Binh Dinh, a land of sunshine and wind in Central Vietnam, is not only famous for its blue beaches and white sand but also a place preserving the golden mark of the once-glorious Champa Kingdom. Ancient and majestic towers stand tall against the sky, containing mysterious stories of a civilization that once dominated the region. Let’s join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel the World) on a journey to explore the Cham Pa relics in Binh Dinh, where time seems to stand still, allowing you to fully appreciate the unique architectural beauty and rich history of the Cham people.
Binh Dinh – Gateway to Exploring the Champa Kingdom
The Champa Kingdom, an ancient civilization that once flourished in Central Vietnam, left behind a priceless cultural heritage, especially its unique system of temples and towers. Binh Dinh, with its strategic geographical location, was once an important political, economic, and cultural center of Champa. This place was not only the magnificent capital of Do Ban but also home to many distinctive religious and belief architectural works, demonstrating the peak development of Cham art.
Today, Binh Dinh proudly stands as one of the localities that best preserves and maintains Cham Pa relics in Vietnam. Coming to Binh Dinh, visitors not only admire the unique architectural beauty of ancient towers but also have the opportunity to learn more about the history, culture, and spiritual values that the Cham Pa people painstakingly built. The journey to explore Cham Pa relics in Binh Dinh promises to bring unforgettable experiences, helping you better understand a heroic part of Vietnamese history.
Duong Long Towers – The Tallest Cham Architectural Masterpiece in Southeast Asia
Speaking of Cham Pa relics in Binh Dinh, one cannot ignore Duong Long Towers, a unique and most impressive Cham tower complex. Located about 50km northwest of Quy Nhon city center, Duong Long Towers stand majestically amidst a peaceful countryside, attracting all eyes with their ancient and dignified beauty. This tower complex includes three large towers, built around the late 12th – early 13th centuries, a period when the Champa Kingdom was entering a period of decline.
Duong Long Cham Towers, a popular tourist destination in Binh Dinh.
Duong Long Towers are not only prominent for their massive scale but also for their unique architecture, harmoniously combining Cham Pa and Khmer styles. The central tower is the tallest with a height of about 39 meters, considered the tallest Cham tower still standing in Southeast Asia. The towers are built of dark red bricks, with sophisticated construction techniques; the bricks are tightly fitted together without mortar. The decorative patterns on the towers are extremely rich and delicate, clearly showing the distinctive Cham Pa sculptural art. Coming to Duong Long Towers, visitors not only admire a magnificent architectural work but also immerse themselves in a space of spiritual culture, feeling the intersection of ancient civilizations.
Banh It Tower – Graceful Beauty by the Con River
Banh It Tower, also known as Thi Thiep Tower, is one of the most beautiful and famous Cham Pa tower complexes in Binh Dinh. Located on a high hill, next to National Highway 1A, Banh It Tower appears like a graceful Cham Pa flower, shyly nestled in the poetic natural scenery. This tower complex includes four towers, with many different architectural styles, built around the 11th – 12th centuries.
Banh It Cham Towers, a famous one-day tour in Binh Dinh.
The Main Tower, the largest and most beautiful tower in the complex, has a unique four-petal flower architecture, with soft, flexible curves. The remaining towers have different architectural styles, creating diversity and richness for the Banh It Tower complex. Standing on Banh It Hill, visitors can overlook the entire fertile countryside of Binh Dinh, with the winding Con River and green rice fields. Banh It Tower is not only a historical and cultural relic but also an attractive tourist destination, offering visitors wonderful experiences of architecture, history, and natural landscapes.
Twin Towers – Unique Symbol of Cham Architecture in Quy Nhon
Located right in the heart of Quy Nhon city, the Twin Towers are one of the most unique and easily accessible Cham Pa relics. Unlike other Cham towers that usually stand alone or in clusters of three, the Twin Towers consist of two towers standing side by side, like a pair of lovers closely attached. The Twin Towers were built around the late 12th – early 13th centuries, bearing the typical Binh Dinh architectural style.
Twin Cham Towers in Quy Nhon, a popular tourist destination in Vietnam.
The architecture of the Twin Towers is different from other Cham towers, with square tower bodies and few decorative patterns, but it makes a strong impression with its robustness and solidity. In particular, the roof of the tower is decorated with Garuda bird and stone elephant images, creating a unique and lively feature. The Twin Towers are not only an important historical relic but also a cultural symbol of Quy Nhon city, attracting many tourists to visit and learn about Cham Pa history. In the evening, the Twin Towers are beautifully lit, becoming a romantic and attractive destination for tourists and locals alike.
Explore More Cham Pa Relics in Binh Dinh
Besides Duong Long Towers, Banh It Tower, and Twin Towers, Binh Dinh also owns many other Cham Pa relics, each with its own beauty and historical value. Visitors can explore Do Ban Citadel, the ancient capital of the Champa Kingdom, which still retains traces of a golden age. In addition, towers such as Thu Thien Tower, Hon Chuong Tower, Canh Tien Tower, Phu Loc Tower… are also interesting destinations for those who want to learn more about Cham Pa culture.
One-day Cham Towers tour in Binh Dinh, a cultural excursion for tourists.
Each tower, each ancient brick contains historical stories, unique cultural and artistic values of the Cham Pa people. The journey to explore Cham Pa relics in Binh Dinh is not just a simple sightseeing trip but also a journey back in history, helping us better understand the heroic past of our nation and cherish the cultural heritage that our ancestors left behind.
Travel Tips for Exploring Cham Pa Relics in Binh Dinh
To have a complete and meaningful journey to explore Cham Pa relics in Binh Dinh, visitors should note some of the following experiences:
- Ideal time to visit: The dry season (from March to September) is the most suitable time to travel to Binh Dinh, with sunny weather and little rain, favorable for visiting outdoor relics.
- Transportation: Visitors can get to Binh Dinh by plane, train, or bus. In Quy Nhon city, motorbikes and taxis are popular means of transport. To visit Cham Pa relics located far from the center, visitors can rent cars or self-drive motorbikes.
- Clothing: When visiting religious and belief relics, visitors should choose polite and discreet clothing. Comfortable shoes should be worn for easy movement and exploration.
- Learn information in advance: Before going, visitors should learn information about the history and architecture of Cham Pa relics to have a more overview and deeper understanding of these destinations.
- Hire a tour guide: If you want to learn more about Cham Pa history and culture, visitors can hire a local tour guide. The guide will help visitors discover interesting and mysterious things hidden in each relic.
- Combine visiting other tourist attractions: Binh Dinh not only has Cham Pa relics but also many other attractive tourist destinations such as Ky Co beach, Eo Gio, Hon Kho, Cu Lao Xanh… Visitors can combine visiting these tourist destinations to have a diverse and rich trip.
Conclusion
The journey to explore Cham Pa relics in Binh Dinh is an extremely meaningful historical and cultural experience. The ancient and majestic towers are not only unique architectural works but also historical witnesses, telling the story of a glorious civilization. Come to Binh Dinh to admire the beauty of Cham Pa architecture, learn about the heroic history of the nation, and feel the unique cultural intersection between the past and the present. Surely, this trip will leave you with deep and unforgettable impressions of this sunny and windy Central region.