Banh It Cham Towers

Banh It Tower, Old Binh Dinh and New Gia Lai: A Journey to Discover a Thousand-Year-Old Champa Heritage

Nestled on a windswept hill, where sun-baked red bricks glow under the Central Vietnamese sun, Banh It Tower is not just an architectural masterpiece but also a vivid testament to the glorious era of the Vijaya kingdom.

From the perspective of the LocalTrips.ORG team, we recognize that this site is becoming the focal point of a cultural tourism axis connecting old Binh Dinh – a coastal region rich in heritage – and new Gia Lai – a potential-filled plateau undergoing strong transformations in its 2026 regional planning. A visit to this ancient tower complex is not merely a simple tour, but a journey to converse with the past and understand the future vision of the South Central Coast - Central Highlands region.

Geographical Location of Banh It Tower, Old Binh Dinh, New Gia Lai

To unravel the allure of this relic, let's first examine the strategic geographical coordinates chosen by the ancient Cham people. The tower is located in Dai Le / Dai Loc village, Phuoc Hiep commune, Tuy Phuoc district, Binh Dinh province. From the administrative center of Quy Nhon, visitors only need to travel about 18–20 km north to admire the tower's majestic beauty emerging against the sky.

Geographically, the tower cluster sits on a hill approximately 100m high, firmly positioned between two branches of the poetic Kon River. This location not only makes the tower easily visible from a distance when traveling on National Highway 1A but also carries deep feng shui significance, where river and mountain harmonize.

In the development trajectory of 2026, the connection between old Binh Dinh and new Gia Lai has become stronger than ever. The heritage-ecology link via National Highway 19 has transformed Banh It Tower into an important gateway for journeys through the heritage region. After experiencing the cool climate of the Pleiku plateau, tourists can conveniently follow the East-West corridor to Tuy Phuoc, before stopping for a break at the beautiful beaches of Quy Nhon. A practical lesson is that the hilltop location not only serves religious purposes but also provides an expansive view towards Thi Nai Lagoon and Phuong Mai Peninsula, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the magnificence of this land.

Reference Price List for Related Tourism Services (Updated 2026)

Based on current tourism market data, we've compiled a reference cost table to help you easily plan your trip budget:

Famous Tourist Destinations: Banh It Tower, Old Binh Dinh, New Gia Lai

The most frequent question for pilgrims is "What does Banh It Tower have?". This is a unique ancient tower complex with 4 architectural structures, each with completely different functions and beauty:

• Main Tower (Kalan): The heart of the complex, where Shiva is worshipped. This tower is over 20m high, embodying the Kalan architectural style with miraculously smoothly fitted brick blocks.
• Gate Tower (Gopura): Located to the East, it features typical Gopura architecture with an expansive arched doorway, serving as the entrance for devotees before entering the sacred space.
• Stele Tower: With its gradually receding tiered roof in the South Indian style (Dravidian architecture), this is where ancient steles recounting the achievements of kings are preserved.
• Fire Tower (Saddle-shaped): Features a unique saddle-shaped roof, where sacrificial offerings were prepared. This structure bears the imprint of Nagara architecture combined with local Cham identity.

Additionally, this is an ideal ancient Quy Nhon destination for photography enthusiasts. From the top of the tower hill, you can gaze upon the peaceful life of Tuy Phuoc district. This relic, along with other Cham towers in Binh Dinh, has created an unmissable chain of destinations for cultural tourism in Quy Nhon.

History of Banh It Tower, Old Binh Dinh, New Gia Lai

The tower complex is dated to the late 11th and early 12th centuries. This was a brilliant transitional period between the My Son A1 style and the Binh Dinh style. Under the reign of the kings of the Champa Kingdom, Banh It Tower was built as one of the most important Hindu religious centers in the Vijaya region.

Regarding its name, locals affectionately call this relic "Banh It" (small cake). This comes from the tower's shape, which from a distance resembles the banh it la gai cake – a famous specialty of this region. In French documents, the tower was also known as "Silver Tower."

The history of the tower is intertwined with the rise and fall of Cham culture. Archaeologists have discovered many valuable worship statues, especially Shiva – Nandin icons and intricate Cham bas-reliefs. Over centuries, despite the effects of time, the complex stands tall, becoming a typical example of Cham Pa architectural art in Central Vietnam.

Economy of Banh It Tower, Old Binh Dinh, New Gia Lai

In the context of 2026, this Cham Pa relic in Binh Dinh holds not only spiritual value but also significant economic leverage. Cultural tourism has become a spearhead, generating revenue from transportation, accommodation, and local culinary services.

The integration of Binh Dinh and Gia Lai in regional economic links has opened opportunities for tour operators to develop cultural + coastal + highland tourism routes. The exchange of goods between Binh Dinh's coastal region and Gia Lai's raw material region via National Highway 19 has also led to a noticeable improvement in the lives of the people in Phuoc Hiep commune. Traditional craft villages around the tower hill are being revitalized thanks to the increasing number of visitors, actively contributing to community-based heritage conservation efforts.

