Po Sah Inu Cham Towers: A Legacy of the Champa Kingdom
The Po Sah Inu Cham Towers, or Tháp Po Sah Inư, represent a profound connection to the vanished Champa Kingdom, which once flourished across Southern and Central Vietnam. These iconic, red-brick towers stand proudly atop Ba Nai Hill in Phan Thiet, offering visitors not only a stunning panoramic view of the coastline but also an invaluable glimpse into the region’s ancient culture and history.
History and Spiritual Significance
Construction began in the late 8th to early 9th century, making these towers one of the oldest surviving Cham relics in Binh Thuan.
Dedicated to Deities: The complex originally honored the Hindu deity Shiva, one of the supreme gods in the Cham pantheon. The main tower still houses a monolithic black stone Linga-Yoni set, symbolizing the power of Shiva and the creation of life. Additionally, the site is named after Princess Po Sah Inu, a beloved Champa princess renowned for her virtue and for teaching the locals about farming and weaving.
Cultural Endurance: Though many Cham temples were destroyed, these three towers survived, becoming a focal point for the remaining Cham community. Today, local Cham people from the surrounding villages gather here annually for essential traditional rituals and festivals, such as the Kate festival, thereby preserving their cultural and spiritual heritage. Furthermore, fishermen often visit to pray for safe voyages and abundant catches.
Unique Architecture (The Hoa Lai Style)
The towers are magnificent examples of the Hoa Lai architectural style, one of the oldest art forms of the Champa civilization.
Brick Mastery: Builders constructed the towers entirely from reddish-orange baked bricks. Surprisingly, no mortar was used to bond the bricks; instead, the Cham people used a complex, sophisticated technique—possibly employing a vegetable resin—that allowed the bricks to fit together with exceptional tightness. This engineering marvel explains the structures’ survival over twelve centuries.
The Complex: The site comprises three towers: the largest Main Tower (Kalan), reaching about 16 meters, and two smaller towers. The Main Tower showcases intricate carvings over its arched western entrance, while the other smaller towers, previously dedicated to other Hindu deities like Agni (God of Fire) or Nandi (Shiva’s bull), possess a simpler, elegant design.
Practical Visitor Information
A visit to the towers is easily combined with a trip to the nearby Mui Ne attractions.
Address: W4PW+9CJ, Phú Hài, Thành phố Phan Thiết, Bình Thuận, Vietnam. The site is located on Ba Nai Hill, roughly 7 kilometers northeast of Phan Thiet city center.
Entrance Fee: Visitors must pay a minimal entrance fee, typically around 15,000 VND to 20,000 VND per person.
Operating Hours: The towers are generally open from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Essential Tips: Dress respectfully, as this remains an active religious site. The hilltop location makes early morning or late afternoon the best time to visit, providing cooler temperatures and the best light for photography. Allow 30 to 60 minutes to explore the entire complex and enjoy the scenic views.
