1. Where is Banh It Cham Temple? How to get there?
Banh It Cham Temple is a striking cultural and architectural site located in Tuy Phuoc Bac Commune, Gia Lai Province (formerly Phuoc Hiep Commune, Tuy Phuoc District, Binh Dinh Province). It sits atop a hill between two branches of the Kon River, beside National Highway 1A, about 20 kilometers from the center of former Quy Nhon City.
From downtown Quy Nhon, travelers can take Dong Da Street, cross the Ha Thanh 1 Bridge, and then follow Highway 19 to Vo Nguyen Giap Street. After crossing Ha Thanh Bridges 2, 3, 4, and 5, turn left at the roundabout onto Highway 19. Continue for about 12.5 kilometers, then turn right near the Vietnam People’s Army barracks. Go straight for 500 meters, and the temple complex will appear on the left.
After purchasing tickets, visitors can either climb the stone steps to the towers or hire a motorbike taxi to the base.
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2. History and significance of Banh It Cham Temple
Historians date Banh It Cham Towers to the late 11th to early 12th century, built during the reigns of Kings Harivarman IV and V. Its architecture reflects the transitional style from My Son A1 to Binh Dinh, blending graceful symmetry with bold, monumental design.
In 1909, French scholar Henri Parmentier praised the artistic value of Banh It Cham Towers in the context of Champa heritage. The towers were declared a National Architectural Relic in 1982 and ranked among Vietnam’s top ten most-visited ancient towers in 2014 by the Vietnam Records Organization. Especially in 2015, the complex was the country’s only representative in 1001 Architectural Works You Must See in Your Lifetime by Quintessence Publishing (UK).
For centuries, the site hosted traditional Cham ceremonies, especially during spring and autumn festivals. Among them, the Kate Festival was held on a large scale with full rituals and community celebrations. Today, while the Cham community has largely relocated, the towers still carry profound meaning as a symbol of cultural heritage and spiritual value left by their ancestors.
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3. What to do at Banh It Cham Temple?
3.1. Admire ancient towers
When visiting Banh It Cham Towers, visitors will be impressed by the ancient and majestic beauty of the towers. From afar, the complex resembles banh it (a local sticky rice cake), which inspired its name. Built of sandstone, granite, and sculpted bricks, the towers face east and display statues and reliefs of linga, yoni, the sacred bird Garuda, and other symbols of fertility and harmony of yin and yang.
Covering more than 7,000 square meters, this is the largest Cham tower cluster in former Binh Dinh Province, consisting of four main towers: Kalan Tower, Kosagrha Tower, Gopura Tower, and Posah Tower. Each tower has its own unique architecture and style.
3.1.1. Kalan tower
Kalan Tower, or the Main Tower, is the largest structure in the Banh It Cham Temple complex, located at the highest point on the hill. It is 29.6 meters high with a square base, each side 12 meters long, one main entrance, and three false doors. The main entrance projects 2 meters outward with a spearhead-shaped arch, and in the middle is the relief of Kala, a protective deity.
On the roof edges are depictions of the monkey god Hanuman dancing, while the false doors are decorated with Gajasimha reliefs (elephant-trunked lions). Inside stands a replica of the Shiva statue, preserving its original beauty, considered the oldest Cham sculpture in Binh Dinh.
3.1.2. Kosagrha tower
Next to the Kalan Tower is the Kosagrha Tower with a rectangular structure. The tower is 10 meters high, 12 meters long, 5 meters wide, and its walls are 1.4 meters thick. This work is also called the Saddle Tower, as the roof is curved inward in the middle like a saddle. It served as a storage house where the ancient Cham people placed ritual objects.
3.1.3. Gopura tower
About 30 meters below Kalan Tower in the Banh It Cham Temple complex stands Gopura Tower. It is about 12 meters high, with a square base of 7 meters per side. The architecture of the tower is similar to that of Kalan Tower, showing consistency in overall design. Located to the east, it has only one passage through two doors in the east-west direction. The doorway is built in the typical Gopura style with spearhead-shaped arches layered upward.
3.1.4. Posah tower
Halfway up the hill, on the left side, Posah Tower has a square structure. All four doors of the tower are open, unlike most Cham towers in the region. Its roof is decorated with many gourd-shaped blocks with rhythmic curves, softening the geometric lines of the lower tier. It is the reason why it is also called the Wine Gourd Tower.
3.2. Enjoy sightseeing and phototaking
With moss-covered walls and tranquil surroundings, Banh It Cham Temple exudes the atmosphere of a forgotten world, ideal for reflective moments and timeless photos. Moreover, the contrast between the towers’ fiery brick tones, the blue sky, and the lush greenery of the surrounding landscape forms a breathtaking backdrop for photography.
Watching the sunrise at the top of Banh It Towers is also a special experience. Under the radiant morning light, the towers are imbued with poetic, mysterious, solemn beauty. Visitors can also admire the elaborately carved reliefs around the towers. These reliefs depict mythological stories and historical tales of the once-glorious Cham culture.
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4. Guide for visitors to Banh It Cham Temple
4.1. Opening hours & entrance fee
As of September 2025, the information about opening hours and ticket prices at Banh It Cham Towers is:
- Entrance fee: 20,000 VND/person
- Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
*Note: The information in this article is for reference purposes only and may be subject to change over time.
4.2. Important notes
To have an enjoyable trip to explore Banh It Towers, you should note the following:
- Bring cool clothing, hats, masks, umbrellas, sunscreen, and drinking water.
- Prepare all necessary personal documents, entrance tickets, and some cash for souvenirs or food.
- Respect the historical site: do not touch statues or reliefs, and refrain from scribbling or littering.
- Hire a tour guide or learn about the history, architecture, and significance of the towers in advance for a more enriching experience.
FAQs related to Banh It Cham Temple
What is Banh It Cham Temple famous for?
It is celebrated for its Cham-style architecture, cultural heritage, and panoramic hilltop scenery with sweeping views of rivers and rice fields.
How old is Banh It Cham Temple?
Banh It dates back to the late 11th and early 12th centuries, built during the height of the Cham civilization.
How do I get to Banh It Cham Temple from Quy Nhon?
The site is about 20-30 minutes from Quy Nhon and can be reached by motorbike, taxi, or private vehicle.
What should I wear when visiting Banh It Cham Temple?
As it is a historic and sacred site, modest attire is advised. Comfortable footwear is recommended for climbing the steps.
How long does it take to explore Banh It Cham Temple?
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours walking around, exploring the ruins, and taking photographs.
What is the best time to visit Banh It Cham Temple?
Early morning or late afternoon are ideal, with cooler weather and soft natural light perfect for sightseeing and photography.
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Banh It Cham Temple is more than a historic landmark; it is a window into the rich cultural legacy of the Cham civilization. With its ancient towers, intricate carvings, and serene hilltop setting, the site offers both history and tranquility. A visit to Banh It Towers promises a meaningful experience for those who love heritage, architecture, and timeless beauty.
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