Cham Culture in Ninh Thuan: What Travelers Should Know

Who Are the Cham People?

The Cham (Chăm) are an ethnic group with roots in the ancient Kingdom of Champa, which controlled much of what is now central and southern Vietnam from roughly the 2nd to 17th centuries. At its height, Champa was a major maritime trading power with strong cultural ties to India — the Hindu and later Muslim influences are still visible in Cham architecture, religious practice, and daily life.

Today, around 65,000 Cham people live in Ninh Thuan, making it the largest Cham community in Vietnam. The province takes this heritage seriously: there are active Cham-language classes, traditional craft preservation programs, and annual festivals.

The Towers

Ninh Thuan has two major Cham tower complexes, both still considered sacred sites by the local Cham community.

Po Klong Garai (Tháp Pô Klong Garai)

Built in the late 13th century during the reign of King Po Klong Garai. Four red brick towers on a hill overlooking Phan Rang. One of the best-preserved Cham sites in Vietnam.

The main tower houses a statue of the bull Nandi and a sacred flame. During the Kate Festival (October-November), the towers fill with Cham worshippers dressed in traditional clothing for a multi-day ceremony.

Entry: 20k VND. Hours: 7am-5pm.

Po Rome (Tháp Pô Rôme)

Built in the early 17th century, dedicated to King Po Rome — the last king of Champa. Less visited than Po Klong Garai but worth the detour. Set on a lower hill, surrounded by farmland.

Entry: 15-20k VND.

Bau Truc Pottery Village

The oldest living pottery tradition in Southeast Asia. Cham women have hand-built terracotta pots without a potter's wheel for over 2,000 years. The technique, patterns, and clay sources are the same today as they were centuries ago.

Visiting hours: 7am-11am (artisans work in the morning).

Kate Festival

The biggest Cham festival of the year, usually October-November (date varies by the Cham lunar calendar). Celebrated at Po Klong Garai and in surrounding Cham villages.

What happens: Ritual processions, traditional music and dance, offerings at the towers, communal feasting. Tourists are welcome to observe — the towers are open to the public during Kate. Dress modestly, don't enter restricted areas.

If your travel dates allow flexibility, timing a trip around Kate is worthwhile.

How to Visit Respectfully

At the towers:

• Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered)
• Remove shoes when entering the main tower sanctuary
• Don't touch religious objects or statues
• Ask permission before photographing worshippers during ceremonies

At Bau Truc:

• Ask before photographing individual artisans
• Don't walk into someone's workspace without being invited
• Buy something if you spend time watching

General:

• The Cham community is proud of their heritage but not a tourist exhibit. Treat it as you would any living religious or cultural tradition.