Phan Rang-Thap Cham is a region rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Its story weaves together the ancient heritage of the Champa Kingdom, colonial influences, and its modern significance.
A brief history
Phan Rang-Thap Cham is best known as the heartland of the Champa civilization, which flourished from the 2nd century CE until the 15th century. The Cham people, an Austronesian ethnic group, built an advanced maritime culture that traded with India, China, and the rest of Southeast Asia. They were deeply influenced by Hinduism and, later, Islam.
The region’s name, Thap Cham, directly refers to its most iconic relics: the Cham towers (tháp), which are ancient brick temples built by the Cham people. The Po Klong Garai Towers, located near Phan Rang, are among the best-preserved examples of Cham architecture. These towers, dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva, were constructed during the reign of King Jaya Simhavarman III in the late 13th century.
By the 15th century, the Champa Kingdom declined due to repeated conflicts with Đại Việt (the precursor to modern Vietnam). In 1471, much of Champa territory was annexed by Đại Việt. Phan Rang remained one of the last Cham strongholds until it was fully absorbed in the 17th century. Despite this, Cham culture persisted, and the region became a melting pot of Cham, Vietnamese, and later French influences.
Under French colonial rule (19th-20th centuries), Phan Rang-Thap Cham gained strategic importance. The French built infrastructure, including roads and railways, linking the region to the rest of Vietnam. They also promoted agriculture, particularly grape and cotton cultivation, which remain vital to the local economy today.
Phan Rang-Thap Cham is now the capital of Ninh Thuận Province. It is known for its stunning natural landscapes, such as Ninh Chữ Beach, Vĩnh Hy Bay, and the nearby Núi Chúa National Park. The area also has a semi-arid climate, making it one of Vietnam’s top regions for solar and wind energy projects.
The Cham people still form a significant part of the local population and have preserved their cultural practices, including traditional weaving, pottery, and festivals like the Kate Festival, honouring their ancestors and deities.
How to get to Phan Rang–Thap Cham?
The city is well-connected to major cities in Vietnam, making it relatively easy to reach. Here’s how you can get there:
By Plane
The nearest airport is Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR), located in Nha Trang, about 60 kilometres north of Phan Rang-Tháp Chàm. From the airport, it is about 1.5 hours drive to Phan Rang by rental car or taxi. Alternatively, shuttle buses operate from Cam Ranh to Phan Rang.
By Train
Phan Rang-Tháp Chàm has its train station, Tháp Chàm Railway Station, located on the North-South Railway (Reunification Line).
From Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) travel time is about 6-8 hours and there are many trains, including SE (express) and TN (slower) services.
From Hanoi, travel time is about 20-22 hours. Long-distance trains like SE2 and SE4 pass through Phan Rang. The train is a comfortable and scenic option, especially for those who enjoy experiencing the countryside.
By Bus
Numerous long-distance buses connect Phan Rang-Tháp Chàm to major cities. Check your connections on 12Go.com.
By Car / Motorbike
For those who prefer flexibility, renting a private car or motorbike is a great option.
From Ho Chi Minh City: Follow National Highway 1A northward.
From Nha Trang: Head south along National Highway 1A.
The drive offers scenic coastal views and opportunities to explore along the way.
When to go?
The best time to visit Phan Rang–Thap Cham is typically during the dry season from April to August. This period offers sunny weather with lower rain chances, making it ideal for enjoying the beaches and outdoor activities.
Where to stay?
I stayed at Cube Homestay and it was an extremely clean and comfortable place, located within 800 metres of Binh Son Beach. Highly recommended!
How to get around?
Once in Phan Rang-Tháp Chàm, you can get around by taxi, motorbike taxis, or rented motorbikes. Exploring the city and nearby attractions like the Po Klong Garai Towers, Ninh Chữ Beach, and Vĩnh Hy Bay is easier with a motorbike or private car. Ask for one at your accommodation. They will either have one or get in touch with someone who can deliver it to you within minutes.
What to do in Phan Rang–Thap Cham?
Ninh Thuận Museum
Thousands of artefacts are on display, bringing to life unique historical and cultural periods. The highlights are stuff related to Cham culture (e.g. pottery and woven looms), as well as testimonies of the anti-American period. The museum has unique architecture and consists of 4 floors.
Po Klong Garai Tower
The historic King Jaya Sinhavarman III constructed a Hindu Cham temple complex in honour of the mythical Po Klaung Garai, who ruled Panduranga from 1151 to 1205. Nonetheless, the existence of multiple steles from a previous age raises the possibility that Jaya Simhavarman only renovated pre-existing structures.
The military triumph of two Cham princes over the inhabitants of Panduranga in southern Champa was memorialized in an inscription dated 1050. The inscription states that the triumphant princes built a victory column and two lingas as a sign of their celebration.
Legend has it that Po Klong Garai, who began his life as a humble cowherd, was destined to become king of Champa and ruled prudently and in the interests of the populace. He held a tower-building competition as a peaceful means of resolving the Khmer invasion of his realm. The invaders were forced to return home after Po Klong Garai won the battle. Po Klong Garai became a god and guardian of humanity after his death. It is reported that the tower he constructed during his battle with the Khmer is the one that bears his name today.
Three brick towers make up the temple: a three-story main tower, a smaller gate tower, and an elongated tower with a saddle-like roof. A sculpture of the god Siva considered a masterpiece of the Thap Mam Style, is located over the main tower’s entrance entryway. According to legend, the tower with the saddle-like roof is devoted to Thang Chuh Yang Pui, the God of Flame. A 16th or 17th-century mukhalinga serves as the temple’s main sacred image. It’s a linga with a human face. The Cham claim that this linga is a statue of King Po Klaung Garai, while generally speaking, it is the symbol of the Hindu deity Siva.
Nam Cương Sand Dunes
Dunes totalling 700 hectares are located about eight kilometres southwest of Phan Rang – Thap Cham City. The place is much less popular than Mui Ne and usually, there are not many people. It’s a great spot for sunset.
Bình Sơn Sea Park and Phan Rang Beach
Long stretch of wide sandy beach, which could be a good alternative to noisy and packed beaches in Nha Trang. A public park is nearby.
Driving through Nui Chua National Park
The park spans an area of about 29,865 hectares and is part of the Ninh Thuận coastal region. It sits on the eastern slopes of the South Central Coast and encompasses a stretch of coastline along the South China Sea.
The park features rugged mountains, dry forests, and rocky coasts. The highest peak, Núi Chúa, rises to 1,039 meters above sea level.
With an average annual rainfall of 650 mm, it is the hottest and driest province in Vietnam. It also receives the least amount of rainfall in south-central Vietnam.
A scooter ride along the coastal road DT702 is very rewarding and it’s a great detour if you are heading towards Dalat.
Ninh Thuan Stone Park has naturally occurring rock formations of various sizes that are piled on top of one another. Over millions of years, they have been eroded away. The entrance cost is 40.000 VND.
Another interesting rock formations can be found at the place called Hang Rái (Rai Cave).
Vinh Hy and its bay is still quite a wild place and majestic beauty without huge resorts. Adjacent to Nui Chua National Park, you have the sea on one side and mountains and forest on the other. Visitors can take boat tours, snorkel, and explore vibrant coral reefs. Don’t miss the excellent Đèo Cây Cóc Viewpoint.
If you have more time to spare, hop on a boat to Binh Hung Island. This place is famous for its long and wide beaches and quiet atmosphere. The sea is not deep so it is suitable for snorkelling and diving to see coral.
When it comes to beaches, you may stop at Hom Beach (Bai Hom), Thung Beach, Bình Tiên or Robinson.
