Old Phú Yên Nhạn Tower, (New Đắk Lắk)

Journey to Explore the Old Phu Yen Nhan Tower (New Dak Lak): Cham Pa Imprint Amidst a Land of Historical Crossroads

Standing atop a high mountain, embracing the strong wind that carries the salty taste of the sea intertwined with the wildness of the vast forest, you will fully appreciate the grandeur of time. Nhan Tower is not just a towering brick architectural structure reaching up to the deep blue sky, but also a silent chronicle preserving the essence of the ancient Champa kingdom. Entering 2026, with strong changes in the national geographical map, this relic has taken on a new significance, becoming a rare and unique symbol of cultural intersection.

Based on the practical experience of the LocalTrips.ORG team, the journey to this sacred tower is not merely a sightseeing trip, but a pilgrimage back in time. A place where every reddish-brown brick, every intricate carving tells us about a glorious period of gods, about the sweat and wisdom of the ancients left on this sunny and windy land of Central Vietnam.

Geographical Location and Historical Administrative Changes (Updated 2026)

Any journey begins with understanding the land you are about to set foot on. After the historical milestone of territorial planning, determining the coordinates of this relic has taken on an entirely new meaning, creating an interesting shift in the mindset of travel enthusiasts.

Golden Geographical Coordinates in the Heart of the City

Nhan Tower proudly sits atop Nhan Mountain (also known as Bao Thap Mountain or Dinh Mountain), casting its shadow over the gentle Da Rang River. This complex of relics is located right in the city center of Tuy Hoa, with an altitude of about 64 meters above sea level. From the tower's courtyard, visitors can take in a panoramic view of the city, admire the Hung Vuong bridge spanning the river mouth, and the lush green rice fields stretching to the horizon. The combination of "Nhan Mountain - Da River" has long been a sacred feng shui symbol, an inseparable scenic cluster when referring to this land.

[Image: Panoramic view of Nhan Tower majestically standing on Nhan Mountain, reflecting on the Da Rang River at sunset. | Alt text: Panoramic view of the old Phu Yen Nhan Tower, new Dak Lak, from above]

Old Phu Yen Nhan Tower, (New Dak Lak): Administrative Integration in 2026

The expert perspective from LocalTrips.ORG assesses that 2026 marks a great turning point for regional tourism. According to the latest administrative unit rearrangement resolution applied from July 1, 2025, the entire territory of Vietnam is re-planned into 34 provinces and cities. The old Tuy Hoa - Phu Yen region is now officially merged and becomes a key part of the administrative boundaries of the New Dak Lak province.

This event not only changes the name on the map but also creates a seamless tourist corridor from the majestic Central Highlands to the bustling South Central Coast. Now, when visiting the old Phu Yen Nhan Tower (New Dak Lak), visitors will feel a distinct cultural blend: in the morning, enjoying authentic coffee from the mountains and forests of New Dak Lak, and in the afternoon, immersing themselves in the sea breeze and admiring the ancient Cham Pa heritage.

History of Formation and Spiritual Significance of Nhan Tower

The reddish-brown Cham bricks, tightly bound without mortar for centuries, remain a mystery that challenges scientists. Nhan Tower is a silent but powerful historical witness, holding legendary stories from the dawn of time.

Imprint of the Champa Kingdom in the 12th Century

According to archaeological documents, Nhan Tower was built around the late 11th to early 12th century, during the flourishing period of the Champa kingdom. This is one of the important religious architectural works, classified as a Kalan (main temple) in the system of Cham towers. Over nearly a millennium with countless ups and downs of history, the devastation of war, and the erosion of harsh weather, the tower still stands firm, proving the masterful construction techniques of the ancient Cham people.

Legend of the Fairy Thien Y A Na

We have observed that the allure of Nhan Tower comes not only from its architecture but also from the spiritual folk tales passed down orally. Legend has it that the tower was built to worship Thuong Dinh Chua Thiet A Na Dien Ngoc Phi (also known as Mother of the Land Thien Y A Na). She was the goddess who taught the local people how to cultivate, weave, spin, and bestowed only good things. To commemorate her merits, the Cham people erected this majestic tower. Annually, during festivals, local people from the New Dak Lak area (old Phu Yen) gather here to offer incense, dance, and sing to pray for favorable weather and national peace.

[Image: Close-up of the reddish-brown fired bricks and intricate carvings on the tower body. | Alt text: Architectural details of fired bricks at the old Phu Yen Nhan Tower, new Dak Lak]

Unique Cham Pa Architectural Art

The perspective of ancient architecture experts always highly values the construction art of the Cham people. Every intricate detail carved on the tower body carries a profound cosmological message, expressing the aspiration to reach the realm of the divine.

Nhan Tower is approximately 23.5 meters high, divided into three main parts: the base, the body, and the roof, symbolizing the three worlds in Hindu belief (Mortal, Spiritual, and Divine).

• Tower Base: Built in a sturdy square shape, covered with strong fired brick layers, signifying the foundation of the mortal world.
• Tower Body: Rises straight up with towering pilasters. The false doors are decorated with intricate carvings of dragons, lotus flowers, and mythical creatures.
• Tower Roof: Narrows towards the top, the apex of the tower is a monolithic stone block in the shape of a Linga – a symbol of Shiva, representing the procreative power of the universe.

