(VOVWORLD) - The central province of Binh Dinh is home to numerous cultural heritages of the Cham ethnic minority, including Cham towers. Cham towers and their ruins with historical and architectural value are a unique tourist attraction in the area.
 Banh It tower in Tuy Phuoc district, Binh Dinh province. (Photo: VOV) |
Phu Loc tower is part of eight Cham tower clusters in Binh Dinh province dating back from the 11th to 15th century.
Built on a hilltop with a height of 76 meters, Phu Loc tower stands out in the middle of the plains of Binh Dinh like a giant lighthouse. Local authorities are considering upgrading the way to the tower to facilitate visitors.
“Currently, Phu Loc tower is only accessible by small paths which need to be renovated. We plan to build a complete road network connecting with the site to make it easier for tourists,” said Le Quoc Cuong, Chairman of Nhon Thanh ward’s People’s Committee.
Cham towers in Binh Dinh, which still retain their large-scale and intact architecture, have been classified as national architectural art relics. Duong Long tower was recognized as a special national relic in 2015 and Hon Chuong tower a national relic site in 1994.
Banh It tower was listed in the book “1001 Buildings You Must See Before You Die” edited by Mark Irving, a famous British author on architecture.
Binh Dinh province is also home to ancient citadels and pottery kilns, and valuable stone and terra-cotta sculptural works, 9 of which were recognized as national treasures.
“Cham towers have existed for thousands of years. We have worked with the Relics Preservation Institute and relevant agencies to renovate the towers. Surveys have been carried out before any renovation work,” said Bui Tinh, Director of Binh Dinh museum.
 The Twin Towers in Quy Nhon city. (Photo: VOV) |
Binh Dinh province’s Departments of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has proposed more tourism products including souvenir shops, music and art performances at the weekend, night tours, and combining tours to Cham towers with traditional handicraft villages.
The province has also digitized the relics. By using QR codes, visitors can get access to information, photos and video clips to learn more about the Cham towers.
“Preservation and renovation work must strictly abide by the Law of Culture Heritage and related documents. We will also ask for the consultation from experts and agencies, especially the Department of Cultural Heritage,” said Huynh Van Loi, deputy head of the Binh Dinh Department of Culture, and Sports.
Binh Dinh province is planning to build a Cham culture museum.