Bang An Tower is a landmark that preserves the complete remnants of Cham culture in Quang Nam. Although it is not widely known, Bang An Tower holds significant historical and cultural value. Despite being thousands of years old, the tower has retained its ancient charm and distinctive Cham characteristics. DanangPrivateCar.com’s will provide further details about this site in the article, so please stay tuned!
Table of Contents
Introduction to Bang An Tower
The Cham Pa people are a distinct ethnic group with a rich history and culture, having once had an independent kingdom. Their cultural heritage continues to captivate the curiosity of many domestic and international visitors.
One of the surviving Cham relics in Vietnam is Bang An Tower, located in Quang Nam Province. This historical site offers a glimpse into the architectural and cultural achievements of the Cham civilization that remain preserved to this day.
Where is Bang An Tower?
Bang An Tower, also known as Bang An, is an ancient relic of the Cham people located in Dien An commune, Dien Ban district, Quang Nam province. This is considered one of the attractive places for tourists who love history, want to learn about the culture and architecture of the ancient Cham people.
Distance Between Bang An Tower and Da Nang and Hoi An
Located in Quang Nam Province, Bang An Tower is conveniently close to both Hoi An and Da Nang. Specifically, it is approximately 14 km from the center of Hoi An’s old town and about 30 km from Da Nang.
With these distances, you can easily include a visit to the tower in your travel itinerary for either Hoi An or Da Nang. While there, you can appreciate the unique architecture of the tower and learn about the rich history of the Champa kingdom.
Learn the history of Bang An tower in Quang Nam
Historical Origins of Bang An Tower
There are various opinions regarding the historical origins and dating of Bang An Tower. In the early 20th century, H. Parmentier suggested that the dating of the tower should be based on the inscription on the stele. However, P. Stern argued that Bang An exhibits a transitional style between the My Son and Binh Dinh styles. Therefore, the exact dating of this site remains uncertain.
According to historian Tran Ky Phuong, Bang An dates back to the 12th century and is heavily influenced by the Binh Dinh style. It is believed that Bang An Tower was constructed around the late 9th to early 10th century during the reign of King Bhadravarman II. It is the only surviving octagonal tower of its kind to this day.
Additionally, there are legends suggesting that Bang An Tower was built as a result of a competition between the Cham and Vietnamese people. The contest involved demonstrating the ability to construct a tall tower. The Cham constructed their tower using brick, while the Vietnamese used bamboo.
Although the Vietnamese tower was taller, the bamboo could not withstand storms and was eventually toppled. The Cham’s brick tower, however, proved to be sturdy and has remained standing until now.
Significance of Bang An Tower
According to the inscription on the stele, Bang An Tower dates back to the 10th century. During that time, the king commissioned the construction of the tower as a shrine dedicated to the deity Shiva. The shrine also served as a place for religious rituals and ceremonies conducted by the Cham people.
Inside the tower is a stone Linga, which symbolizes the god Shiva. Shiva is known as the protector of the Cham people and their kingdom. He also represents the folk beliefs within Cham culture.
Opening Hours and Admission Fees for Bang An Tower, Quang Nam
Bằng An Tower has undergone several restorations and remains relatively well-preserved. Although the tower’s spire has fallen off, many architectural sandstone decoration traces can still be seen along the edges of the remaining tower. Visitors have the opportunity to connect with the ancient Cham beliefs and admire the unique sculpture and architectural features of the site.
- Opening Hours: All day
- Admission Fee: Free
Instructions on how to move to Bang An tower in Quang Nam
Whether starting from Da Nang or Hoi An, you can still easily move to this place. Below, DanangPrivateCar.com’s will guide you how to go from the center of the old town!
Directions
From the center of the old town, you drive along Nguyen Tat Thanh Street extending Tran Thu Do Street. Then turn left through Ho Nghinh Street. Here, turn left through Cao Thang, go for a while and then turn right through Pham Phu Thu street and cross Vinh Dien bridge.
After finishing Vinh Dien bridge, you continue to turn left onto Tran Quy Cap street and then go about 2km more to reach the place you want.
Choosing Transportation to Bang An Tower
To reach Bằng An Tower, you can choose to rent a motorbike, take a taxi, or hire a private car with a driver from Hoi An if you’re traveling in a group. The route to the tower is relatively easy, mostly consisting of flat asphalt roads. Additionally, there is ample parking available at the site, and it’s only about 1 km from National Route 1A, making it very convenient.
Best Time to Visit Bang An Tower
If you plan to visit Hoi An and explore Bang An Tower, it’s important to consider the weather, as the site is outdoors. Heavy rain or intense sun can make the visit uncomfortable or even impractical.
Bang An Tower is open to the public and free of charge, so you can visit at any time. However, based on the experience of many travelers, it’s best to go during the sunny months from March to September. During this period, the weather in Hoi An is dry and favorable for travel, allowing you to enjoy the scenery and the architectural beauty of the tower. It’s also a great time to explore the ancient town of Hoi An in the evening.
From October to December, Hoi An experiences less favorable weather conditions. The paths to the tower can be slippery, and the damp conditions may make your visit less enjoyable.
