Po Rome Cham Tower: The Last King's Legacy
Built in the 17th century for Champa's last king, Po Rome tower is quieter and less visited than Po Klong Garai but equally worthwhile.
What Is Po Rome?
Po Rome (Tháp Pô Rôme) is a Cham tower complex built in the early 17th century, dedicated to King Po Rome — the last king of the Champa Kingdom before it was fully absorbed into Vietnam. The complex sits on a low hill about 15km from Phan Rang, surrounded by farmland and vineyards.
It's smaller and less dramatic than Po Klong Garai, but sees far fewer tourists. If you want to experience a Cham tower without crowds, this is it.
The Tower
Architecture: Single main tower in the classic Cham brick style, with Hindu-influenced carvings and a pyramidal roof. Smaller auxiliary structures around the base.
Inside: A small shrine with offerings. The tower is still used for worship during Cham festivals.
Condition: Well-preserved. Recent restoration has maintained the original structure while stabilizing key elements.
History Brief
King Po Rome (ruled ~1627-1651) was the last significant ruler of Champa before Vietnamese expansion absorbed the remaining Cham territories. The tower was built shortly after his death to honor his memory.
For the local Cham community, Po Rome is not just a historical monument — it's an active place of worship and cultural identity.
Visiting
Entry fee: 15-20k VND/person
Hours: 7am-5pm daily
Time needed: 30-45 minutes is enough to see the tower, walk the grounds, and read the information plaques.
Best time: Early morning (7-9am) or late afternoon (4-5pm) for softer light and fewer people. Midday is harsh and hot.
During Kate Festival (October-November): The tower comes alive with Cham worshippers in traditional dress, music, and ceremonies. If your visit coincides, it's a rare cultural experience. Tourists are welcome to observe respectfully.
Combining With Bau Truc
Po Rome and Bau Truc Pottery Village are within 5km of each other. Perfect for a combined morning visit:
Route: Phan Rang → Po Rome Tower (15km, ~20 min) → Bau Truc Pottery (5km, ~10 min) → Return to Phan Rang
Timing: Leave Phan Rang at 7-7:30am → Po Rome 8-9am → Bau Truc 9-10:30am → Back in Phan Rang by 11am for lunch.
Practical Tips
- Dress modestly: Shoulders and knees covered. This is a sacred site.
- Remove shoes: Before entering the main tower sanctuary.
- Photography: Allowed, but ask before photographing people praying or making offerings.
- No English signage: Bring a translation app if you want to read the history plaques.
Po Rome vs Po Klong Garai
Both are worth seeing if you have time, but if you must choose one:
Choose Po Klong Garai if:
- You only have time for one tower
- You want the most impressive architecture
- You prefer well-developed tourist sites
Choose Po Rome if:
- You want fewer crowds
- You're already visiting Bau Truc
- You prefer quiet, contemplative experiences
