• Guided Tour to Po Nagar Cham Towers Nha Trang

Discover the timeless beauty of Po Nagar Cham Towers Nha Trang, one of Vietnam’s most treasured cultural landmarks. This ancient complex showcases the artistry and spirituality of the Champa civilization, offering travelers an authentic glimpse into local history and faith. 

1. Discover the Ancient Charm of Po Nagar Cham Towers

Location & Accessibility

  • Address: 61 Hai Thang Tu Street, Vinh Phuoc Ward, Nha Trang.
  • Setting: Built on a granite hill ~50 m above sea level with views of the Cai River and Nha Trang Bay.
  • Getting there: ~10 minutes by taxi or car from the city center; easy pick-up for guided tours.

Entrance Fee, Opening Hours

  • Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
  • Ticket: 30,000 VND/person (~US$1.2).

Po Nagar Cham Towers Nha Trang

2. The Story Behind Po Nagar Cham Towers Nha Trang

Historical Background

The Po Nagar Cham Towers were built between the 7th and 13th centuries, during the golden age of the Champa Kingdom and Hindu influence in Central Vietnam. The site served as a major religious center dedicated to the goddess Po Nagar, symbolizing prosperity and protection for the Cham people.

Stone inscriptions found at the site mention the Ha-Ra Bridge, a key trading route along the Cai River, showing that the area was once an active cultural and commercial hub.

The Legend of the Goddess Thien Y A Na

The towers are devoted to Goddess Thien Y A Na, or Po Ina Nagar, honored as the “Mother of the Land.” Legend says she appeared from clouds and sea foam to teach people farming, weaving, and pottery, helping them build a peaceful and abundant life.

Her statue inside the main tower features ten arms, each holding sacred objects such as a sword, arrow, bell, disc, and lotus, representing strength, creation, and wisdom.

Goddess Thien Y A Na, or Po Ina Nagar

Historical Events & Sacred Artifacts

In 774 CE, invaders from Java attacked Kauthara, destroyed the temple, and stole a golden Mukhalinga, a sacred symbol of Shiva. King Satyavarman rebuilt the shrine in 784, restoring its spiritual role for the Cham people.

The statue of the goddess has also changed through time — first made from agarwood, then gold, and finally black granite, the material seen today. This evolution reflects both cultural prosperity and the Cham people’s wish for lasting devotion.

Stole a golden Mukhalinga

3. Cultural Experiences on Your Guided Tour

Living Spiritual Heritage

A visit to Po Nagar Cham Towers offers travelers a genuine glimpse into local faith and tradition. Each day, you can see residents and Cham devotees bringing flowers and incense to honor the goddess. The gentle rhythm of bells and the scent of agarwood create a calm, spiritual atmosphere that welcomes every visitor.

Under your guide’s direction, you may take part respectfully—bowing, offering incense, or spending a few quiet moments for reflection. Joining this practice is an opportunity to understand how spiritual devotion continues to shape community life in Nha Trang today.

Respectfully - bow and offer incense at Po Nagar Cham Tower

Po Nagar Festival (March 20–23, Lunar Calendar)

If your trip falls in late March by the lunar calendar, you’ll witness the Po Nagar Festival, one of the largest cultural events in Khanh Hoa Province. For four days, thousands of pilgrims and locals gather to celebrate the Goddess Thien Y A Na, believed to protect the land and bless harvests.

The celebration includes parades, Cham dances, drum performances, and offerings of fruits and flowers. Each ritual expresses gratitude and respect passed down through generations. Your guide will explain the meaning behind these customs, helping you see how the festival keeps Cham heritage alive and connects it with Vietnamese culture.

Po Nagar Festival

Traditional Performances & Local Art

During your guided tour, you may also enjoy Cham cultural performances held in the courtyard of the temple complex. Dancers in bright costumes move gracefully to the beat of ancient drums and traditional flutes, re-creating the music once performed in royal ceremonies.

These performances highlight the artistry of the Cham people—rich in rhythm, color, and storytelling. Visitors are welcome to take photos and engage with the performers afterward. It’s a memorable way to appreciate the region’s living traditions while exploring one of the top attractions in Nha Trang Vietnam.

 

4. What’s Included in Vietpower Travel’s Guided Tour

Tour Highlights

Joining Vietpower Travel’s Guided Tour to Po Nagar Cham Towers allows travelers to experience this ancient site with the insight of a professional local guide. Each guide provides clear explanations about the towers’ history, architectural design, and the symbolic details often overlooked by casual visitors.

Your tour package includes:

  • Round-trip hotel transfers in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Entrance ticket to Po Nagar Cham Towers.
  • Complimentary bottled water throughout the trip.
  • Optional add-ons: relaxing mud bath at Thap Ba Hot Spring or a fresh seafood lunch at a local restaurant.

