Talking about the vestiges of the Cham Pa people in Quang land, there is not only My Son Sanctuary but also Bang An tower . Although this place is less known, it is also a work of great historical and cultural value. This ancient octagonal tower has gone through thousands of years with many great efforts, but still retains the ancient architecture, bold Cham imprint. Let’s explore this monument with dulichsontra.com today.
Brief introduction about Bang An tower
The Cham are a separate people and once had an independent country in history with a developed culture. Therefore, the imprint of the Cham people always attracts the curiosity of many domestic and foreign tourists.
One of the remains of the Cham people in Vietnam preserved to this day is Bang An tower in Quang Nam province.
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
As a point in Quang Nam province, it is known that this tower is located not too far from Hoi An and Da Nang. Specifically, it is about 14km from the center of the old town and about 30km from the coastal city.
With this distance, you can completely incorporate it into your Hoi An or Da Nang travel schedule. Coming here, you can not only admire the unique architecture but also listen to stories about the heroic history of the Champa kingdom.
Learn the history of Bang An tower in Quang Nam
Angle source of Bang An tower
Talking about the angle source of this tower, there are many different opinions. Most of them are told through oral anecdotes in folklore.
The meaning of the octagonal ancient tower
According to the content inscribed on the stele, the tower dates from the 9th – 10th centuries, during the reign of King Bhadravarman II. At that time, the king built a temple to worship Shiva, named Linga Paramesvara. The temple is also the place where ancient rituals and worshiping activities of the Cham Pa people took place.
Inside the stone linga tower – the symbol of the god Shiva. This is the god who protects the people and kingdom of Cham, representing folk beliefs in Cham culture.
Opening time and ticket price of Bang An tower
Although it has undergone many renovations, in general, Bang An tower is still quite intact. Although the spire has fallen, the lines along the roof still have traces of sandstone decorations.
Visitors to visit will understand more about Cham Pa culture as well as the richness and variety of materials and types from sculptures, etc. discovery mind.
- Opening hours: all day
- Entrance ticket price: 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, Son Tra Travel 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.
Choose a means of transportation
To get to Bang An tower, you can choose a motorbike, hire a taxi or hire a car to travel in groups. The road to here is relatively easy, mostly flat asphalt roads. In addition, in the sightseeing area, there is a spacious car park and it is located just over 1km from National Highway 1A, so it is very convenient.
>> Reference: Hoi An Car Rental With Driver
When should I visit Bang An waterfall?
You should consider the weather issue if you intend to explore this place. Because this is an outdoor place, if it rains, it will be impossible to go. Because the tower is open to the public and free of charge, you can come anytime you want.
However, according to Hoi An – Da Nang travel experience , you should choose a sunny day in March to August or September. The weather is dry, easy to move, easy to enjoy the scenery, and you can combine the examination. fully explore this place and many other famous places, especially the ancient town of Hoi An.
From October to December, Son Tra Travel advises you not to experience it because the road is slippery and the wet feeling is very uncomfortable. Shouldn’t you have to bring a raincoat and an umbrella to check-in?
Discover the unique beauty with 1-0-2 of Bang An tower
The campus of Bang An tower has an area of about 4,000m2. Overall, this tower consists of 2 main parts: the lobby and the shrine. Each area is carefully designed by the Cham people with unique features and bold Cham architecture.
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 ancient 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 Son Tra Travel:
+ 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!
