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Are you a lover of ancient architecture or seeking a refreshing travel experience? Why not visit the Twin Towers of Quy Nhon to immerse yourself in Champa culture and the mysteries these towers hold. Let's start by exploring this historical site from a comprehensive perspective.
Don't miss out on the Twin Towers of Binh Dinh.
Where are the Twin Towers located?
Address: The Twin Towers (also known as Hung Thanh Towers) are located 3km northwest of downtown Quy Nhon. The Twin Towers of Quy Nhon are situated next to the Bac Doi Bridge, spanning a branch of the river flowing from Deo Son Lake to Thi Nai Lagoon, along National Highway 19. Thanks to this prime location, visitors can reach the Twin Towers by any means of transportation, from airplanes, cars, motorbikes to buses.
The Twin Towers are conveniently located on land, making it easy to reach.
If traveling by bus: You should choose Phuong Trang bus company as they provide the closest drop-off to the attraction at an affordable price and have received good reviews from previous visitors.
If traveling by plane: You can take a flight to Quy Nhon City and then follow the instructions to choose either renting a private vehicle (car, motorbike) or taking a bus to the Twin Towers of Quy Nhon.
Address: Dong Da Ward, Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh Province, Vietnam
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If choosing to travel by motorbike: When traveling on National Highway 19, reach Bac Doi Bridge, continue towards the city for about 650m, and the Twin Towers will be on the left. As you approach, follow the signs to the entrance.
Note: Make sure to fill up your gas tank and bring necessary personal items to avoid any issues on the road. Additionally, you can contact us to address any concerns and book a tour from A to Z to the Twin Towers of Quy Nhon.
You can travel by motorbike for a rugged adventure
The History of the Formation of the Twin Towers of Quy Nhon
According to archaeologists, the Twin Towers, also known as Hung Hanh Towers, were built from the late 10th century to the early 15th century. At this time, the Champa kingdom was undergoing significant changes. Typically, according to Champa architecture, a cluster of towers consists of 3 large and small towers. However, the Twin Towers of Quy Nhon are unique in that they consist of only 2 towers: a large tower 25m high and a small tower 23m high.
However, due to prolonged war damage, both towers have been partially damaged at the top and their current heights are: the large tower is 20m high, and the small tower is 18m high. The towers are made of tightly stacked bricks in the Champa style and fixed with an extremely durable adhesive that has not been explained by humans to this day.
In 1990-1991, the towers were renovated and later opened widely to domestic and international tourists to visit and experience the ancient cultures here.
Built according to Cham architecture, the construction principles of which have not yet been explained by humans.
The Architecture of the Twin Towers of Binh Dinh
Constructed between the 10th and 15th centuries, part of the beauty of the Twin Towers is influenced by the architectural and sculptural art of Angkor Wat. Therefore, the Twin Towers do not have the multi-story square tower shape of traditional Cham architecture but consist of 2 main parts: a square body and a curved-face tower top.
Overview of the Architecture of the Twin Towers of Quy Nhon
At the corners of the towers are decorated with the image of the Garuda deity with 2 raised hands - This detail reflects the strong influence of Khmer culture. The rest of the tower's body retains the original design and distinctive decoration style of Cham towers.
Its history is very interesting, so it has attracted many researchers.
In the northern tower, the base of the wall is supported by a giant lotus pedestal made of large stones. The central part of the lotus is decorated with images of powerful animals such as elephants, lions, and images of Apsara dancers. Check out the Ghềnh Ráng Tiên Sa, likened to an emerald gem.
The Sculptures on the Twin Towers of Binh Dinh
Another part of the tower influenced by Khmer art is the decorative set of stones carved with 6-armed and 8-armed human figures, as well as hybrid animals with lion and elephant heads. At the four corners of the decorative set are 4 giant Garuda deities in the style of Angkor Wat sculptures.
This relic is a spiritual cornerstone in the cultural life of the region
Similar to the southern tower, most details are relatively similar to the northern tower's design, but at the present time, this tower is more damaged. Inside the large tower, Linga and Yoni are worshipped through symbols of mortar and pestle. The sides of the decorative set are intricately carved with symmetrical patterns, featuring 21 Apsara dancers dancing around the top of the set, creating an artistic and mysterious aspect for the Twin Towers of Quy Nhon.
Separating the curved roof from the square body, the image of a meditating monk is intricately carved, combined with symmetric dragons on both sides. Through these carved details, the Twin Towers as a tourist destination not only embodies ancient culture but also demonstrates the sophistication, meticulousness, perfection, and exceptional abilities of the craftsmen of that era.
The Twin Towers of Quy Nhon shimmering on New Year's Eve
Current status of Hung Thanh Tower
To date, the towers have undergone a single renovation in 1990. Through the turbulent war period, both towers suffered severe damage to their tops. This damage has made them unique and distinctive compared to other Champa towers.
Specifically, the southern tower is more damaged than the northern tower, with the entire base of the southern tower heavily affected, making it very difficult for archaeologists to determine its original structure.
These signs have caused the site to lose its natural appearance.
Recently, the management board has allowed drilling to install promotional signs to boost tourism in Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh, leading to strong backlash. Most believe that this action has had some impact on the architecture of the Twin Towers of Quy Nhon.
However, in recent times, the Twin Towers of Quy Nhon have become increasingly known to domestic and international tourists, making it an ideal tourist destination.
The Twin Towers are currently facing criticism as the government is installing tourist signs
Some other information
The mysterious beauty of the Twin Towers has captivated many writers and poets. Therefore, the image of the Twin Towers of Quy Nhon becomes more vivid through artistic poems. One of the folk verses that locals here love and that you will be reminded of by the guide when you visit is:
Bac Doi Bridge is next to the Twin Towers
Inanimate objects still carry the fate of a couple, let alone me with myself
…………………
Bac Doi Bridge is connected to the Twin Towers
Wrapped around each other all year like me with her
Furthermore, when visiting the Twin Towers complex, you can explore many local specialties such as: Rice paper exposed to dew, dipped in spicy fish sauce, awakening the taste buds, and many other distinctive dishes that locals or guides will suggest more accurately. Near the Twin Towers of Quy Nhon, there are many restaurants built in ancient architecture that you can also refer to.
Tourists take souvenir photos at this unique relic
Don't hesitate any longer, find out about the all-inclusive tours to the Twin Towers of Quy Nhon to admire the historical evidence. Experience traditional Champa dances or enjoy many unique dishes that are “only available in Quy Nhon”. Contact us now for more advice on exploring Quy Nhon!
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Enjoy the captivating beauty of the Twin Towers of Quy Nhon in the following video!
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Posted by: Hoang Duong
Keyword: Ancient Cham Pa architecture of Twin Towers in Binh Dinh, Quy Nhon
