Po Sah Inu Cham Towers | Mui Ne

Po Sah Inu Cham Towers – A Detailed Guide

The Po Sah Inu Cham Towers are a historic and cultural landmark located in Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam. These towers are part of the Cham civilization, a group of ancient people who once ruled central and southern Vietnam. The Po Sah Inu Cham Towers offer a unique glimpse into the Cham culture and architecture, making them a must-see attraction for history enthusiasts and those interested in exploring Vietnam's rich heritage.

1. Overview of Po Sah Inu Cham Towers

• Vietnamese Name: Tháp Pô Sah Inư
• Location: On a hill just outside of Phan Thiet Town, about 7 km north of Mui Ne.
• Constructed by: The Cham people around the 8th to 9th century.
• Significance: The towers were built to honor the Cham Hindu gods and are dedicated to Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction.

2. Architecture and Design

The Po Sah Inu Cham Towers are small compared to other ancient Cham sites, but they are renowned for their distinctive design and historical importance.

• Three main towers are situated on a small hill, offering great views of the surrounding landscape.
• Materials: The towers are constructed using brick and decorated with sculpted reliefs of Hindu deities and animals.
• The structures are made in the Cham Hindu architectural style, featuring rectangular bases, narrow windows, and carved stone figures.

Tower 1 (Main Tower)

• The largest of the three, dedicated to Shiva, the main deity of the Cham people’s Hindu worship.
• Features intricate carvings of goddesses and deities on the walls.

Tower 2

• Smaller in size, it is dedicated to the goddess Durga, Shiva’s consort.

Tower 3

• The smallest of the three towers, dedicated to the god Brahma, often linked to the creation aspect of the Hindu trinity.

3. Things to Do at Po Sah Inu Cham Towers

a) Explore the Towers

• The site consists of three main towers and various smaller structures.
• Wander around the towers and admire the ancient carvings of Hindu deities, mythological animals, and intricate geometric patterns.

b) Photography

• The Po Sah Inu Cham Towers are an excellent photography spot, with their distinctive architecture set against a beautiful hilly backdrop and the surrounding countryside.
• The site is also famous for its sunset views, with the towers providing a great vantage point.

c) Learn About Cham History and Culture

• The Po Sah Inu Cham Towers are a reminder of the Cham Kingdom, a once-powerful civilization that ruled over much of central and southern Vietnam.
• There are information boards at the site explaining the historical significance of the towers and the Cham people's religion.

d) Enjoy the Surrounding Views

• Located on a small hill, the site offers stunning views of Phan Thiet Town, Mui Ne, and the surrounding farmlands.
• It’s a peaceful location, perfect for taking in the natural beauty of the area while appreciating the historical significance of the site.

4. Best Time to Visit

• Morning: It’s best to visit in the early morning when the site is quieter, and the temperatures are cooler.
• Sunset: Another great time to visit is in the late afternoon, just before sunset, when the golden light makes the towers look especially beautiful.
• Midday: The site can get hot and crowded during midday, so it's not ideal.

5. How to Get to Po Sah Inu Cham Towers

• From Phan Thiet Town (~7 km):
  • By Taxi/Grab: (~50,000-100,000 VND or $2-4 USD).
  • By Motorbike: Rent a motorbike (~150,000-200,000 VND or $6-8 USD per day) and follow the directions to the site.
  • By Bicycle: A bicycle ride is an enjoyable and scenic way to reach the towers from Phan Thiet.
• From Mui Ne Town (~15 km):
  • Taxi/Grab (~100,000-150,000 VND or $4-6 USD).
  • By Motorbike: (~150,000-200,000 VND or $6-8 USD per day) or use a local bus.

6. Travel Tips for Visiting Po Sah Inu Cham Towers

• Wear comfortable shoes: The site is located on a hill, so be prepared for a bit of walking and climbing.
• Dress modestly: As a cultural and religious site, it’s important to dress respectfully when visiting the towers.
• Bring water: The area can get quite hot, especially in the summer months, so it's advisable to bring water to stay hydrated.
• Respect the site: The towers are important historical and religious sites, so be mindful of your behavior and avoid disturbing the surroundings.

7. Nearby Attractions

• Mui Ne Beach (~15 km away): Relax and enjoy the beach, or take part in water sports like windsurfing or kite surfing.
• Fairy Stream (Suoi Tien) (~6 km away): A shallow stream surrounded by red and white sand dunes and beautiful rock formations.
• Red Sand Dunes (~12 km away): A place for sandboarding, hiking, and enjoying panoramic views of the landscape.
• White Sand Dunes (~25 km away): A vast, desert-like landscape where you can enjoy jeep rides, sandboarding, and quad biking.

8. Why Visit Po Sah Inu Cham Towers?

The Po Sah Inu Cham Towers are a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Vietnam's ancient Cham culture and Hindu architecture. The towers offer a glimpse into a unique period of history and provide an opportunity to:

• Learn about the Cham civilization and their religious practices.
• Admire the intricate architecture and sculptures that have stood the test of time.
• Enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

If you're visiting Phan Thiet or Mui Ne, the Po Sah Inu Cham Towers are a historical gem that provides insight into Vietnam's rich and diverse cultural heritage.