Nestled atop a peaceful hill in Binh Dinh Province, the Banh It Towers stand as one of Vietnam’s most iconic Cham relics. With a history stretching back nearly a millennium, this remarkable architectural complex is a must-visit for anyone exploring Central Vietnam.
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A Global Architectural Marvel
In 2015, the Banh It Towers earned international recognition when they were featured in the book “1001 Buildings You Must See Before You Die” published by the renowned UK-based Quintessence Publishing. Back in 1909, French scholar Henri Parmentier had already praised the towers as a pinnacle of Champa art and architecture.
A Hilltop Legacy of Four Towers
The Banh It temple complex comprises four distinct towers situated on a hill in Đại Lộc Hamlet, Phước Hiệp Commune, Tuy Phước District. The largest tower rises about 29.6 meters high, resembling the traditional Vietnamese sticky rice cake bánh ít, hence the name.
The four towers include:
- Gate Tower (Tháp Cổng)
- Stele Tower (Tháp Bia)
- Fire Tower (Tháp Hỏa)
- Main Tower (Tháp Chính)
Each tower features unique architecture, reflecting different aspects of Champa spiritual and aesthetic expression.
Tower by Tower – The Artistic Soul of Champa
- Main Tower: Standing proudly at the center, the Main Tower reaches nearly 30 meters high. This structure served as the main temple and is richly adorned with intricate carvings of dancers and spiritual motifs. Though some details have eroded with time, the sensual curves of the reliefs remain beautifully visible.
- Gate Tower: Located at the foot of the hill, the Gate Tower is the entrance to the complex. Its Gopura-style doorway with pointed arches and layered stonework exemplifies a classic Cham touch, perfectly aligned along an East–West axis with the Main Tower for symbolic harmony.
- Stele Tower: This square-shaped tower, about 7–8 meters tall, features softened edges and decorative vases carved into its upper levels. The tower preserves fine sculptures of Cham deities, showcasing the community’s religious devotion.
- Fire Tower: Around 10 meters tall, the Fire Tower has a rectangular shape and was traditionally used to store goods and offerings. It’s one of the few remaining structures in Vietnam that still displays its original Champa architectural form.
A National Treasure of Vietnam
Built between the late 11th and early 12th centuries, Banh It Towers are among the most complete Cham relics still standing in Vietnam. They are also known by other names like Tháp Bạc, Tháp Thị Thiện, and Thổ Sơn Ancient Towers. In 1982, the Vietnamese government officially recognized them as a national architectural heritage site. Later, they were listed among the Top 10 most-visited Cham towers by the Vietnam Records Organization.
Why Visit Banh It Towers?
Unlike many ancient Buddhist temples in Vietnam that have lost their original design, Banh It Towers remain largely intact, making them a rare window into the spiritual and artistic world of the Cham people. With its dramatic hilltop setting and masterful stone carvings, this site is not only a sacred relic but also a breathtaking viewpoint over the surrounding plains of Binh Dinh.
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