Suggested Itinerary for a Half-Day Tour to Po Nagar Cham Towers Nha Trang

Half-Day Morning Tour (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

Total Duration: Around 4 hours

 Route: Hotel → Po Nagar Cham Towers → Thap Ba Hot Spring / Hon Chong Promontory → Hotel

08:00 – 08:15 | Hotel Pickup

  • The Vietpower Travel guide and driver greet guests at their hotel (around Tran Phu, Nguyen Thien Thuat, or city center).
  • A short introduction to Nha Trang’s culture, the Champa civilization, and the story of Po Nagar Goddess is provided en route.

08:30 – 09:45 | Visit Po Nagar Cham Towers (Cu Lao Hill – 61 Hai Thang Tu Street)

  • Drive around 10 minutes to the site, located on a granite hill overlooking the Cai River and Nha Trang Bay.
  • The guide explains the 7th–13th century history, Cham architecture, and spiritual symbolism of each tower.
  • Activities:
    • Explore the Main Tower, Mandapa (Prayer Hall), and ancient stone columns.
    • Watch or join locals offering incense and praying to the goddess.
    • Enjoy Cham dance performances (available between 9:00 – 9:30 AM, depending on schedule).
  • Time on site: ~1 hour 15 minutes.

10:00 – 11:00 | Relaxation Option – Thap Ba Hot Spring (438 Ngo Den Street, 2.7 km away)

  • A short 7-minute drive from Po Nagar.
  • Activities include mud bath, mineral soak, and hydrotherapy – perfect for skin rejuvenation and relaxation after temple visits.
  • Duration: ~45 minutes.

Alternative Option: 10:00 – 11:00 | Scenic Stop – Hon Chong Promontory (Pham Van Dong Street, 2.1 km away)

  • Explore the natural rock formation known for its “Giant Handprint” legend.
  • Capture panoramic sea views and photos of Nha Trang Bay and Po Nagar in the distance.
  • Refresh with coconut water or iced coffee at a seaside café.

11:15 – 12:00 | Return to Hotel

  • Drive back to the hotel (approx. 10 minutes).
  • End of tour.
  • Your guide can recommend more attractions in Nha Trang Vietnam for the afternoon if you wish to continue exploring.

Explore the Main Tower and ancient stone columns at Po Nagar Cham Towers

Half-Day Afternoon Tour (1:30 PM – 5:30 PM)

Total Duration: Around 4 hours

 Route: Hotel → Po Nagar Cham Towers → Hon Chong / Thap Ba Hot Spring → Hotel

13:30 – 13:45 | Hotel Pickup

  • Pickup from the hotel lobby by the Vietpower Travel guide and driver.
  • Introduction to Nha Trang’s culture and sightseeing highlights.
  • Afternoon tours are ideal for travelers who prefer softer light, fewer crowds, and better photos.

14:00 – 15:15 | Guided Visit at Po Nagar Cham Towers

  • Explore the ancient Cham towers under warm afternoon light.
  • Learn about brickwork without mortar, Cham sculpture art, and the ten-armed goddess statue.
  • Take photos from the upper terrace with panoramic views of the Cai River and city skyline.
  • Optional: Cham music and dance performance between 3:00 – 3:30 PM (subject to availability).

15:30 – 16:30 | Choose Your Next Stop

Option 1 – Hon Chong Promontory:

  • Just a 7-minute drive from Po Nagar.
  • Hear local legends of “Mr. Chong and Mrs. Chong Rocks.”
  • Enjoy the sea breeze and sunset while taking beautiful photos.

Option 2 – Thap Ba Hot Spring:

  • Take a short soak in mineral mud baths – soothing after walking around the temple complex.
  • Towels and changing rooms are provided.

17:00 – 17:30 | Return to Hotel

  • Drive back to the hotel (~10 minutes).
  • Tour ends. Guests receive small local souvenirs (e.g., Po Nagar postcard).

Thap Ba Hot Spring

Optional Evening Extension (6:00 PM – 8:30 PM)

18:00 – 19:00 | Seafood Dinner by the River or Sea

  • Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant such as Gio Bien, Lang Bien, or Cay Dua, located near the Po Nagar and Hon Chong area.
  • Suggested menu: grilled shrimp, steamed squid with ginger, clams, or seafood fried rice.

19:15 – 20:15 | Cham Cultural Show (if available)

  • Watch live Cham drum and dance performances at an open-air stage or cultural center in the city.
  • Experience the music and costumes that preserve Cham traditions for modern audiences.

20:30 | Return to Hotel

  • Relax after a fulfilling day of cultural and culinary exploration.

