The Po Sah Inu Cham Towers, also known as Poshanu Towers, are a group of ancient Cham structures located on Ba Nai Hill, overlooking the city of Phan Thiet and the Mui Ne coast. Built in the late 8th to early 9th century by the Cham people—an indigenous ethnic group of central and southern Vietnam—the towers are dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. Despite their small size compared to other Cham sites like My Son, the Po Sah Inu Towers are significant for their unique architecture and cultural history.
These red-brick towers have stood the test of time and still host religious ceremonies, especially during Cham festivals. Today, they are a blend of archaeological wonder, religious monument, and scenic viewpoint—offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the South China Sea.
The towers are conveniently located just 7 km from the center of Phan Thiet City and around 6 km from Mui Ne.
- By Taxi or Motorbike: Easily accessible via Nguyen Thong Street. A taxi or rented motorbike ride from Phan Thiet or Mui Ne takes around 15–20 minutes.
- By Bicycle: For more active travelers, cycling is possible as the route is scenic and the hill not too steep.
- As Part of a Tour: Many local tours to Mui Ne include a stop at Po Sah Inu Towers, often paired with other attractions like the Fairy Stream or sand dunes.
Phan Thiet has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures and low rainfall for most of the year, making it ideal for sightseeing.
- Best Time to Visit: November to April offers dry, sunny weather.
- Temperatures: Range between 25°C to 32°C year-round.
- Rainy Season: May to October, with brief, often late afternoon showers.
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
- Best Time of Day: Early morning or late afternoon is recommended to avoid the midday heat and enjoy better lighting for photography.
The towers are famous for their historical and spiritual significance as relics of the Cham Kingdom, which once thrived in Central and Southern Vietnam. They represent the ancient Cham architectural style, constructed entirely of red bricks without any mortar. The towers are revered as sacred religious sites by the Cham people, and during certain festivals, visitors can witness traditional ceremonies and dances.
Additionally, the location on Ba Nai Hill provides excellent views of the coastline and Phan Thiet city, making it a popular destination for both history lovers and landscape photographers.
- Entrance Fee: Approximately 15,000–20,000 VND per person (less than $1 USD)
- Facilities: On-site parking, small souvenir shops, and basic restrooms available
- Tour Guides: Not required but available upon request for an extra fee; most signs are in Vietnamese and English
Visitors should dress respectfully as this is a religious site. It’s common to see locals making offerings or praying, especially during Cham festivals.
Built during the Champa Kingdom’s peak, the Po Sah Inu Towers are a prime example of Cham Hindu temple architecture. The main tower is dedicated to Shiva, while the smaller structures may have had ceremonial or storage purposes.
Cham towers are characterized by their brick construction, steep pyramid-like form, and finely carved decorative motifs. No mortar was used—bricks were skillfully fitted using unknown techniques that have puzzled archaeologists for years. The towers once formed part of a larger complex, now mostly lost to time.