Khanh Hoa’s 1000-year-old Cham towers become tourist hotspots
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Po Nagar Tower in Bac Nha Trang ward, Khanh Hoa province (Photo: VNA)
Khanh Hoa (VNA)🦩 - Nestled along Vietnam’s south central coast, Khanh Hoa province is home to a cluster of ancient Cham towers standing tall for over a millennium. Packed with history, these sacred sites are now blowing up as must-see tourist spots.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers. Among them, the Po Klong Garai and Po Nagar complexes stand out for their historical significance, aesthetic appeal, and cultural value.
Perched on Trau Hill in Do Vinh ward, the Po Klong Garai complex, built between the late 13th and early 14th centuries, pays tribute to King Po Klong Garai (1151–1205), revered for his contributions to local irrigation and agriculture. The site includes the Main Tower, Fire Tower, and Gate Tower, with the 20.5m Main Tower boasting intricate designs and distinctive red baked bricks. Its construction technique, which allows bricks to seamlessly interlock without visible mortar, remains an unsolved mystery, adding to its enigmatic allure.
The complex is the heart and soul of the Cham Balamon community in southern Khanh Hoa, especially during the annual Kate Festival between late September and early October. This site, together with the Hoa Lai tower, was designated a Special National Monument in 2016. In 2024, the statue of King Po Klong Garai was officially recognised as a National Treasure.
An aerial view of the Po Nagar Tower complex (Photo: VNA)
Not far away, the Po Nagar Tower complex, set on Cu Lao Hill overlooking the Cai River in northern Nha Trang, is dedicated to the goddess Po Nagar (Thien Y A Na), the protector of land and people. Built between the 8th and 13th centuries, this site has been through historical upheavals but still radiates spiritual magic. Its Mandapa hall, with distinctive octagonal brick columns, and a cluster of towers, pull in thousands of visitors annually.
On July 10, the Po Nagar Tower complex was officially recognised as a Special National Monument. Its intangible cultural value shines during the annual Po Nagar Festival held from the 20th to 23rd of the third lunar month.
The Cham’s sophisticated bricklaying technique, with nearly invisible joints, continues to puzzle researchers. Intricate carvings of deities, dancers, and sacred animals, though worn by time, vividly reflect Hinduism’s profound influence on Cham artistry and spirituality.
To keep this legacy alive, Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Nguyen Van Hoa said local artisans from Bau Truc pottery village and My Nghiep weaving village put on traditional craft shows at Po Klong Garai. Tourists get a treat with Cham folk music and dance performances on weekends and holidays, plus two epic shows, “Lung Linh Xu Tram” and “Trang Soi Dang Thap” staged on the first and 15th of each lunar month.
The towers have also become popular check-in spots, with visitors donning traditional Cham attire for photos./.
Attracting major investors will bring in capital, advanced technology, and modern management expertise, helping to develop key industries, generate jobs, and promote local development, said a leader of the Van Phong Economic Zone.
With just a few days to go, the south central coastal city of Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa province is gearing up for its highlight summer event — the 2025 sea culture and tourism festival. As of now, preparations are nearly complete. The festival is expected to give a major boost to Khanh Hoa’s tourism sector.
Khanh Hoa leaders reaffirmed their strong commitment to further improving the local investment climate by streamlining administrative procedures, reducing licensing times, increasing transparency, and providing the best possible conditions for businesses and investors.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
Fostering linkage among regional localities and restructuring the tourism sector towards professionalism are among measures to boost the “smokeless industry” of the Mekong Delta.
