🛕 Po Klong Garai Cham Towers – A Timeless Symbol of Cham Heritage

📍 Location: Trau Hill, south of Thap Cham and Phan Rang
🕰️ Opening Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎟️ Entrance Fee: Yes (affordable)
🚖 How to Get There: Take a xe ôm (motorbike taxi) from Thap Cham Station or Phan Rang. 🛵 Prefer to walk? Head south of town and cross the railway tracks.

🏯 A Glorious Legacy on the Southern Coast

Set atop the rugged Trau Hill, the Po Klong Garai Cham Towers rise proudly against the sky, offering one of the most captivating sights along Vietnam’s southern coastline. 🌅 Built around the 14th century, after the reign of King Jaya Simhavarman III — to whom the site is dedicated — the complex represents the architectural and spiritual heart of the Cham people.

The site features:

  • A towering kalan (main sanctuary)

  • A smaller gate tower

  • A repository, where offerings were once placed under a beautifully curved, boat-shaped roof ⛵

✨ The centerpiece is the majestic kalan, standing 25 meters tall. From afar, its textured surface is striking, while up close you can admire:

  • A mesmerizing bas-relief of a six-armed Shiva dancing above intricately carved doorposts

  • Ancient Cham inscriptions

  • Stonework flames crackling around the arches 🔥

  • Other divine figures seated in meditative poses inside niches surrounding the outer walls.

🛕 Inside the Sacred Sanctuary

Venture deeper into the kalan’s core to discover a mukha lingam, believed to represent King Po Klong Garai himself. 🗿 Traditionally, local farmers would visit the vestibule to offer symbolic “meals” to the statue of Nandi, Shiva’s sacred bull 🐂, praying for bountiful harvests.

Today, this vibrant ritual continues annually during the Kate Festival 🎉 (Cham New Year), typically held in October. If you visit during this special time, you’ll witness:

  • Traditional Cham music and dance performances on the eve of the festival 🎶💃

  • A colorful procession the following morning, where the king’s ceremonial garments are carried in a joyous parade up to the tower.

🌟 Experience the Spirit of the Cham People

Whether you’re passionate about history, architecture, or cultural traditions, Po Klong Garai offers an unforgettable glimpse into the spiritual life of the Cham civilization — set against stunning natural landscapes.

Travel Tip: 📸 Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds!