Beyond Nha Trang – traces of the Cham Empire

Having first hosted foreign visitors during French rule and later again during the Vietnam War when it was used as a strategic US airbase, Nha Trang has today grown into a lively beach resort where visitors enjoy endless lounging and scuba diving adventures.

But there’s more to Nha Trang than just colourful marine life and soft white sand. Near to this seaside resort lays traces of a lost empire which are well worth dragging yourself away from the coast for a day.

The Hindu Champa ruled this area for 14 centuries so it is no great surprise to discover elements of their reign still standing. What is a surprise for many visitors, however, is just how magnificent these remains are.

Set back from the resort’s coastal road, just a 20-minute walk from the beach, are red brick Cham towers dating to between the 7th and 12th centuries and decorated with remarkable carvings. 

The best time to visit Nha Trang is outside of the monsoon season (October to mid-December) and the city is easily accessible by rail from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, or by air via Cam Ranh Airport, 30kms from town.