Sunny Vietnam is not only one of the best places to relax, famous for its picturesque nature and luxurious beaches. The ancient country is proud of its cultural heritage, which tourists dream of getting to know. One of the main archaeological sites is located in Nha Trang - a bright, noisy and cheerful resort, which was considered the capital of the kingdom of Champa (Chăm Pa) many centuries ago.
A shrine with amazing energy
The temple complex, of which the Cham towers (Nha Trang) are a part, appeared between the 7th and 12th centuries. It was not dedicated to any one religion; both Buddhists and Hindus found their place here. Throughout the history of its existence, the religious building has withstood a lot: invasions of pirates, fires and even revolutionary uprisings. After all the destruction, the inhabitants always restored their shrine, sincerely believing in its powerful energy. The Vietnamese consider this colorful landmark a strong spiritual place and hold various festivals here.pagan rites, not very clear to Europeans.
Cult building
The mystical Cham towers, reminiscent of pyramids, are recognized as the oldest building in the city. Po Nagar Cham Towers, which are more than a thousand years old, are still admired for their amazing beauty. In a unique place, in a matter of minutes you can travel back several centuries and find yourself in a time when Nha Trang was an important cultural center of the powerful Cham civilization.
Where are the Cham towers?
How to get to the sacred place? The towers are located to the north of Nha Trang, on Mount Cù Lao, which offers absolutely fantastic views of the surroundings of the city. The unique monument of antiquity is located just behind the Kai River bridge. From the center of the resort you can reach the architectural complex on foot in 30 minutes. However, due to the intense heat, it will be difficult for many to overcome a long way to see the Po Nagar Cham towers, so it is better to use a taxi (the fare will not exceed $ 3) or public transport. Regular bus number 4 runs along the embankment from the Vinpearl amusement park and stops near the entrance to the religious complex.
You can take a sightseeing tour at any travel agency, however, its cost can reach from 10 to 80 dollars, and this difference in price is due to the fact that the agencies provide different services.
A place where history comes alive
The entrance to the Cham towers, decorated with columns of differentlength, located on the east side, where tourists are met by a staircase leading to the sights. Once upon a time, many centuries ago, priests of an ancient cult solemnly ascended it and sacrificed animals, praying to their gods for a good harvest and long-awaited rain. In order not to destroy the ancient steps, a new staircase was built for visitors to the historical monument, bypassing the columns. Foreign guests are not allowed to sacred places.
The ancient buildings of red unbaked clay did not stand the test of time, and six of the ten towers, each of which had a special architectural composition, collapsed. The city authorities are kind to the shrine, they try to keep the Cham towers in good condition and often restore them.
Many centuries ago, there was a meditation hall under the complex, where residents tuned in to pray in the temple. On the remnants of the great Cham civilization, religious events and ritual ceremonies are now being held in which the Vietnamese take part.
Remains of the temple complex
The main and highest tower was erected in honor of the goddess Po Nagar (Ponagar) - the wife of the powerful Shiva, who personified beauty, grace, creativity. She taught the locals how to properly engage in agriculture and crafts. This incredibly graceful 28-meter structure, the top of which is decorated with various patterns.
The other three Cham towers are dedicated to the formidable Shiva and his sons - Ganesha and Skanda. They are excellent examplesCham architecture.
The inside of the complex smells pleasantly of incense, and tourists seem to be immersed in a mystical fog, in which smoked walls and golden statues look very impressive.
March Festival
Every year at the end of March, travelers from different countries rush to the colorful Buddhist festival in Nha Trang. The reviews of tourists are full of the most enthusiastic emotions, and this is quite understandable: bewitching ceremonies are held in the towers, and mass theatrical performances fascinatingly tell about the history of the country. The festival in honor of the goddess Po Nagar is divided into two parts: first, the statue is dressed in bright outfits, and then a divine service is held.
Special atmosphere
Guests of the resort try to be alone in a cult place, touch the walls that remember a lot, sit away from the human stream and reflect on themselves and their lives. Tourists admit that they felt this place, its spiritual power and felt a special atmosphere.
They enter the Po Nagar Cham towers and pray there for the most secret. It doesn’t matter what faith you are, because according to legends, you need to visit all the buildings and share your experiences with higher powers, and everyone decides for himself what to ask, what to wish.
And the Vietnamese come to the towers to beg for children. It is believed that this is the best place for those who have problems conceiving. From the very early morning, residents visit the shrine and make offerings to the gods.
Infrastructure has been established on the territory of the former temple complex: there are zonesrecreation with benches and fountains, cafes, souvenir shops. Nearby there is a small exhibition hall where you can get acquainted with the life and life of the ancient Chams, look at ancient sculptural exhibits.
Dress code for visitors
Because the Cham towers (Nha Trang) are a religious building, it is necessary to remember the correct form of clothing. You can walk around the complex in any outfit, but tourists will be allowed to enter inside only with a certain dress code: the shoulders and knees of those entering must be covered, and their feet should be bare. Those who come in inappropriate clothing are given gray-blue robes at the entrance.
Cost of visit
Entrance ticket costs one dollar, and for two you can hire an English-speaking guide who will lead a tour of the sacred territory, open daily from six in the morning to six in the evening.
A resort with amazing sights
An independent trip to the towers can be combined with a visit to other sights that noisy Nha Trang is famous for. What else to see for a tourist who has arrived on vacation?
You can't miss the Long Son Pagoda, the city's most visited temple, famous for its snow-white Buddha statue visible from different parts of the resort. To climb to the top, you have to climb 150 steps, but the panorama that opens from above is worth it.
St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral is the largest and most beautiful building that Nha Trang is proud of. What to see inside the temple? Pointed arches are of great interest,multi-colored stained-glass windows playing in the sun, graceful statues of saints, near which it is allowed to take pictures.
Marine Sanctuary (Moon Island) and Young Bay Ecological Park are living natural places of amazing beauty and suitable for families. Here, time flies unnoticed, and every person needs a charge of vivacity and positive emotions.
Nha Trang: reviews of tourists
The resort, where life does not stop even at night, delights its guests with hospitality and developed infrastructure. The city is full of architectural, religious and historical monuments, and it is simply impossible to get to know them all in a few days of vacation.
Tourists sadly say goodbye to the sunny resort, which has no problems with housing and entertainment. Nha Trang is beautiful weather, warm sea and many opportunities to have a great vacation both in the city and in its environs.
The simplicity of the visa regime attracts many travelers who dream of soaking up the golden beaches, exploring the underwater world and getting to know the ancient culture.
