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Visiting Ponagar Tower is a fascinating activity that travelers should not miss when exploring the prosperous city of Nha Trang.
Throughout their existence and development, the Cham people have left behind a colossal cultural heritage spanning across the Central and Central Highlands regions. One of the most distinctive landmarks is Ponagar Tower in Nha Trang. This architectural ensemble has long become an icon of Nha Trang and a top destination for tourists visiting Nha Trang. Let's explore the beauty and interesting stories related to Ponagar Tower in Nha Trang with Klook Vietnam.
Where is Ponagar Tower?
The famous Ponagar Tower is strategically located on top of a small hill next to the Cai River in Nha Trang, just about 3km north of the city center. Therefore, Ponagar Tower is always on the list of attractive sightseeing spots when traveling to Nha Trang.
Ponagar Tower Nha Trang
- Address: 61 Hai Thang Tu Street, Vinh Phuoc Ward, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province
Guide to Getting to Ponagar Tower Nha Trang
The easiest way to reach Ponagar Tower is from the center of Nha Trang. Simply travel along Tran Phu Street towards the North, cross Tran Phu Bridge, and turn onto Thap Ba Street. At the end of Thap Ba Street, you'll witness the architectural ensemble of Ponagar Tower right in front of you.
You can travel by any means: motorbike, car, taxi, or bus.
History of Ponagar Tower Nha Trang
Ponagar Tower in Nha Trang is an archaeological complex of Champa dating back from the 7th to the 13th century, during the prosperous period of the Champa Kingdom when Hinduism was still worshipped here.
Ponagar Tower, also known as Yang Po Inư Nagar or Yang Pô Ana Gar, was erected to honor Queen Po Ina Nagar. According to the beliefs of the Cham people at that time, she was a creation of clouds and sea foam, safeguarding them from storms, floods, ensuring abundant harvests, and a life of peace and prosperity.
This temple complex held significant importance in the spiritual life of the Cham people, preserving the artistic essence of Cham culture. In 1979, Ponagar Tower was recognized as a national heritage site.
Architecture of Ponagar Tower Nha Trang
Ponagar Tower in Nha Trang is divided into 3 main areas with distinctive architectural features and meanings.
1. Gate Tower Area
This grand entrance with harmonious architecture once had a majestic gate. Over time, the gate tower has eroded, leaving only stone steps leading to the middle tier.
2. Mandapa Area
After passing through the gate tower, you enter the mandapa area. Historically, this was where the Cham people prepared offerings before ceremonies. Currently, only 2 rows of main octagonal brick columns remain. Each row has 5 large and 6 small columns aligned straight. This middle tier is connected to the top tier by a steeply inclined brick staircase.
3. Temple Tower Area
The temple tower area on the top tier consists of 2 rows of towers surrounded by 4 stone walls, with only the walls on the west and south sides still standing. The front row of towers has 3 towers, with the tallest one being Ponagar Tower. The rear row originally had traces of 3 parallel towers, but now only one remains.
All 4 towers are constructed using special brickwork techniques, without the use of binding materials, yet still fitting tightly together. The tower interiors are hollow to the top, with doors facing east. The exteriors feature numerous ridges, pillars, and reliefs. The tops of the pillars are adorned with vaulted tower patterns, resembling small towers placed on top of large ones. The tower bodies feature many statues and terracotta reliefs depicting deities, nymphs, or precious animals. Despite extensive erosion over time, the structural integrity of the tower complex remains robust.
4. Inscription Stone Area
Another remarkable feature within the Ponagar Tower complex in Nha Trang is the ancient inscription stones preserved here. These stones hold significant cultural and historical value, marking a distinctive milestone.
The stone behind the tower is the first one to feature the legend of the Holy Mother Thien Y A Na, erected by the Cham people and translated into Han Nom by Minister Phan Thanh Gian in 1856.
Adjacent to it is a stone set up by 8 officials from Khanh Hoa and Binh Thuan provinces in 1871, symbolizing the friendship between the two provinces. The next stone was erected in 1972, narrating the story of the goddess Po Ina Nagar in the national language. The last stone introduces the overall Ponagar Tower site in the national language, erected in 2010.
Ponagar Tower Festival in Nha Trang
The festival at Ponagar Tower in Nha Trang takes place annually from the 20th to the 23rd of the third lunar month, showcasing the unique Cham culture. This festival has become the largest traditional cultural event in Khanh Hoa province, extending its influence to the Central Highlands and South Central regions.
The ceremony often includes rituals, costume changing ceremonies, lantern floating ceremonies, peace prayers, and more. The festival part features Cham dances, Shadow Puppetry, ceremonial singing, traditional games, and art performances deeply rooted in Cham culture. These activities attract the attention of locals and tourists visiting Nha Trang.
Ponagar Tower Nha Trang Ticket Prices
The entrance fee for Ponagar Tower Nha Trang is only 25,000 VND per person, applicable to everyone, with no additional fees inside the temple complex.
The visiting hours for Ponagar Tower Nha Trang are from 8 AM to 6 PM daily. Outside the visiting hours, you can enjoy seafood and Nha Trang specialties at any nearby establishments around the Ponagar Tower area. Additionally, you can combine a visit to Ponagar Tower and Ba Ho stream or indulge in mud bathing in attractive day tours.
Things to Note When Visiting Ponagar Tower Nha Trang
Ponagar Tower Nha Trang is a place of worship with strict regulations for visitors. To avoid any unfortunate incidents, please take note of the following when visiting Ponagar Tower:
- Avoid making disrespectful comments or engaging in derogatory remarks about the goddess or related customs.
- Do not bring outside food, eat, or litter within the temple premises.
- Choose modest and decent attire when exploring this historical site, especially if you intend to enter the temple for offerings or prayers.
- Remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, or an umbrella for a more comfortable journey.
- If in doubt, refer to and follow the instructions on signs or notices placed within the archaeological site.
#TeamKlook, don't miss out on visiting the iconic Ponagar Tower if you're traveling to Nha Trang. Exploring this historical site is an opportunity for you to delve deeper into the architectural beauty, history, and Cham Pa culture. Additionally, near Ponagar Tower, you'll find the renowned and ancient Thap Ba Mud Bath Center in Nha Trang. To freely wander the beach streets, consider renting a motorbike or a car with a private driver for added convenience.
Sea lovers, glide through Nha Trang travel tips, the list of Nha Trang beaches, Nha Trang resorts, hotels in Nha Trang, Nha Trang homestays, and Nha Trang travel guides on Klook Vietnam's Blog for more exciting ideas for your vibrant Nha Trang journey.
Will you choose Ponagar Tower Nha Trang for your upcoming exploration?