Weather at Banh It Tower, Old Binh Dinh, New Gia Lai

The climate in Tuy Phuoc is characteristic of the South Central Coast. For a complete tour of the Cham Towers in Binh Dinh, we recommend choosing the following times:

• January to August: The dry season offers clear skies and beautiful sunshine, highlighting the red color of the Cham fired bricks. This is the most suitable time to "go up the tower" and capture stunning check-in photos.
• September to December: The rainy season can make climbing the hill more challenging, but it brings an ancient, contemplative, and moss-covered beauty to the complex.

In new Gia Lai, the highland weather is generally cooler, so if you're traveling the Quy Nhon – Gia Lai route, remember to bring a light jacket when moving up to the western region.

Transportation to Banh It Tower, Old Binh Dinh, New Gia Lai

Accessing Banh It Tower is currently very convenient due to synchronous infrastructure:

1. By Road: From Quy Nhon, drive north along National Highway 1A. The tower is located right by the road, making it very easy to find.
2. By Air: Phu Cat Airport is only about a 15-minute drive from the tower, very convenient for long-distance travelers.
3. Regional Links: High-quality bus and coach services connecting Pleiku (Gia Lai) and Quy Nhon operate continuously, making travel between the sea and the highlands easy.

Cuisine at Banh It Tower, Old Binh Dinh, New Gia Lai

The trip wouldn't be complete if you missed out on the distinctive local cuisine. In Tuy Phuoc and the areas around Banh It Tower, you must try:

• Banh it la gai: The origin of the tower's name, with a delicate sweetness and the fragrance of la gai leaves.
• Nem cha Cho Huyen: A famous specialty of the Tuy Phuoc region.
• Banh xeo tom nhay: Enjoy it fresh at eateries along National Highway 1A with fresh shrimp from Thi Nai Lagoon.
• Culinary Fusion: Thanks to regional connections, you can also find Gia Lai specialties like pho kho (dry pho) or grilled chicken with lam rice at large restaurants in Quy Nhon.

Accommodation Services at Banh It Tower, Old Binh Dinh, New Gia Lai

The accommodation system for visitors is very diverse, meeting all needs:

• Tuy Phuoc Area: Homestays with a distinct Central Vietnamese village style, quiet and close to nature.
• Quy Nhon Area: Many high-end hotels and international-standard resorts along the beach for guests who want to combine visiting relics with a beach vacation.
• Inter-regional Area: Rest stops and hotels along National Highway 19 cater to guests on multi-day Quy Nhon – Gia Lai tours.

Localtrips.ORG specializes in providing tourism information for Banh It Tower, Old Binh Dinh, New Gia Lai

We have observed that there is a huge demand for a transparent and in-depth information platform about Cham Pa relics in Vietnam. At Localtrips.ORG, each article is not just data, but the dedication of those who love culture. A practical lesson is that the combination of Southeast Asian archaeology and modern travel experiences will help visitors gain a deeper insight into Cham sculpture art.

We are committed to accompanying you every step of the way, from advising on optimal itineraries to introducing authentic "Xu Nau" culinary spots. Let us turn your trip into a memorable heritage discovery journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is there an entrance fee for Banh It Tower?
Yes, the current entrance fee is very affordable, ranging from 20,000 - 30,000 VND, used for the maintenance and preservation of the relic.

2. What is the most convenient way to get from Quy Nhon to the tower?
Motorbikes are chosen by many young people for their flexibility, but if traveling with family, you should rent a car to avoid the Central Vietnamese heat.

3. Why is the tower named Banh It?
This name originates from the appearance of the tower cluster, which from a distance resembles stacked banh it la gai cakes – a traditional specialty of the Binh Dinh people.

4. What architectural style was Banh It Tower built in?
This structure represents a transitional style between the My Son A1 style and the Binh Dinh style, showcasing the sophistication of Cham sculptural art from the 11th-12th centuries.

5. Can the tower be combined with other attractions?
You can combine a visit with Thap Canh Tien (Winged Tower), Long Khanh Pagoda, or head to Quy Nhon beach to enjoy a cultural + beach + highland tourism experience.

6. What is the most prominent feature of Banh It Tower compared to other towers?
It is the completeness of a Southeast Asian Hindu temple complex comprising all four distinct architectural structures on a single hill, creating a rare majesty.

Conclusion:
Banh It Tower is not just a block of fired bricks, but a bridge connecting the glorious past of old Binh Dinh and the bright future of new Gia Lai. Preserving and promoting the value of this heritage is our responsibility and pride.

Final tip: Take some time to stand on the hill of the tower at sunset. You will experience an absolute stillness and the mystical beauty of Champa culture that no book can fully describe.

Read more travel articles on our website, contact us for in-depth tour consultation, or leave a comment to share your feelings about this heritage journey!