Po Nagar Cham Towers in Nha Trang is an extremely popular historical and cultural attraction in Vietnam, one of the main Vietnamese monuments telling about the Hindu and Buddhist tradition of this country.
History of the Towers of Cham
The temple complex was built in the 7th-12th centuries. The first Po Nagar Tower came into being at the end of the 8th century during the reign of King Champa, and it has become the modern hallmark of the entire temple.
Today, as many centuries ago, various rituals and religious ceremonies take place in these towers. The Cham towers have been subjected to fires, invasions by other tribes, destruction as a result of riots, etc., throughout their existence.
The entire temple complex was destroyed, but thanks to the local population, who devoutly believed in their gods, Po Nagar was rebuilt every time. However, there used to be ten towers here, and today there are only four left.
Description of the Cham towers
These towers have different architecture, because they were built with a difference of several centuries. At different times they were destroyed and restored, so today it is difficult to say that we have a single temple complex.
- North Tower. This is an example of the architecture of the state of Thyampa. The tower was built in the early 9th century and later looted by Malay robbers. The North Tower is known for housing statues of the god Shiva and the goddess Uma.
- West Tower. This tower was built in the first half of the 8th century and is dedicated to the goddess Po Nagar. It is the largest in the entire complex, its height – almost 30 meters. The Vietnamese believe that this goddess gave mankind skills in agriculture and crafts.
- Central Tower. This tower was erected in the 7th century. It is famous for holding many of the kingdom’s material riches. The tower itself has a rather simple architecture, but powerful walls.
- South Tower. And this tower boasts rich decorations, it has many decorations, and from different centuries of Vietnamese history and architecture. The tower is dedicated to Ganesha, the god of wisdom in Hinduism.
Every year the temple complex in Nha Trang hosts various Hindu and Buddhist festivals. Vivid costumes and exotic ceremonies attract tourists and onlookers from all over the world to this Vietnamese city.
Temple area
Upon entering the Po Nagar Towers, tourists immediately begin to smell strong smells of incense. A rather thick smoke from the smoking sticks rises, which only adds to the mystique.
All the towers are narrow, and it is stuffy and cramped for a tour group. But each has at least one altar before which the faithful pray, make secret wishes, and offer offer offerings (flowers, fruit, stuffed animals, etc.) to the gods.
The area around the temple complex is in excellent condition, everywhere – green lawns on which it is allowed to sit and even lie down. There is the necessary tourist infrastructure: toilets, markets, souvenir shops, etc.
On the territory installed a variety of benches, gazebos, fountains and sculptures in the style of modern art, the grass is constantly automatically watered from hoses. There is a small exhibition hall.
We don’t recommend spending too much money. Prices here, as at any tourist site, are clearly overpriced. The tour will last several hours, you only need to buy some food and water.
Ticket price
To buy a tour of the Po Nagar Towers, you have to pay $1, i.e. 23,000 Vietnamese dong. And this cost is the same for all tourists without exception, regardless of gender or age.
If tourists need an English-speaking guide, they have to pay another $2, i.e. 46,000 Vietnamese dong. A Russian-speaking guide can be found privately or you can buy booklets telling you in Russian about the attraction.
Dress code
When you go on a tour, remember that you are bound to get inside these towers, and there are centuries-old traditions and religious settings, they require certain rules in dress.
This means that women and men should have their shoulders, arms and legs covered by clothing. A headdress covering a woman’s hair and shoes are obligatory. If you came to the towers inappropriately dressed, clothes can be rented near the temple complex.
The neighborhood of the Cham towers
The entire complex stands on a high mountain, it is clearly visible to the entire city, and from the mountain offers a magnificent panorama of Nha Trang. From the foot to the top of the tour climbs a wide staircase.
At the top next to the temple complex is a cafe where you can drink refreshments after the tour, have a little snack, take great selfies and just take a little break.
Then you have to go through the colonnade. Just a millennium ago, torchlight processions of ancient priests were held here for rituals and ceremonies in the direction of the towers of Nha Trang.
Today, tourists are not allowed on the very top, where the monks pray to their gods, making ritual sacrifices. Tourists walk up a separate staircase, so as not to destroy the ancient staircase built back in the first millennium.
How do I get to the Cham towers of Po Nagar?
Cham towers are located near the tourist area of Nha Trang, so you can reach them on foot by crossing the Cai River on the bridge, near the mountain on which the temple complex stands. The walk will take about 45 minutes.
A ride in a shuttle bus costs 7,000 dong, or 30 cents. It’s best to go to No. 4, since. this route goes around all the main attractions of Nha Trang. You can rent a bike ($7 or 160,000 VND per day) or call a cab ($3 or 70,000 VND per one-way trip).
In Nha Trang, the Cham Towers are a must-visit part of any sightseeing tour of the city. This temple complex has a lot of positive feedback from tourists, so we strongly advise you to visit it.
Cham Towers in Nha Trang on the map
Diagram of the Cham towers
