Introduction

The Nhan Tower in Phu Yen, one of Tuy Hoa's landmarks, stands towering in the heart of the city as a unique architectural structure and a Cham cultural exchange center. This landmark, classified as a National Heritage landmark in Vietnam, leaves an unforgettable impression on visitors. Join Asia King Travel to discover what makes Nhan Tower in Phu Yen so appealing to visitors!

Best time to come 

Opening hours: 6:30 AM – 22:30 PM daily

Entrance fee: Free of charge

The period from February to May is ideal for those wishing to explore Nhan Tower, with dry, sunny weather perfect for sightseeing, photography, and visiting nearby attractions like Bai Xep and Ghenh Da Dia.

If you enjoy cultural experiences, schedule your vacation around the Nhan Tower Festival, which is normally held in early February. During this time, you can participate in Cham cultural activities, folk art performances, Cham dances, and pottery-making classes.

The footprint of Cham People in Phu Yen (Source: Mogi)

The footprint of Cham People in Phu Yen (Source: Mogi)

How to get there 

Address: Nhan Tower, Nhan Mountain, Ward 1, Tuy Hoa City, Phu Yen Province, Vietnam

Thanks to its central location in the heart of the city, visiting Nhan Tower is quite easy. If you are coming from Tuy Hoa Railway Station, you can take the following route: Exit the station and go along Le Trung Kien Street for about 100 meters, passing the Tan Da crossroads before turning left onto a little road and continue for 200 meters till you arrive at Nhan Tower.

There are two main routes to the tower: a stairwell and a paved road. The paved road is slightly curvy and steep, but it is still fairly easy to navigate. For a more convenient experience, you can use the shuttle service on-site.

The ancient architecture of Nhan Tower (Source: Fly News)

The ancient architecture of Nhan Tower (Source: Fly News)

History of Nhan Tower

About history, Nhan Tower is one of the ancient Cham temple towers built in the 12th century. Today, it is recognized as a Special National Monument and an important architectural and artistic heritage site of Phu Yen Province. In the Ede and Jarai languages, the tower is also known as Yang Ko Hmeng.

According to local residents, the terrain of this mountain is shaped like a swallow spreading its wings and flying forward. Not only that, in the past, Phu Yen's Nhan Tower was also the habitat of this swallow species. This is a small bird that can fly up to 60m high. That's why local people call this Nhan Tower.

Nhan Tower stands in the center of Tuy Hoa City (Source: Ivivu)

Nhan Tower stands in the center of Tuy Hoa City, Phu Yen (Source: Ivivu)

Read more: Top attractions in Central Vietnam

Things to do in Nhan Tower

Admire a Piece of Architectural Art

Nhan Tower in Phu Yen is a well-known landmark not only for its mysterious legends but also for its uniquely impressive architecture. Reflecting the distinct cultural traits of the Cham people, Nhan Tower stands like a radiant gem in the heart of Tuy Hoa City.

A piece of architectural art of Nhan Tower (Source: News)

A piece of architectural art of Nhan Tower (Source: News)

Standing 25 meters tall, the tower has a cylinder shape that gradually narrows toward the top, with a broad square base representing Mother Earth and the land's eternal resilience. Over the years, having observed innumerable historical events, the tower has taken on a deep orange hue tinged with mossy green, contributing to its magnificent, old appearance, like a timekeeper patiently protecting Tuy Hoa over millions of years.

Cham Cultural Exchange

Nhan Tower in Phu Yen serves as a cultural meeting place for the Cham people as well as other ethnic communities living in Vietnam's central region. Over the course of history, through many challenges and changes, the Cham and Kinh people in Phu Yen have developed strong connections and worked together to preserve valuable cultural traditions.

When you visit Nhan Tower, you can admire the impressive Cham architecture and also take part in festivals and cultural events that are regularly held at the site.

A cultural meeting hub in Nhan Tower (Source: Vietgoing)

A cultural meeting hub in Nhan Tower (Source: Vietgoing)

The Via Ba Festival at Nhan Tower

The Via Ba Festival at Nhan Tower is held annually from the 20th to the 22nd day of the 3rd lunar month, usually falling in April. This festival is a form of Mother Goddess worship, honoring Thanh Mau Thien Y A Na, an honored deity who is considered the Mother of the land. She is believed to have taught the local people farming and weaving skills and protected them from natural disasters.

The Via Ba Festival at Nhan Tower (Source: Phu Yen)

The Via Ba Festival at Nhan Tower (Source: Phu Yen)

The festival’s purpose is to pray for favorable weather, abundant harvests, and a peaceful and happy life for everyone. The Via Ba worship attracts many local residents, Cham communities from Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan provinces, as well as visitors from all over who come to experience and learn about the rich cultural traditions at Nhan Tower.

During the festival, participants and locals offer incense and offerings at Nhan Tower to express their gratitude to Thanh Mau. Cham women dress in traditional costumes and perform sacred dances at the foot of the tower. Visitors who come to Nhan Tower during this special occasion will have the chance to directly experience the Mother Goddess worship tradition and learn about the history of Nhan Tower.

Nearby Attractions at Nhan Tower

  • Tuy Hoa Beach (about 2 km): An ideal spot for swimming, watching the sunrise, riding electric carts along the coastline, and taking photos at Nghinh Phong Square – the new symbol of the city.
  • Bach Dang Embankment along Da Rang River (about 500 m): Perfect for relaxing walks, sunset photography, enjoying evening street snacks, and admiring the beautifully illuminated Da Rang Bridge.
  • Tuy Hoa Night Market (about 1 km): A great place to enjoy street food, shop for local specialties, and immerse yourself in the lively night atmosphere.

Bach Dang Embankment along Da Rang River (Source: Crystal)

Bach Dang Embankment along Da Rang River (Source: Crystal)

Travel tips for visiting Nhan Tower

When visiting Nhan Tower in Phu Yen, please keep the following tips in mind for a smooth and enjoyable trip:

  • Nhan Tower is not open 24 hours. The visiting hours are from 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM. For safety reasons, it is best to visit during the morning from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM or in the late afternoon from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
  • Avoid wearing shorts or revealing clothing when visiting Nhan Tower, as it is a spiritual site. 
  • There are many local stalls selling Phu Yen specialties at the foot of the mountain. To avoid overpaying, remember to ask about prices before making a purchase.

Conclusion 

Nhan Tower in Phu Yen is a must-visit destination on any journey exploring Phu Yen. Each year, it attracts a large number of tourists who come to admire the unique architecture of the Cham people. If you have the chance to visit this special place, don’t forget to invite your close friends to explore together, appreciate the distinctive design, and take countless cool photos for your collection!

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