country, features the Mukha-Linga icon.
The path leading to the towers. Image: @gatheredviews
Beautiful corners at the Pôklong Grai towers. Image: @gatheredviews
7. Poshanu Cham Tower (Phan Thiết)
Poshanu Tower is located on Ba Nai Hill, in Phu Hai Ward, about 7km from Phan Thiet city. It is a group of temple relics built around the late 8th century, early 9th century in the ancient Champa Kingdom, dedicated to the worship of Shiva - one of the most revered gods in Indian culture. Subsequently, several shrines were built with simple architecture to worship Princess Poshanu - the daughter of King Para Chanh.
Poshanu Tower. Image: @gatheredviews
Despite its modest size, Poshanu Tower embodies the architectural and decorative essence of the ancient Cham people, exuding solemnity and mystery, becoming a masterpiece left behind by the Cham ethnic group for humanity. The tower is built in the Hoa Lai architectural style - the most successful and beautiful architectural style of the Cham Pa people.
Poshanu Tower is a masterpiece left behind by the Cham people for humanity. Image: @gatheredviews
The structure comprises 3 towers: Main Tower A with 4 floors, the higher it goes, the smaller the area becomes and the fewer architectural elements of the lower floors. Inside the tower still worships the Linga - Yoni symbol made of solid black stone. Auxiliary Tower B stands separately, slightly to the North, about 12m tall, with a basic architecture similar to Tower A but simpler. Auxiliary Tower C is used to worship the fire god, now only about 4m tall, with only one door facing East, the architectural and artistic decorations on the outside have been eroded by time, leaving only some original features.
Check-in at Poshanu Tower. Image: @exploreandbeyond
In addition, the tower hosts major festivals such as Rija Nuga festival, Poh Mbang Yang festival held in the lunar January at the foot of Poshanu Tower, and the Kate festival with many unique performances in the Cham calendar month of July, which is around September - October in the Gregorian calendar,...
Poshanu Tower still retains its unique architecture. Image: @exploreandbeyond
If you're part of the enthusiasts of Chăm Pa history and culture, why wait any longer? Gather your team and head to these locations to satisfy your passion right away!
