Nha Trang – Ancient Soul in the Seaside Town

The coastal city of Nha Trang is the political, economic, cultural, science-technological and tourism center of Khanh Hoa province, a land of “Agarwood trees and a sea of swifts”. The city boasts many historical and cultural relics imbued with the prints of the ancient Champa civilization. With a picturesque and magnificent natural landscape of long, white sand beaches, Nha Trang Bay, has been listed as one of the most beautiful bays in the world, attracting a large number of domestic and foreign tourists.

Going to the beautiful and vibrant coastal city of Nha Trang, besides islands and beaches with crystal clear water and fine sand under a blue sky, tourists also have an opportunity to explore many historical sites and cultural works with unique architectural styles.

As a place that once held an important position in the history of the ancient Champa kingdom, Nha Trang still maintains many Champa heritage sites. The most prominent of Champa art and culture is Ponagar Tower which was built on Cu Lao hill facing towards the East Sea in the Vinh Phuoc district. It was one of the religious centers of the Champa Kingdom which honors the Goddess Ponagar, also known as Thien Y or Thien Y A Na – the mother of the Cham and other people in the region. She is said to have taught new agricultural and weaving techniques to people in the area.The image of the Goddess Ponagar and the Cham culture are clearly reflected through the statues, sculpture and architecture in the tower.

The unique complex of Cham architectural works, covering an area of ​​57,000m2 and 200m from the coast and 20m above sea level, was built mainly of fired bricks which stick together using a special method. There are inscribed stone slabs scattered throughout the complex, most of which relate to history or religion and provide insight into the spiritual life and social structure of the Cham.

The whole complex is divided into 3 parts and the main tower, which is 23m high, was built to worship the Goddess Ponagar. All the statues, reliefs and decorative patterns in the complex are beautiful and extremely sophisticated which are called as masterpieces of ancient Champa sculpture by researchers. The Ponagar Tower was recognized as the National Monument of Architecture by the Ministry of Culture and Information in 1979 for its exceptional architectural and artistic values.

Besides Ponaga Tower, Nha Trang Cathedral is also an appealing attraction to a great number of tourists. The largest cathedral in the city started construction in 1928 and was completed in 1941 on a high hill in the center of downtown Nha Trang. Despite the often severe weather, the cathedral still has its original design as well as its original unique Gothic architecture.For parishioners in Nha Trang city, the cathedral plays an important role in their life because it is the place for them to pray for happiness and peace. In addition, numerous young couples also choose the cathedral for their wedding. Going to the cathedral at any time of the day, tourists will feel the sacred beauty away from the hustling and bustling life and have a panoramic view of city which has its own charming beauty both day and night.

The coastal city of Nha Trang is changing with every passing day, in harmony with the youthful, modern, dynamic, innovative and developing life. With breathtaking scenery, beautiful beaches, and historical sites, Nha Trang should always be the top destination for tourists.