Banh It Towers: A Thousand-Year-Old Icon Atop a Windy Hill
While the Binh Lam Towers prefer to stay hidden in quiet, rural hamlets, a short journey from Nhon Hai toward Tuy Phuoc brings you to a majestic ancient complex standing proudly atop a wind-swept hill. Welcome to the Banh It Towers—one of the oldest and most grand Cham tower clusters in Binh Dinh, even featured in renowned international architectural journals!
The name—which sounds both quirky and deeply local—comes from the way the towers appear from a distance. Their clustered silhouettes resemble "Banh It La Gai," the iconic, addictive specialty cake of the "Nau" region.
A Masterclass in Architecture: Four Towers, Zero Flaws
Unlike singular sites, this complex features four distinct towers, each with its own character:
- The Gate and Main Towers: The Gate Tower offers a solid, welcoming entrance, leading you up to the towering Main Tower at the center of the hilltop. With its prominent vertical ridges and dramatic, spear-shaped arched doorways, the craftsmanship is truly breathtaking.
- The Saddle and Roof Towers: Don't miss the tower featuring a unique, curved roof shaped like a horse saddle. This is a rare architectural feature that makes for incredibly stylish and one-of-a-kind photos.
- Million-Dollar Views: Positioned on a high hill, the site rewards your climb up the mossy stone steps with a refreshing breeze and sweeping vistas of lush green rice paddies and winding rivers below.
Travel Tips for the Perfect Visit
- Prepare for the Climb: Reaching the summit requires walking up slopes and fairly steep stone steps. Wear comfortable sneakers and take your time to enjoy the scenery on the way up.
- The Golden Hour: The towers are at their most magical between 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM. As the golden sunset hits the deep red brick walls, the entire complex glows, casting dramatic shadows that are perfect for stunning photography.
- Affordable Admission: Entry is budget-friendly, typically costing only 15,000 – 20,000 VND per person—a small price for a priceless historical and cultural experience.
If you are exploring the dunes of Nhon Hai, make sure to take a "trip back in time" at the Banh It Towers. Once you have snapped all your photos, head back into the city to enjoy a plate of "Banh Hoi Long Heo" (steamed rice vermicelli with pork offal) for the ultimate authentic local experience!
