Chot Mat Tower: A thousand-year-old cultural landmark of Oc Eo in Tay Ninh.
Discover the ancient Chót Mạt tower, an 8th-century architectural structure belonging to the Óc Eo culture, showcasing the mysterious brick-building technique of the ancient people that used no binding agent.
Nestled amidst vast fields in Tan Bien district, the ancient Chot Mat tower (also known as Chop Mat Tower) is one of the rare relics of the Oc Eo culture remaining in Southern Vietnam. It is not only a spiritual destination but also a treasure trove of history for tourists who enjoy exploring the origins of the ancient Funan kingdom.
The Chót Mạt Tower is located in the former Tân Biên district of Tây Ninh province, about 20km northwest of the former Tây Ninh city center. The tower is built on a slightly raised rectangular mound, surrounded by low brick walls. Due to its isolated location amidst rice fields, visitors can easily recognize the ancient tower's shape from afar.
A thousand-year-old architecture without binding agents.
Built around the 8th century during the post-Oc Eo period, the Chot Mat tower possesses a serene beauty that has endured through time. It wasn't until the early 20th century that archaeologists discovered it in a severely damaged state. After numerous restoration and preservation efforts, the tower has now regained its original appearance.
The tower is square-shaped, 10 meters high, and consists of three stacked levels that gradually narrow towards the top. The tower's only entrance faces east, welcoming the first rays of sunlight of the new day. The most distinctive feature is its name, Chót Mạt (meaning "The Last Point"), which originates from the fact that the tower was missing its top when it was discovered.
Similar to the ancient Cham towers in Central Vietnam, the Chot Mat tower demonstrates the masterful construction skills of the ancient people. The stone slabs and fired bricks are stacked tightly together without any binding material, leaving no gaps, creating a solid structure that has lasted for centuries.
Ancient carvings and artifacts
The exterior of the tower is a work of art with bas-relief carvings depicting flowers, birds, and deities. These details not only have aesthetic value but also vividly portray the cultural and spiritual life of the ancient Funan kingdom.
Inside the tower, the worship space is quite simple but sacred. Archaeologists have found a Yoni altar and several sandstone statues of the god Vishnu, evidence that this was once a place of worship for the supreme god Vishnu in ancient beliefs.
National historical and cultural monument
In 1993, the Chót Mạt Tower was officially recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Monument. It is a source of pride for the Tây Ninh region, serving as a living witness to the flourishing development of the Óc Eo culture.
If you have the opportunity to visit Tay Ninh province, besides Ba Den Mountain or Tay Ninh Holy See, the ancient Chot Mat tower is an ideal stop for tourists to discover long-standing historical values and admire the unique architectural techniques of our ancestors.
