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Close-up of the tallest Cham tower in Southeast Asia in Binh Dinh

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(VOVWORLD) - Built around the 12th-13th centuries, the Duong Long Tower (Binh Dinh), showcasing distinct Khmer architectural style, is the tallest brick tower cluster in Southeast Asia still in existence.

Binh Dinh province houses the tallest Cham tower in Southeast Asia.
Close-up of the tallest Cham tower in Southeast Asia in Binh Dinh - ảnh 1Located atop a hill in Tay Binh Commune, approximately 50 kilometers from Quy Nhon City, Duong Long Tower (also known as Nga Tower, Binh An Tower, or An Chanh Tower) was constructed under the influence of Khmer architecture during the most prosperous period of Champa culture (12th-13th century).
Close-up of the tallest Cham tower in Southeast Asia in Binh Dinh - ảnh 2This is one of the most well-preserved Champa architectural complexes in central Vietnam today and also the tallest brick tower cluster remaining in Vietnam. The Middle Tower stands at 39 meters, the North Tower at 32 meters, and the South Tower at 33 meters. According to the provincial Department of Cultural Heritage, the Middle Tower is believed to be the tallest brick tower in Southeast Asia.
Close-up of the tallest Cham tower in Southeast Asia in Binh Dinh - ảnh 3Like other Cham towers in Binh Dinh, the Duong Long tower cluster is situated on a hilltop in the typical Khmer temple-mountain style. The entire complex aligns along a north-south axis, with the main entrance facing the East Sea.
Close-up of the tallest Cham tower in Southeast Asia in Binh Dinh - ảnh 4The distinctiveness of the towers is reflected in their sculptured decorations, showcasing the craftsmanship of ancient Champa artisans.
Close-up of the tallest Cham tower in Southeast Asia in Binh Dinh - ảnh 5After a thousand years of history, the stone base cladding beneath the false doors remains intact. 
Close-up of the tallest Cham tower in Southeast Asia in Binh Dinh - ảnh 6The stone at the tower's peak is meticulously crafted, with lotus motifs either being upturned or downward-facing. The carvings also depict a woman’s full breast, symbolizing the goddess Uroja.
Close-up of the tallest Cham tower in Southeast Asia in Binh Dinh - ảnh 7The bodies of the towers in the Duong Long complex are built from brick, with the corners joined by large, elaborately carved stone blocks.
Close-up of the tallest Cham tower in Southeast Asia in Binh Dinh - ảnh 8One prominent feature of Khmer cultural influence is the depiction of the serpent deity Naga, with representations featuring one, three, or five heads. Through three excavation efforts at Duong Long Tower in 2006, 2007, and 2008, archaeologists discovered a large number of stone sculptures, most of which depict the Naga serpent motif.
Close-up of the tallest Cham tower in Southeast Asia in Binh Dinh - ảnh 9The bricks used by the Cham people to construct these towers have been a mystery for nearly a century. After years of research, scientists finally uncovered that they are special type of soft brick. This porous brick absorbs water and, when exposed to sunlight, releases moisture, helping to maintain its durability over centuries.
Close-up of the tallest Cham tower in Southeast Asia in Binh Dinh - ảnh 10After the passage of a thousand years and human impact, much of the tower complex has suffered significant damage. Yet its unique architectural features remain vivid and intact.
Close-up of the tallest Cham tower in Southeast Asia in Binh Dinh - ảnh 11Duong Long Tower was recognized as a national architectural relic by the Ministry of Culture and Information in 1980 and a special national heritage site by the Prime Minister in 2015.

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