PO KLONG GARAI CHAM TOWERS
Po Klong Garai Cham Towers. Poklong Garai Cham Tower is a holy temple of worship that serves as both a symbol and a source of pride for the Cham population in Ninh Thuan. The tower is located atop Trau Hill in Do Vinh Ward, 9 kilometers west of Phan Rang City. Ninh Thuan's Cham people regard the tower as a source of pride and a symbol of their culture.
Address: Phan Rang City, Ninh Thuan Province, Vietnam
Mr. Su Van Tien, the narrator of Cham Tower, claims that this tower was erected in the late 13th and early 14th centuries by King Che Man to honor King Po Klong Garai.
The Cham tower is considered the most preserved tower cluster to this day. Po Klong Garai Cham Tower is made up of three towers: the main tower, the fire tower, and the gate tower, all of which are composed of dark red brick. The entrance tower and fire tower are not utilized for worship, leaving just the main tower for King Poklong Garai.
The Gate Tower, which stands over 5 meters tall and is carved with intricate designs, stands in front of the relic cluster. In the past, this location served as the gateway to the king's rituals, offerings, and welcomed guests.
The Fire Tower, located in the south, is designed in the style of ancient Cham residences. This tower was created with two curving roofs in the style of a boat, which is a distinctive cultural element of the ancient Cham people. In ancient times, the Fire Tower was a location for monks to pray as well as a storage area for dragon cells and Cham Pa King's relics.
Moving on, there is the Chinh Tower, which serves as the focal point of Po Klong Garai Cham Tower architecture. The main tower is more than 20 meters tall and has many storeys. Around the tower's corners are stone figures and fire emblems.
This tower has a primary entryway on the east, and the upper is carved with the figure of God Siva, who is holy to the Cham people. Below are two stone pillars that support the tower, which are inscribed with old Cham lettering. Deeper is a carved stone figure of a cow, which is thought to be God Siva's mount. Inside, there is a place to worship the monarch, who has many excellent virtues in the course of administering the land, represented by the symbol Mukha - Linga.
A visitor stated, "It is special to come here because the road leading up here is very beautiful due to the beauty of nature." "The tower has been on top of this hill for a long time."
This site is not only architecturally remarkable, but it is also immensely precious to the Cham population in Ninh Thuan, as well as the Cham people throughout the country.
The narrator, Mr. Su Van Tien, stated that the Tower is a holy spot and a hub of cultural beliefs, thus the Cham community still worships according to the four festivals. The Kate festival is the most popular here, taking place on July 1 of the Cham calendar, which corresponds to September or October of the solar calendar. On this day, the Cham community celebrates the Kate celebration at the tower.
Through historical events and the passage of time, the Poklong Garai tower has preserved intact relics and traditional Cham values. The Ministry of Culture designated this architectural art remnant as a national monument in 1979, and it is now considered a special national monument.
How do I travel to Po Klong Garai Cham Towers?
Po Klong Garai Temple is located on Trau Hill, Phan Rang - Thap Cham City, Ninh Thuan Province, Vietnam. The temple lies within the municipal borders, therefore the journey is really convenient. Visitors may also learn more about Cham culture and people at a neighboring ethnic museum.
The main tower is placed in the heart of the cluster. It is taller than 20 meters and has an entrance. The Ministry of Culture classified the tower cluster as Cham History - Architectural Sculpture in 1979.
The main tower honors King Po Klong Garai (1151 - 1205) with the icons Mukha and Linga. He made significant contributions to the development of irrigation systems for Cham agriculture in this region. Nha Trinh Dam and Cham Canal, built by a great monarch, are still in service today.
The tamarind tree is another standout feature in this tower set. According to Cham mythology, King Po Klong Garai leaned back against a tamarind tree at a young age while on a trading expedition. Another mythology states that the tamarind tree is a deity that defends and protects the King in this old stupa.
Cham residents in Ninh Thuan frequently visit the tower during the Kate festival, which takes place at the end of October each year. Everyone comes here to sacrifice and hope for a prosperous crop. This festival's main appeal is the brilliant costumes of young women in red and white worn by Cham dignitaries.
At the foot of Trau Hill, there are a number of auxiliary works for tourists to explore, including a book exhibition area, Cham cultural photographs, Cham traditional things, and souvenirs.
Many old Cham items, such as rice millers, traditional musical instruments, and Cham monk outfits, are still on display in the exhibition area for tourists.
