Po Nagar Cham Towers: A slow journey through the Cham heritage

Amidst Nha Trang – Khánh Hòa, famous for its beaches and islands, the Po Nagar Cham Towers stand out as a tranquil haven. Here, the history of Champa from the 8th to 13th centuries is not only embodied in the ancient bricks but also present in the daily religious life. Miss Vietnam 2024 Ha Truc Linh's visit demonstrates how a slow, deliberate experience can help visitors connect with the cultural depth of this heritage site.

Cham Pa heritage site amidst the Khánh Hòa sea

The Po Nagar Cham Towers, built between the 8th and 13th centuries, are one of the most important religious structures of the Cham people. Over the centuries, the tower complex has remained a popular tourist and pilgrimage destination attracting numerous domestic and international visitors, becoming a distinctive symbol of Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa.

Amidst Khanh Hoa's focus on developing tourism as an economic growth engine, the Po Nagar Cham Towers remind visitors that this coastal region boasts not only stunning natural landscapes but also a rich cultural heritage. Here, the Cham past and the dynamic present coexist in a shared space.

Following slowly along the moss-covered brick towers.

During the seminar "Khanh Hoa Tourism - A Growth Pole Driving Economic Pillars" organized by Tien Phong Newspaper in collaboration with the Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee on December 19th, Miss Vietnam 2024 Ha Truc Linh took the time to visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers. Instead of rushing to take photos and leave, she chose to walk slowly, observe, and listen.

Appearing simply dressed in an ancient setting, Ha Truc Linh spent much of her time standing silently amidst the moss-covered brick towers. There, visitors can clearly sense the interesting contrast: on one side, the rhythm of modern life, and on the other, structures that have existed for thousands of years, yet where religious life continues to flourish.

Miss Vietnam 2024 shared that her first impression of the place was one of tranquility, peace, and sacredness, as if she were touching a very ancient historical flow. According to her, the beauty of Po Nagar Cham Towers is not ostentatious or elaborate, but the more you look at it, the more the depth of culture and spirit of the ancient Cham people becomes apparent.

That's also how many visitors choose to approach the Thap Ba Tower: walking slowly, letting their eyes gradually adjust to the ancient brick colors, and listening to the sounds of life unfolding, from the footsteps of pilgrims to the solemn prayers.

When modern beauty meets thousand-year-old structures.

One of the most memorable images from the trip was the moment Ha Truc Linh stood silently amidst the historical site, with the brick towers rising against the sky in the background. She shared that standing before the ancient structures, she felt smaller and realized that modern beauty only truly has meaning when placed on a foundation of history and heritage.

For visitors, that feeling is easily replicated when gazing up at the time-worn, dark towers. Not much activity is needed; a simple stroll around the grounds, stopping in front of each tower, reviewing the historical information, and observing how the locals make their pilgrimage is enough to make the trip memorable.

Heritage in the sustainable tourism landscape of Khanh Hoa

Ha Truc Linh's visit to the Po Nagar Cham Towers was part of a program discussing tourism development in Khanh Hoa. There, she had the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with Dr. Alexander H. Kaufman, Senior Advisor to Global Standards and an expert from UNDP, ILE, and many other international organizations.

Dr. Kaufman has many years of experience consulting, researching, and implementing sustainable development programs in various countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Maldives, Ethiopia, and the Philippines. The conversation revolved around the role of cultural heritage in sustainable tourism development, as well as how to connect traditional values ​​with modern management thinking and international standards.

According to Ha Truc Linh, the perspectives from international experts helped her better understand the role of heritage sites like the Po Nagar Cham Towers in the local sustainable development strategy. More than just a tourist attraction, this structure also contributes to promoting the image of Khanh Hoa as a destination with both beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritage.

A message for young people visiting Po Nagar Cham Towers.

Beyond her personal experience, Miss Vietnam 2024 conveys a message to young people about the responsibility of preserving traditional cultural values. According to her, taking the time to learn about, love, and be proud of the national heritage is how each person preserves their identity and nurtures spiritual depth in modern life.

For young travelers, a trip to Po Nagar Cham Towers can be an opportunity to ask themselves: Am I viewing this heritage site as a backdrop for photos, or as a part of history intertwined with the identity of this land? What can I do, however small, to respect and preserve this place for future generations?

Suggested leisurely experience at Po Nagar Cham Towers

Based on Ha Truc Linh's experience, visitors can consider a leisurely itinerary at Po Nagar Cham Towers:

• Take time to walk around the grounds, carefully observing each brick tower and the details steeped in history to better appreciate the period from the 8th to the 13th centuries.
• Quietly observing the rhythm of religious life that is still present, from the footsteps of pilgrims to the solemn atmosphere, one understands that this is not just a tourist attraction but also a spiritual space.
• Reviewing information about the structure, the Cham people, and the beliefs associated with the Po Nagar Cham Towers helps connect the trip to the broader cultural landscape of Central Vietnam.
• When taking photos, prioritize quiet moments, respect the shared space, so that the image carries a story and emotion, not just a beautiful frame.

According to Miss Vietnam 2024, Po Nagar Cham Towers is a special symbol of Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa. This heritage site helps tourists better understand the history and beliefs of the Cham people, and also shows that the coastal region of Khanh Hoa possesses a deep cultural heritage alongside its advantages in beach and island tourism.

For those seeking a different perspective on Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa, beyond the beaches and resorts, Po Nagar Cham Towers is a worthwhile destination. A leisurely stroll here can offer not only beautiful photographs but also the feeling of being immersed in a layer of history that remains vibrant to this day.