Explore the charm of Vietnam travel with a visit to the Po Sah Inu Cham Towers in Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province. These historic towers stand as a testament to the Cham people's cultural legacy, providing an enchanting glimpse into history against the scenic backdrop of Binh Thuan's landscapes.
1. An overview of Po Sah Inu Cham Towers
- Address: Phu Hai Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province
- Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Ticket price: From 10,000 to 15,000 VND/person
The Po Sah Inu Towers are located approximately 7 kilometers northeast of Phan Thiet City Vietnam. Situated within the historical site of Lau Ong Hoang on Ba Nai Hill, these towers were constructed in the late 8th to early 9th century in the Champa Kingdom. This impressive tower complex represents the pinnacle of Cham architecture, showcasing an almost perfectly preserved and splendid beauty.
The Po Sah Inu Cham Towers in Vietnam are also associated with a legend well-known to the people of Binh Thuan. Po Sah Inu, a beautiful and gentle princess of the Champa Kingdom, fell in love with Po Sahaniempar, a Muslim leader. Despite religious differences, their true love blossomed. However, they were eventually separated. Po Sah Inu returned and led a peaceful life, imparting knowledge to the people about farming, weaving, and animal husbandry. To honor her contributions and talents, the people built a temple in her memory. Every year, a festival is held at the Po Sah Inu temple to celebrate and honor the compassionate and beautiful princess.
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2. The architecture of Po Sah Inu Cham Towers Binh Thuan
The Po Sah Inu Towers are designed in the Hoa Lai architectural style, an ancient Champa artistic form. The architecture consists of three main towers constructed from time-tinted red bricks. Each tower possesses a distinct architectural beauty and spiritual significance, setting it apart from other Cham Towers in Vietnam.
2.1. Tower A
Tower A, the largest, is dedicated to the deity Shiva and houses a monolithic black stone Linga-Yoni set. The tower boasts three tiers and stands about 16 meters tall. Its square base diminishes as it rises. Four air holes at the roof's center symbolize the harmony between the earth, the sky, and the divine. The bricks composing the tower are ingeniously stacked without any adhesive. The arched, west-facing entrance is adorned with intricate carvings of peculiar flowers and figures. This tower retains the most intact architectural structure among the complex's remnants.
2.2. Tower B
Tower B of the Po Sah Inu Cham Towers Binh Thuan relics, also comprising three tiers, is approximately 12 meters tall and smaller than Tower A. It exhibits the characteristic red bricks, arched doorways, and Champa carvings, though they are simpler than those on Tower A. It once held the statue of the bull deity Nandin, but now only a foot and an ear carved in stone remain after an excavation in 1995. In front of Tower B lies a spacious courtyard used for the Kate Festival's rituals.
2.3. Tower C
Adjacent to the main tower, Tower C is the smallest and is dedicated to the fire deity. After multiple collapses and erosion, only a portion remains, standing over 4 meters tall and featuring a solitary east-facing entrance. Time has eroded most exterior architectural elements and artistic decorations, leaving only traces of the original design. This area serves as a place for offerings before proceeding to the main tower for worship.
3. Annual festivals taking place in Po Sah Inu Towers
When visiting the Po Sah Inu Cham Towers, visitors not only admire the beauty of the ancient Champa towers but also engage in unique traditional folk festivals. This site hosts prominent folk festivals, some of the liveliest among Vietnam festivals. These events aim to seek peace, pray for rain, ensure safe sea voyages, honor the ancestors, and worship deities.
- Kate Festival: This traditional festival of the Cham people takes place in October every year (on the first day of the seventh month in the Cham calendar). The Kate Festival commemorates Princess Po Sah Inu and seeks blessings of peace and fortune. During the festival, participants engage in religious activities, dancing, singing, and traditional folk games.
- Rija Nugar Festival (Cham Lunar New Year) and Poh Mbang Yang Festival (Tower Opening Festival): These two festivals occur at the beginning of the year, featuring numerous special cultural activities.
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4. How to get to Po Sah Inu Cham Towers Binh Thuan?
To reach the Po Sah Inu Towers, travelers in Phan Thiet can take a taxi or motorbike from the city center. Following Vo Nguyen Giap Road is just a 30-minute journey. If you are in Ho Chi Minh City, take the expressway from Ho Chi Minh City to Long Thanh to Dau Giay/DT01 and the 1A highway, covering around 200 kilometers in 4-5 hours. Utilize Google Maps and local guidance to ensure accuracy.
For air travelers, land at Cam Ranh Airport and then commute to the Towers since Phan Thiet lacks an airport. The airport is located around 200 kilometers from Phan Thiet. From there, use a taxi or bus along the 1A highway to reach the Po Sah Inu Cham Towers.
In addition to the ancient Cham Towers Binh Thuan, specifically in Phan Thiet City and the broader Binh Thuan province, there are numerous renowned tourist destinations that you definitely wouldn’t want to miss. These include Mui Ne Fishing Village, Ke Ga Lighthouse, Ta Cu Mountain, Red Sand Dunes, Fairy Stream, Phan Thiet Market, Hon Rom Island, and more.
Apart from Phan Thiet City Vietnam, travelers coming to Vietnam must not overlook captivating natural and cultural attractions. Notable mentions are Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Da Nang, and Ha Long, offering a comprehensive travel experience.
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In the heart of Binh Thuan lies the captivating Po Sah Inu Cham Towers, a testament to the rich legacy of the Cham people. As you explore these ancient towers and immerse yourself in the stories they hold, you will journey through time, discovering the intricate architecture and spiritual significance that make them a treasured gem of Vietnam's heritage. A visit to the Po Sah Inu Towers is an opportunity to connect with the enduring spirit of a bygone era, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for the cultural richness of Binh Thuan.