Watch live Cham drum and dance performances

5. Travel Tips Before Visiting Po Nagar Cham Towers Nha Trang

Best Time to Visit Po Nagar Cham Towers Nha Trang

The best period to visit Po Nagar Cham Towers is during the dry season from January to August, when Nha Trang enjoys calm seas, mild sunshine, and blue skies — perfect for sightseeing and photography.

Early mornings (around 7:00–8:00 AM) and late afternoons (around 4:00–5:00 PM) are the most comfortable times to explore. These hours offer soft light for photos, cooler temperatures, and fewer visitors, allowing you to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this sacred site.

Avoid visiting at midday (11:00 AM–2:00 PM) during peak summer months, as temperatures can rise above 33°C.

Visitor Etiquette

Because Po Nagar Cham Towers remain an active place of worship, visitors are encouraged to show respect through proper behavior and dress:

  • Remove your shoes before entering any tower.
  • Keep quiet and move gently inside sacred spaces to maintain the tranquil setting.
  • Avoid flash photography during prayers or traditional ceremonies.
  • Dress modestly: wear clothes that cover shoulders and knees. Scarves and robes are provided at the entrance if needed.
  • Refrain from touching sacred statues or offerings, as they hold religious significance for local devotees

6. Nearby Attractions around Po Nagar Cham Towers Nha Trang

Attraction

Description

Address

Distance from Po Nagar Cham Towers

Approx. Travel Time

Hon Chong Promontory

A picturesque rocky beach famous for its “Giant Handprint” legend. Visitors can walk along the coast, take photos of Nha Trang Bay, or enjoy a coffee at nearby seaside cafés.

Pham Van Dong Street, Vinh Phuoc Ward, Nha Trang City

~2.1 km

About 5 minutes by car

Thap Ba Hot Spring Center

Well-known for its mud baths and mineral pools, perfect for relaxing after sightseeing. The natural hot spring water is believed to benefit both skin and health.

438 Ngo Den Street, Ngoc Hiep Ward, Nha Trang City

~2.7 km

About 7 minutes by car

Dam Market (Cho Dam)

The city’s oldest and busiest local market, where travelers can find souvenirs, dried seafood, handmade goods, and local snacks at good prices.

Ben Cho Street, Van Thanh Ward, Nha Trang City

~2.5 km

About 8 minutes by car

Long Son Pagoda

A historic Buddhist temple featuring a large white Buddha statue seated on a hilltop overlooking the city — one of Nha Trang’s most photographed landmarks.

22 Thai Nguyen Street, Phuoc Tan Ward, Nha Trang City

~5.2 km

About 15 minutes by car

Long Son Pagoda

7. Conclusion

Exploring Po Nagar Cham Towers Nha Trang allows you to step into the legacy of the Cham civilization and experience the spiritual heartbeat of coastal Vietnam. Each brick, sculpture, and ritual tells a story of devotion and timeless artistry. With Vietpower Travel, your journey is enriched by authentic insights, comfort, and professional guidance from local experts.

For bookings and detailed tour information, please contact:
Vietpower Travel Co., Ltd

  • Head Office: Tuan Hanh Building, No. 82, Lane 116, Nhan Hoa Street, Nhan Chinh Ward, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi, Vietnam
  • Hotline: +84 936 336 389
  • WhatsApp/Line/Viber: +84 947 522 266
  • Email: sales@vietpowertravel.com

8. FAQs – Po Nagar Cham Towers Nha Trang

1. How much is the entrance fee for Po Nagar Cham Towers?
The entrance fee to Po Nagar Cham Towers Nha Trang is 30,000 VND per person (approximately 1.2 USD). Tickets can be purchased directly at the gate and are valid for a single visit during the day.

2. What is the dress code for Po Nagar?
Visitors should dress modestly when entering the sacred towers. Clothes that cover shoulders and knees are required. If needed, free scarves and robes are available at the entrance to ensure visitors are dressed appropriately for this active place of worship.

3. How many Cham towers are there in Vietnam?
There are more than 50 Cham tower complexes across Central and Southern Vietnam, mainly in provinces such as Ninh Thuan, Binh Dinh, Quang Nam, and Khanh Hoa. Among them, the Po Nagar Cham Towers Nha Trang are considered one of the largest and best-preserved examples of Cham architecture.

4. How do I get to Po Nagar Cham Towers?
Po Nagar Cham Towers are located at 61 Hai Thang Tu Street, Vinh Phuoc Ward, Nha Trang, about 2 km north of the city center. You can reach the site easily by taxi, motorbike, bicycle, or guided tour. Joining a Vietpower Travel guided tour is a convenient option, as it includes hotel pickup, entrance tickets, and expert commentary on the site’s history and culture