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Scattered along Vietnam’s central coast, Cham temples are true architectural marvels, showcasing red-brick towers and intricate sculptures. What makes these temples even more intriguing is the enduring fascination surrounding their construction—centuries later, the Cham people’s brick-burning techniques and building methods remain unknown.
Of the 50 towers still standing today, Po Klong Garai Tower stands out as one of the most extraordinary, gracefully perched on a serene hill in Phan Rang City, along Vietnam’s southeast coast.
It’s remarkable how the craftsmanship of a civilization over 700 years old has withstood the test of time. Experiencing these temples up close truly highlights their beauty and historical significance.
If you’re ready to explore, here’s our complete guide to Po Klong Garai Tower, covering everything from what to expect at the site to how to get there, plus tips to make your visit smooth and memorable.
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Visiting Po Klong Garai Tower: The Essentials
Location: Phan Rang-Thap Cham, Ninh Thuan, Vietnam
Entrance Fees: 20,000vnd (less than $1) for adults, 10,000vnd for children
Opening Hours: 6am to 6pm
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon
Time Needed: 1-2 Hours
Departing from Nha Trang? Book this guided private tour for a seamless visit to Po Klong Garai Tower.
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Cham’s Timeless Legacy
Resting on Trau Hill, just 7 kilometers west of Phan Rang City, Po Klong Garai Tower rises as a striking symbol of the Champa Dynasty. Its location makes for an excellent stopover if you’re traveling between Mui Ne and Nha Trang.
Constructed in the late 13th century by King Jaya Simhavarman III (the 12th king) the tower was built to honor King Po Klong Garai, also known as Po Klaung Yagrai. He was the fourth ruler of Panduranga––the southernmost part of the kingdom (now south-central Vietnam)––from 1151 to 1205.
Commanding the hilltop with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, the tower complex features three distinct structures: the main tower, the gate tower, and the fire tower.
Main Tower (Kalan)
Standing on a platform 20.5 meters high, the main tower—known as Kalan (sanctuary)—is dedicated to worshiping King Po Klong Garai. Built from red fired bricks, its entrance showcases a stunning carving of a six-armed dancing Shiva, while the doorposts bear ancient Cham inscriptions.
Step inside to find a statue of Nandin, the sacred bull that symbolizes agricultural prosperity. Locals often pray here, touching Nandin’s muzzle and leaving offerings in hopes of a bountiful harvest. Nearby, you’ll see amukha-linga adorned with a carved statue of Po Klong Garai, crowned by a wooden pyramid that supports the tower’s roof.
Note: Remember to take off your shoes before entering the main tower.
Behind the main tower, a small cement temple pays tribute to Queen Bia Thakol, the wife of King Po Klong Garai.
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Gate Tower (Gopura)
The Gopura (gate tower), with its square base and compact design, resembles a smaller sibling to the main tower. At 8.5 meters high, it sits gracefully to the east, with two connected gateways facing east and west. In ancient times, this tower functioned as the ceremonial gateway and a place to welcome honored guests.
From the tower’s center, you get a unique perspective of the main temple—a quiet spot to take in the intricate layout and imagine how this space was once used in rituals.
Fire Tower (Kosaghra)
The Fire Tower, rising to a height of 9.3 meters, stands south of the main tower. Known as the Kosaghra, or “treasure room”, it once safeguarded sacred objects used in worship and served as a place for burning offerings to the deity. Unlike the other two brick structures, the Fire Tower features a distinctive saddle-shaped roof with a stone motif resembling buffalo horns.
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Cham Ethnic Museum
Near the entrance of the complex, brick buildings house exhibits celebrating Cham culture. Inside, photo galleries and traditional artifacts—monk costumes, tools, and musical instruments—offer glimpses into daily life and spiritual practices. A standout piece is a buffalo cart crafted entirely from wood. You’ll also find souvenirs for sale, including woven bags, wallets, and shawls.
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What to Expect at Po Klong Garai Tower
Po Klong Garai Tower often welcomes large tour groups arriving by bus from Nha Trang, especially on weekends and holidays. To avoid the crowds, weekdays are your best bet. But even if you visit during peak times, don’t worry—these groups are usually on tight schedules, and a little patience often leaves you with the complex almost entirely to yourself.
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There are two ways to reach the towers. You can take the stairs leading up to the gate tower, which aren’t too challenging, or stroll along the paved pathways on the south side of the hill. If you’d prefer a more relaxed option, a golf cart is available for just 15,000vnd roundtrip—but you’ll still need to climb a few steps when you get to the top.
The towers stand on a platform, surrounded by ancient trees, creating a peaceful and scenic atmosphere. There are a few benches scattered around where you can sit, take in the stunning panoramic views, and admire the intricate details of the towers.
You won’t find many signs at the tower, except for a stone plaque located at the south entrance—though it’s not the easiest to read.
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Plan your Trip to Po Klong Garai Tower
Here’s all the essential information to plan your visit to Po Klong Garai Tower, one of the most iconic Cham monuments in Vietnam.
How to Get There
Train: To visit Po Klong Garai Tower, take the train to Thap Cham station in Phan Rang City. The journey from Nha Trang takes about 2 hours. With good timing, you could make it a day trip by taking the morning train and returning in the afternoon. However, we wouldn’t recommend this, as there’s not much to see in Phan Rang besides the Cham Tower.
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Car: A better alternative is to hire a private driver for the day. This way, you can visit the tower and explore other nearby attractions along the way. You can arrange a car at your accommodation or book one in advance here.
Tour: For a hassle-free experience, consider booking a guided tour. This private tour from Nha Trang includes visits to Po Klong Garai Temple, Bau Truc Pottery Village, a vineyard, and an apple farm.
Entrance Fees
Tickets are available at the ticket booth by the entrance for 20,000vnd (less than $1) for adults and 10,000vnd for children. For a more relaxed visit, hop on the electric car for an additional 15,000vnd for adults and 10,000vnd for children round-trip.
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Where to Stay in Phan Rang City
If you’re planning to stay the night in Phan Rang City, here are some of our top hotel recommendations. For convenience, consider staying in the city center to be close to restaurants and Po Klong Cham Tower. Alternatively, you’ll find plenty of great options near the beach. Find all accommodations in Phan Rang here.
When to Visit
Po Klong Garai Tower welcomes visitors year-round, but keep in mind that the rainy season from September to November can bring occasional showers.
The complex is open daily from 6am to 6pm. To skip the crowds and avoid the midday heat, it’s best to plan your visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
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Now you’re ready to explore Po Klong Garai Tower in Vietnam!
If you’re up for exploring more Cham temples, head north to Quy Nhon to visit the Banh It Cham Temple—a beautifully preserved complex of brick towers perched on a hill. Go even farther to Hoi An, a captivating old town that makes the perfect base for a trip to My Son Sanctuary, one of Vietnam’s most iconic Cham ruins.
Have more questions about Po Klong Garai Tower? Leave them in the comments section below!
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