Explore the Unique Beauty of Bang An Tower
The grounds of Bang An Tower cover an area of approximately 4,000 square meters. Overall, the tower consists of two main sections: the entrance hall and the sanctuary. Each area is meticulously designed by the Cham people, showcasing distinctive features and rich Cham architectural elements.
Sophisticated and unique architecture of the lobby
The lobby is quite long, including the main door in the east. The two sides have two side doors, but in 1940 they were restored into 2 windows. The base of the lobby is about 3m high, the size is wider than the jerk lines of the masonry. Surrounded by ledges.
The bar part is the vertical wall corners, the top is designed to look like a calyx. The roof is a pyramidal block that gets smaller as it goes up. Although today the top part has been broken by the wind, most of the lobby is still quite intact.
If you look from afar, you will see that the tower looks like a tall bamboo shoot or a lotus bud about to bloom, very skillful.
Temple of Bang An tower elaborately sculpted, imprinted with Cham Pa
As for the shrine, this part is built in an octagonal shape, with few patterns and almost no elaborate and symbolic decoration. Observed from afar, this shrine has 3 distinct parts, the octagonal bar and the pyramidal roof.
The shape of the shrine makes many people think of a giant Linga block. The shrine is estimated to have a height of about 200m. The other sides of the electricity are the same as the Yoni.
Approaching, you will see that inside is placed a stone linga. This is the typical symbol of Lord Shiva. Outside are two statues of Gajasimha made of sandstone with rattles on their necks. Cham people believe that these are all guardian deities for Bang An tower .
It can be said that, although the structure of Bang An tower is simple, it is considered the largest brick sculpture in the history of the Cham Pa people and has a very deep meaning.
What to eat when visiting Bang An waterfall in Quang Nam?
Coming to the land of Quang, you definitely have to try the specialties here and then come back. After visiting and checking-in to drop off the station at the tower, you can move to a densely populated area or main road to enjoy dishes such as:
- Phu Chiem Quang Noodles.
- Quang Nam pancakes.
- Cau Mong calf.
- Dai Loc pork rice paper.
- Peach wine…
Or else you can move to the center of Hoi An ancient town to eat and drink. There will be more choices, and can combine exploration.
Suggest tourist attractions near Bang An tower
Near the tower area, there are quite a few attractive attractions that you can include in your schedule this time. Each place will bring its own charm that when visiting will bring back many good memories for you.
Phuoc Kieu bronze casting village (5.3km away)
Phuoc Kieu bronze casting village is one of the more than 400 years old traditional craft villages, a cultural destination that is loved by many tourists. This is known as the birthplace of the gong shape and many other products of traditional value.
Visiting Phuoc Kieu bronze casting village, you will have the opportunity to understand more about the history of this craft village. At the same time, you can admire the finely made bronze and bronze wares. Especially having the opportunity to exchange and meet with talented artists.
- Address: Dien Phuong commune, Dien Ban district, Quang Nam province
Thanh Ha Pottery Village (9km away)
Located about 9km from Bang An tower in Quang Nam is Thanh Ha pottery village in Hoi An . A craft village located next to the peaceful Thu Bon River, is considered an attractive destination that tourists, especially foreign tourists, like very much.
Coming to Thanh Ha pottery village, you can see firsthand the process of creating a complete ceramic product; Talk to people and create your own favorite things. Or buy souvenirs as gifts such as bowls, cups, flowerpots, to he, teapots, etc.
- Address: Pham Phan Street, Thanh Ha Ward, Hoi An City.
Hoi An Ancient Town (11km away)
Having come to Thanh Ha pottery village, you should take the trouble to go about 3km more to discover the Hoi An Ancient Town recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage. Perhaps Hoi An is no longer a strange name for travel enthusiasts.
Coming here, you will feel the peaceful, ancient, mossy beauty of small houses lying close together or tile roofs, yellow walls, bougainvillea, etc. Pictures of Hoi An Hoai River or Cau Pagoda also very familiar. Please take the time to visit, check-in as much as you like and remember to enjoy the delicious specialties here too!
Some notes to know when exploring Bang An tower
Compared to other tourist destinations of Quang Nam, Bang An tower is not really famous. But this is also considered a very worthwhile place to visit, if you visit the waterfall you need to note a few points for Danang Private Car’s:
- The road to the tower is not far, but it is mainly the national highway, if traveling by motorbike or personal vehicles you have to be really careful, observe before and after to ensure safety.
- Bang An Tower does not charge an entrance fee and has no regulations on opening hours because this place does not have a management board. But you should also go early and return before dark because the space is quite dark. At the same time, remember to maintain hygiene, do not litter indiscriminately!
- You have the right to take pictures freely and comfortably. So don’t forget to bring a good phone or camera to take good pictures.
- According to advice, you should leave early. Just 30 minutes – 1 hour at this place, then spend a lot of time to explore more other landmarks.
It can be said that Bang An tower is one of the typical examples of the culture, history and beliefs of the Cham Pa people. Experiencing many events, the tower is old and has many dropped parts, but it is still enough for you to feel. So, if you have the opportunity to come to Hoi An or Da Nang, take the time to visit!
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