In which the buffalo truck is one of the most prominent leftover objects. Wheels and other equipment are totally constructed of wood. The joints are chiseled and carved appropriately without the use of any additional materials. There are now just three units, which are mostly utilized for exhibition at the culture house.
Bags, hand wallets, and gorgeous shawls are available in the showroom. However, the costs are greater than in My Nghiep, a traditional weaving town located around 10 kilometers to the south. In addition, Bau Truc pottery, which has a variety of styles, is displayed and sold.
Visitors may purchase different zoom-in Cham tower patterns as keepsakes or gifts for families for 50.000-80.000 VND (from $2.50 to $4).
- What modes of transportation are accessible near the towers?
The transit alternatives around the towers may vary based on location, however, you can usually find:
1. Public transportation, such as buses and trains: Many cities have effective public transportation networks that include frequent bus and rail routes near skyscrapers.
2. Vehicle-sharing services: Uber and Lyft provide quick and economical ride services that may pick you up and drop you off near the towers.
3. Taxi/ Grab Car: Traditional taxi services are often accessible near the towers for rapid and direct transit.
4. Walking or bicycling: If the distance is small enough, walking or biking may be an alternative for getting to neighboring attractions.
5. vehicle rental services: Some tower sites may have adjacent vehicle rental firms that provide short-term or long-term rentals for people who want to drive themselves.
6. Airport shuttle services: If the towers are near an airport, guests may be able to take a shuttle to and from their flights.
7. Private car services: For a more upscale mode of transportation, private car companies may provide chauffeured trips to and from the towers.
8. Bike-sharing services: Several cities provide bike-sharing systems in which you may hire bicycles by hour or day, allowing you to explore the region surrounding the towers on your own time.
- Do any tour firms or guides provide transportation to the towers?
Multiple tour firms and guides provide transportation to the towers. Some examples include Chimu Adventures, Peru Hop, and Viajes Pacífico. It is essential that you conduct research and evaluate several possibilities to choose the best fit for your requirements and budget.
- Is parking simple to find near the towers?
Finding parking near the towers might be difficult at certain times of day, particularly during peak tourist seasons. However, there are other parking choices accessible, such as public lots and private garages. You must plan ahead of time and arrive early to reserve a seat. Some hotels in the region also provide valet parking for visitors. Furthermore, public transit choices exist that might remove the need to find and pay for parking entirely.
- Can you use public transportation to Po Klong Garai Cham Towers from any of Vietnam's main cities?
Yes, you may take public transportation to the Po Klong Garai Cham Towers from major Vietnamese cities. You may take a bus or train to Phan Rang-Thap Cham and then rent a cab or motorbike to get to the towers. Alternatively, you can join a tour group that includes transportation to Po Klong Garai Cham Towers on its schedule.
- How long does it take to get from Ninh Thuan to Po Klong Garai Cham Towers by car?
The approximate driving distance from Ninh Thuan to Po Klong Garai Cham Towers is 55 kilometers, with a travel duration of roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes. However, this time may differ based on traffic conditions and the route used.
- Are there any picturesque roads or stops on the way to the Towers?
Yes, there are a few picturesque roads and stops on the way to the Towers. Some prominent alternatives are:
1. The Road to Hana: This well-known Maui road journey features breathtaking ocean vistas, waterfalls, and lush green landscapes.
2. The Pali roadway: Located on Oahu's east side, this roadway provides stunning views of the Ko'olau Mountains and the island's shoreline.
3. Haleakala Highway: This road winds through the stunning scenery of Maui's Haleakala National Park, stopping at magnificent viewpoints and hiking paths.
4. Na Pali Coast: While not directly connected to the towers, Kauai's Na Pali Coast is a must-see for its rocky cliffs, waterfalls, and isolated beaches, which may be reached by boat or helicopter tour.
5. Waimea Canyon: Located on Kauai, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" provides stunning vistas of deep canyons and brilliant red rocks.
6. Molokai Sea Cliffs: If you're taking a helicopter trip to visit the towers, many tour companies will fly over Molokai's enormous sea cliffs, which are among the highest in the world.
7. Pu'u o Mahuka Heiau State Historic Site: Situated on Oahu's North Shore, this ancient Hawaiian temple (heiau) provides panoramic views of Waimea Bay and Kaena Point.
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