Phan Rang-Tháp Chàm, Vietnam
Region: Ninh Thuận
Geographic Coordinates: 11.566700, 108.983000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with wet and dry seasons.
Population: 179773
Language: Vietnamese
Phan Rang-Tháp Chàm is a coastal city located in the Ninh Thuận province of Vietnam. The city is situated between two mountain ranges, The Truong Son and the Dinh mountains, And overlooks the South China Sea. Phan Rang-Tháp Chàm is known for its beautiful beaches, Stunning landscapes, And rich cultural heritage. One of the most popular attractions in Phan Rang-Tháp Chàm is Po Klong Garai Cham Temple Tower. This ancient temple was built in the 13th century by King Jaya Simhavarman III to honor his father. The tower has three floors and features intricate carvings of Hindu gods and goddesses.
Visitors can climb to the top floor for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Another must-see attraction in Phan Rang-Tháp Chàm is Nui Chua National Park. This park covers an area of over 30, 000 hectares and boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna. Visitors can hike through dense forests or explore pristine beaches along the coast. For those interested in history, Phan Rang-Tháp Chàm has several museums worth visiting. The Ninh Thuận Museum showcases artifacts from throughout Vietnam’s history, Including pottery from ancient Cham settlements and relics from French colonial rule.
Meanwhile, At My Son Sanctuary Museum visitors can learn about one of Vietnam’s most important archaeological sites. Phan Rang-Tháp Chàm also offers visitors plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as kiteboarding, Windsurfing or simply relaxing on one of its many beautiful beaches like Ca Na Beach or Vinh Hy Bay Beach which are famous for their crystal-clear waters. Food lovers will also find plenty to enjoy in this vibrant city with its delicious seafood dishes like grilled squid or fish served with rice noodles being amongst some local specialties that are not to be missed.
Phan Rang-Tháp Chàm is a fascinating destination for those looking to explore Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage, Natural beauty, And outdoor activities. With its stunning landscapes, Ancient temples, Museums, And delicious cuisine there is something for everyone in this coastal city.
Important Landmarks
- Po Klong Garai Cham Temple Tower
- Ninh Chu Beach
- My Nghiep Brocade Village
- Bau Truc Pottery Village
- Vinh Hy Bay
- Nam Cuong Sand Dunes
- Co Thach Beach and Pagoda
- Phan Rang City Square
- Hang Rai (Otter Cave)
- Van Hoa Plateau
Primary Industries
- Agriculture
- Rice cultivation
- Sugarcane cultivation
- Dragon fruit cultivation
- Grape cultivation
- Fishing
- Tourism
- Beaches
- Historical sites (e.g. Po Klong Garai Cham Towers)
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Textile manufacturing
- Garment production
- Textile production for export
- Construction materials production
- Brick production
- Tile production
- Service sector
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Other service-related businesses
Noteable History
- Champa Kingdom: Phan Rang-Tháp Chàm was once a part of the Champa Kingdom, which lasted from the 2nd century until the 19th century.
- Po Klong Garai Tower: This ancient tower is located in Thap Cham and is one of the most significant historical landmarks in Vietnam. It was built during the reign of King Jaya Simhavarman III in the 13th century.
- Nguyen Dynasty: During the Nguyen Dynasty, Phan Rang-Tháp Chàm was an important military base and played a vital role in protecting Vietnam’s southern borders.
- Truong Son Cemetery: This cemetery is located near Phan Rang-Tháp Chàm and contains over 10,000 graves of soldiers who died during the Vietnam War.
- Vo Thi Sau: Vo Thi Sau was a Vietnamese revolutionary who fought against French colonial rule in Vietnam during the early 20th century. She was executed by French authorities at age 19 and is now considered a national hero.
- Tran Quoc Tuan Temple: This temple honors Tran Quoc Tuan, a famous general who fought against Mongol invasions during the 13th century.
- Ho Chi Minh Trail: The Ho Chi Minh Trail passed through Phan Rang-Tháp Chàm during the Vietnam War, making it an important strategic location for both sides of conflict.
- Le Hong Phong High School for Gifted Students: Located in Thap Cham district, this school has produced many notable alumni including Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and former Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan.
- Nguyen Van Troi Monument: The monument commemorates Nguyen Van Troi, who attempted to assassinate US Secretary Of Defense Robert McNamara.
Museums and Things To See
- Po Klong Garai Cham Temple Tower is a well-preserved example of Cham architecture and culture, and a must-visit site in Phan Rang-Tháp Chàm.
