Up on the Western hillsides of Phan Thiết, are the ancient religious ruins of three well-preserved towers: the Po Shanu Cham Towers, dating back to the 7th century.
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The complex offers a panoramic view of the town below and, of course, the glittering beaches. Beside the towers is a cemetery with colorful, pastel tombs that look like Pez candy. Xuan told me that the cemetery is on the hillside to reflect the religious beliefs of Buddhists in Vietnam, who believe the spirit of the deceased will be closer to the sky {on the hilltop}. There was also a small outdoor market to buy gifts; I bought a unique little sand art vase. Admission was 5000 dong {Xuan was an excellent host again!}
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{The brick structure of the ancient towers was amazingly well preserved.}
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{Offerings to the God of Fire?}
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{The meditation and prayer rooms in either tower. There is a separate tower for men and women to enter. Here is what I learned about the towers:
Once the hallmark of the prosperous Champa Kingdom, which thrived in this region from around the 7th century to 1832, Poshanu Cham Towers are perched on a hilltop with views of Phan Thiet and the distant coastline. On site are two towers in the shape of linga and yoni from the Hindu tradition and dedicated to the fire deity. There is also a temple where the buffalo deity Nandi was worshipped.-
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{Colorful flags around the complex}:
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{Posing with a local at the market/pagoda.}
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{Views of the distant shore}:
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{Beautiful sand art vases made with white sand from the beaches of Mũi Né. Some of the vases even had Vietnamese phrases or sentences made completely from placing the sand! The one I happened to choose said, "Keep an open mind." Could't have picked a better, more timely message}!
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