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Cham Ponagar Towers |
The Po Nagar Cham Towers are situated on Cu Lao marble hill, 2km north of Nha Trang. These towers were built between the 8th and 13th centuries. The largest of the four remaining towers was built in honour of the Goddess Po Nagar, also known as Lady Thien Y Ana or Lady Mother of the Kingdom. The prime location of these towers give you an insight into the culture of the ancient Cham people through the remnants of their brick temples dating from the 17 to 12 centuries. The north tower is 23 high and is dedicated to Po Nagar who was a mythical goddess. Parts of the towers have undergone renovations in an effort to preserve them for future generations and tourist dollars. There used to be more towers, but they have been destroyed over time, and now there are only four functional towers left. They are still used as places of worship, and there is a group of nuns that may show you around with their best sign language and smiles. There is a small interesting museum to the right of the north tower displaying photographs and ancient statues. Unfortunately most of the information is only n Vietnamese. The hillock upon which the Cham Towers sit offers a great panorama of the surrounds and a view over the entrance to the Cai river with Nha Trang as a background. There are a number of cafes within the grounds of the towers selling ridiculously priced food and drink.The entrance to the site is at street level followed by a staircase op the hill to the towers. On you way up, on the right, you will notice the remains of the meditation hall, which was the original entrance for Cham worshippers. The north tower is the largest and main one situated on a higher level directly in front of the meditation hall. The other smaller towers are onlymeters away from this and all of them are militaristically facing due east. Make sure you take off your shoes before entering any of the temples here. There are many beggars along the stairs on the way up to the Cham Towers, that have particularly bad problems.The Cham Towers are on the north bank of the Cai River and are about a ten minute bike ride from the center of Nha Trang town. Follow Quang Trung Street from the center of town which turns into 2 thang 4 street. This will take you over Ha Ra bridge and then Xom Bong Bridge.
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