- Ninh Chu Beach is a beautiful destination for tourists looking to swim, sunbathe, or relax on soft sand and clear blue waters.
- Binh Son Marine Park offers visitors the chance to explore diverse marine life through snorkeling or scuba diving in coral reefs, fish species, and sea turtles.
- Bau Truc Pottery Village has produced unique clay pots using local materials and techniques for over 500 years as a traditional pottery village.
- My Nghiep Brocade Village specializes in hand-woven brocade products such as scarves, bags, and clothing items using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
- Thap Doi Towers (Twin Towers) were built during the 13th century by the Cham people as part of their religious beliefs on top of a hill overlooking Phan Rang-Tháp Chàm city.
- Phan Rang Citadel served as an important strategic location during Vietnam’s history when it was built in the late 18th century by King Nguyen Anh as part of his military campaign against Tay Son rebels.
- Vietnam Heroic Mother Statue is dedicated to Vietnamese mothers who lost their children during wars fought by Vietnam throughout its history – it’s an important monument for remembrance.
- Tri Thuy Bridge spans across Ca Ty River connecting Vinh Hai Commune with Vinh Hao Commune; it’s an essential bridge for transportation between these two communes.
Cultural Events
- Ninh Chu Festival is an annual celebration held in March to honor the local fishermen’s harvest. It features traditional games, performances, and offerings to the sea gods.
- Cham Tower Festival celebrates the ancient Cham culture and heritage of Phan Rang-Thap Cham with traditional dance performances, music, food, and cultural exhibits.
- Whale Worshiping Festival takes place in September or October every year to pay homage to whales as sacred animals in Vietnamese folklore. The event includes a procession with offerings followed by traditional music and dance performances.
- Traditional Craft Village Festival is held annually in July or August showcasing local handicrafts such as pottery making, weaving, embroidery, and wood carving.
- Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month (usually falls around September) where families gather to enjoy mooncakes while admiring lanterns lit up throughout town.
- Tet Nguyen Dan is Vietnam’s Lunar New Year which usually falls between late January to mid-February depending on Lunar calendar). During this time there are many festivities including dragon dances, fireworks displays and street fairs selling festive goods like red envelopes filled with lucky money for children!
Cuisine
- Phan Rang-Tháp Chàm is well-known for its seafood dishes, particularly the mouth-watering grilled squid and fish.
- The region boasts several popular local cuisines, including:
- bánh căn – a mini rice pancake served with either shrimp or pork belly
- cơm tấm – broken rice served with grilled pork, egg, and pickled vegetables
- bún chả cá – a noodle soup made with fish cakes and vermicelli noodles
- bánh xèo – a crispy pancake filled with bean sprouts, shrimp, and pork
- Nem nướng Ninh Hòa- famous throughout Vietnam as grilled pork sausage
- Several restaurants in Phan Rang-Tháp Chàm serve these delectable dishes. These include:
- Nhà hàng Thanh Tùng known for its seafood dishes like grilled squid and fish hotpot
- Quán Ăn Mười serving traditional Vietnamese food such as bún chả cá and bánh xèo
- Nhà hàng Hải Sản Mỹ Khê offering fresh catches from the nearby sea cooked to perfection in various styles such as steamed or fried
- Quán ăn Đức Minh providing authentic Vietnamese cuisine such as cơm tấm and bún thịt nướng (grilled meat noodle bowl)
- Nem Nướng Vân Anh 2- a famous nem nướng (grilled pork sausage) restaurant chain from Ninh Hòa district serving up their signature dish along with other tasty treats like spring rolls and beef salad
- Ninh Chu Beach: This picturesque beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing.
- Vinh Hy Bay: This breathtaking bay is ideal for snorkeling and diving to observe the stunning coral reefs and marine life.
- Binh Son Marine Park: This park offers a range of activities including hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, and bird watching.
- Phan Rang City Park: Families can enjoy this park’s playground for children or picnic areas with tables and benches under shady trees.
- Bau Truc Pottery Village: Visitors can experience traditional pottery making techniques from local artisans in this charming village.
- Cham Tower Complex: These ancient towers are a must-see attraction in Phan Rang-Thap Cham that offer insight into the Cham culture of Vietnam.
- Thap Ba Ponagar Temple: A Hindu temple dating back to the 8th century is another popular tourist spot in Phan Rang-Thap Cham that visitors shouldn’t miss out on visiting while there.