Po Shanu Cham Towers. Mui Ne, Vietnam
Dating from the 9th century, the Po Shanu Cham Towers is a historic complex consisting of three ancient towers, though none are in particularly good condition. Nevertheless, the site makes for a worthwhile excursion from Mui Ne, Vietnam. Situated atop a hill near Phan Thiet, the location offers impressive views of the town and an intriguing sight of a nearby cemetery adorned with colorful, candy-like tombstones. It is certainly worth a visit.
The Po Shanu Cham Towers are located approximately 5 kilometers from Mui Ne, along the road to Phan Thiet, making it a simple and enjoyable destination for a motorbike trip. Begin your journey from landmarks like the Hai Au Resort (or Seagull Hotel) on Huynh Thuc Khang Street and head straight towards Phan Thiet.
The Cham people
The mysterious Po Shanu Cham Towers stand as a legacy of the great Hindu Cham Empire. Built by the Champa Kingdom, known for its Cham-pa people, these structures are relics of a civilization that spread from India and China between the 7th and 18th centuries. The Cham people, who migrated extensively across Southeast Asia and settled in areas such as Vietnam, Cambodia, France, and Malaysia, brought with them their Hindu religion. The three towers at this site were constructed as religious temples, with one tower destroyed by war but restored between 1994 and 2000.
The old fort
When I visited this year, I observed that the two pointed towers and the simpler adjoining structure are adorned with intricate decorations and serve as temples. The tallest, at 15 meters, is dedicated to Shiva, the God of Destruction, while the others honor Agni, the fire deity, and Nandi, the sacred bull. I found the site impressive—a testament to a once-thriving civilization preserved for future generations. Although the towers were designated as a national relic in 1991 and archaeological excavations were conducted from 1992 to 1994, it is somewhat disappointing that there is limited information available on-site.
Cato at the site
Next to the Po Shanu Cham Towers, I was struck by the sight of the ruins known as the Prince’s Castle. Perched atop Ba Nai Hill, this scenic spot evokes the image of an English palace from a traditional British film. The castle, built by Duke De Montpensier for hunting trips, provides a breathtaking panorama of Mui Ne, with views stretching from the mountains to the ocean’s rolling waves. Legend has it that the duke was so captivated by the scenery that he decided to construct a residence there. The name “Prince’s Castle” was given by locals, as its real name is unknown. This location is especially stunning at sunrise, sunset, or under the moonlight, which Vietnamese poet Han Mac Tu often praised in his works.
If you are in Mui Ne, don’t miss the chance to explore the Po Shanu Cham Towers and Prince’s Castle. The site also features a pagoda and a gift shop.
Po Sahnu Cham Towers
- Address: Phu Hai Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province
- Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Ticket price: From 10,000 to 15,000 VND/person
