Po Nagar Cham Towers

Among the unique religious structures left behind by the Champa civilization in central Vietnam, the Po Nagar Cham Towers stand out as the most iconic and well-preserved. The complex is a symbol of tourism and a must-visit destination in the beautiful coastal city of Nha Trang. Join us at Vietnamnomad as we dive into some lesser-known facts about this charming tower and take away some useful travel tips for your next trip!

A brief history of Po Nagar Cham Towers

Po Nagar Cham Towers, more intimately known as Thap Ba, meaning “Goddess Tower”, is a sacred site with deep historical significance. Built between the 8th and 13th centuries by the ancient Kingdom of Champa, the temple complex represents the most flourishing period of Hinduism within the Champa civilization.

A stele from 781 reveals that Cham King Satyavarman regained control over the Ha-Ra Bridge area and restored a temple that had been damaged by foreign invaders, possibly from Java. These invaders had stolen a Mukhalinga (a Hindu icon depicting the god Shiva with one or more human faces), adorned with jewels, and broken it. However, the king later restored it in 784. Over the centuries, successive Cham rulers continued making offerings, including the creation of statues and figures. In the 17th century, the Vietnamese took over the temple, renaming it Thien Y Thanh Mau Towers, and various legends about the goddess and the tower emerged.

One of the most well-known stories about the origins of Po Nagar Towers is closely tied to the Goddess Thien Y A Na. According to legend, she was a divine fairy who descended to Earth to teach humans essential agricultural techniques, such as growing rice, raising cattle, and weaving cloth. The tower was built to honor the Goddess and express gratitude for her guidance.

To preserve this historical site, the towers have undergone several restorations and renovations to ensure visitor safety. Strict guidelines have been implemented to maintain the original foundation and intricate details of the structures.

The architecture of Po Nagar Cham Towers

Champa towers were often built on high hills, inspired by Mount Meru in Indian religion – a sacred symbol representing the center of the universe where the gods reside. As soon as visitors cross Xom Bong Bridge, they are greeted by the awe-inspiring sight of this grand religious complex, standing solemnly atop Cu Lao Hill. Overlooking the serene Cai River as it meets the open sea, Po Nagar Cham Towers rise in the distance like a giant pine cone, embraced by lush, ancient trees.

Po Nagar Cham Towers were constructed primarily from bricks, showcasing the Cham people’s exceptional masonry skills. The architectural complex is divided into three main sections: the Gate Tower, the Mandapa (a hall where worshippers prepare offerings before entering the main temple), and the Main Temple Towers. Over the centuries, due to natural and historical changes, only the Mandapa and the Main Temple Towers remain visible at the site today.

The Mandapa features four rows of octagonal brick pillars, with 10 large ones inside and 12 smaller ones outside. This vestibule area served as the waiting hall where visitors prepared offerings before going up to the main tower.

At the top of the hill stands the temple towers, with a large main tower in the northeast and three smaller sub-towers positioned to the southeast, south, and northwest. The towers, hollow to the roofs, are adorned with intricate brick and stone sculptures depicting flowers, leaves, human and animal figures, gods, goddesses, and legendary creatures. Among these, the statue of Goddess Po Nagar stands as a masterpiece, exemplifying the harmonious blend of rounded and embossed sculpting techniques characteristic of Cham artistry.

Things to do at Po Nagar Cham Towers

Marvel at the sculpture and relief collection

Po Nagar Cham Towers houses a beautiful collection of intricate sculptures and reliefs. Take time to admire the stunning carvings that adorn the walls and roofs. These ancient carvings visually encapsulate the spiritual beliefs of the Cham people through a series of detailed artworks, representing Cham deities and mythological figures. These decorative elements not only provide insights into the artistic mastery of the Cham people but also offer valuable evidence for historical studies and archaeology.

Practice local rituals

Po Nagar Cham Towers is still an active place of worship for locals. You’ll notice visitors practicing traditional rituals, such as offering incense or prayers to the gods. It’s a great opportunity to engage with the culture and connect with spiritual practices. You can join the locals by offering an incense stick, bringing your palms together, and bowing to the deities’ statues, or quietly observing the reverent prayers sent to the deities.

Take photos with the towers

The religious grandeur is not just a historical monument but also a picturesque backdrop for photographs. The characteristic Cham architecture provides stunning subjects for close-up snapshots, while the grand towers surrounded by lush greenery are perfect for wide-angle photos. Don’t miss the impressive stairs leading up to the hilltop from the entrance, which is an ideal spot to frame the grand scale of the whole complex and capture lasting memories against a majestic background.

Enjoy the view from the hilltop

One of the highlights of visiting the Po Nagar Cham Towers is the splendid panoramic view of Nha Trang city from the hilltop. Perched on the hill, the towers offer breathtaking landscapes of the animated city below, the sparkling sea with colorful fishing boats crisscrossing, and the lush mountains in the distance. There are plenty of benches under large trees, providing shade and a lovely breeze for a sit-down. After exploring the towers, take a moment to appreciate the stunning view and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before descending the stairs.

Watch traditional performances

Music and dance play an integral part in Cham culture. At Po Nagar Cham Towers, visitors can watch local dancers dressed in vibrant costumes and musicians playing traditional instruments in the communal courtyard. Spare some time to enjoy these lively performances, and feel free to join the artists in a dance or simply clap along to their songs. A small tip or even just a round of applause will be immensely appreciated.

Get a unique souvenir

Finally, you can’t leave without taking home some unique souvenirs that reflect the rich culture and history of the Cham civilization. You can easily find vendors both inside and outside the site, selling Cham-inspired jewelry, postcards, and other types of artwork. Po Nagar printed T-shirts and keychains are among the most popular items. Be aware of scams and make sure to agree on the price before purchasing. A small bargain of 10-30% is generally acceptable.

Practical tips

1. Be aware of the dress code: Po Nagar Cham Towers is a sacred place, so it’s important to dress modestly and respectfully. Shorts, mini skirts, and tank tops aren’t allowed inside the towers. Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, ideally long pants. The site also provides long robes free of charge for visitors who are unaware of the dress code.
2. Bring comfortable footwear: The main site is on a hill, which requires quite a bit of walking. Additionally, visitors are asked to remove footwear before entering the towers. Therefore, wearing comfortable shoes, such as sandals or slip-on sneakers, is recommended for an enjoyable visit.
3. Arrive early or late to avoid crowds: Since the historical site is a must-visit in Nha Trang, it’s inevitably packed after 9 a.m. To avoid crowds, try to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. These timeframes offer a more relaxed experience and a clearer backdrop if you’re an avid photographer. Especially after sunset, the heritage site is lit up with colorful LED lighting, creating an interesting mix of ancient and modern vibes.
4. Don’t miss the Po Nagar Festival: The major festival honoring the Goddess Thien Y A Na is held annually from the 20th to the 23rd of March (lunar calendar). The festival hosts a range of spiritual and traditional activities, including lively parades, musical performances, local street foods, and more.
5. Consider a local tour guide: There is very limited information about the elements inside the site, apart from some stelae telling the legend of the towers and names of the deities. If you’re interested in learning more about the stories and meanings behind the architectural symbols, it’s best to visit with a knowledgeable tour guide.

Po Nagar Cham Towers is a true testament to the Cham civilization. Not only rich in cultural and spiritual values, the heritage complex is also an excellent example of architectural beauty, which is enough to capture visitors’ hearts. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or photography enthusiast, the Po Nagar site offers a bit of everything, making it the ultimate destination in Nha Trang.