The Cham people's brick bonding technique at Nhan Tower remains a fascinating subject to this day. It is believed that they used a special type of tree resin (such as Dipterocarpus alatus resin) combined with monolithic brick firing techniques to create a durable bond, leaving no mortar joints visible.

Effective Travel and Transportation Experience (Updated 2026)

Based on the practical experience of the LocalTrips.ORG team, the transportation infrastructure connecting regions has been significantly upgraded. Traveling to Nhan Tower is no longer an obstacle, but choosing smart transportation will help you optimize your time and experience.

Directions to the City Center

With the merger into the new Dak Lak province, the transportation system has been synchronously invested. You can easily get here by:

• Air: Tuy Hoa Airport (now New Dak Lak Seaport Airport) welcomes dozens of flights daily from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other provinces. From the airport, it takes only about 15 minutes by taxi to reach the foot of Nhan Mountain.
• Rail: Tuy Hoa Station is located right in the city center, an ideal stop for those who enjoy sightseeing along the North-South railway line.
• Road: The North-South expressway section through this area has been completed, allowing passenger buses and private cars to travel extremely quickly.

Motorboat and Basket Boat Experience on the Da Rang River

We highly recommend you try a local experience: admiring Nhan Tower from the water. Instead of just driving a motorbike straight up the mountain, rent a motorboat or a basket boat from fishermen along the Da Rang River.

Floating on a swaying but safe basket boat, expertly steered by local fishermen, you will enjoy the cool breeze blowing from the river mouth. From the perspective of the river looking up, Nhan Tower appears majestic and ancient against the vast sky. This is a wonderful moment to take once-in-a-lifetime photos and listen to the simple, everyday stories of the people in this newly merged region.

[Image: Tourists sitting on a basket boat on the Da Rang River, looking up at Nhan Mountain. | Alt text: Basket boat experience viewing the old Phu Yen Nhan Tower, new Dak Lak]

Ideal Weather for Exploring Nhan Tower

Understanding the rhythm of nature is key to a fulfilling trip. The climate in the merged New Dak Lak region has interesting characteristics, a fascinating blend of the Central coastal climate with a touch of the Central Highlands mountain wind.

This area has two distinct seasons: the dry season (from January to August) and the rainy season (from September to December).

• Golden Period (March - August): This is when the weather is dry, the sky is blue with white clouds, and the sun shines brightly, making it ideal for visiting Nhan Tower and taking photos. The sunlight illuminating the Cham bricks creates a vibrant, mysterious red hue.

• Festival Season (March of the lunar calendar): If you want to experience a lively spiritual atmosphere, come during the Via Ba Festival (from the 21st to the 23rd of the 3rd lunar month). Here, ritual ceremonies, shadow dances, and spiritual songs will take place, imbued with the indigenous religious culture of the local people.

Local Cuisine: A Paradise of Unique Seafood

We have observed that a trip cannot be considered perfect without exploring the essence of its cuisine. The land of the old Phu Yen Nhan Tower (new Dak Lak) is a convergence of the freshest sea products and flavorful cooking methods typical of Central Vietnamese hospitality.

Tuna Eye Stew with Herbs - An Exclusive Culinary Delicacy

If you come here and don't try the tuna eye stew with medicinal herbs, it's as if you've never set foot here. The giant tuna eye is cleaned, deodorized, then steamed in a small clay pot with red dates, goji berries, rehmannia root, green onions, and Siamese chili. The rich fattiness of the fish eye blends with the delicate aroma of the herbs and the pungent taste of chili to create a nutritious dish that awakens all senses.

Specialty Seafood and Street Food

Additionally, you absolutely should not miss:

• Banh canh he (chive noodle soup): A rustic dish that leaves a lasting impression with its sweet and clear fish broth, soft rice flour noodles, chewy fish cake, and especially the lush green chives covering the bowl.
• Cha dong (lizard cake): The meat of sand lizards is minced, seasoned richly, then wrapped in rice paper and fried until crispy golden. Served with fresh vegetables and sweet and sour fish sauce.
• Fresh seafood: Lobster, king crab, spiral shells, O Loan lagoon blood cockles... are prepared simply by steaming with lemongrass or grilling with scallion oil to preserve the natural sweetness of the sea.

Accommodation Options: From Convenience to Self-Sufficiency Camping Experience

After a long day of exploration, finding suitable accommodation is extremely important. The area around Nhan Tower offers a variety of lodging options, meeting all needs and budgets of travelers.

Hotels and Homestays in the City Center

Along major roads such as Hung Vuong, Doc Lap, or Nguyen Hue, you can easily find 3 to 5-star hotels with sea views or direct views of Nhan Mountain. Homestays hidden in small alleys offer a cozy atmosphere, designed with vintage touches or rustic fishing village styles, very suitable for young people who love to check-in.

Cool Self-Sufficient Camping Experience

From the perspective of free-spirited travel enthusiasts, LocalTrips.ORG suggests trying self-sufficient camping. With a prime geographical location, you can pitch a tent in safe open spaces along the Da Rang River or head to pristine beaches not far from the center.

At night, light a small campfire, grill some dried squid, sip a cold beer, and look up at the mountain peak to see Nhan Tower illuminated brilliantly against the night sky. The gentle lapping of waves and the chirping of insects will bring you a remarkably wild, free, and peaceful sleep in nature. Don't forget to clean up all trash before leaving to protect the beautiful natural landscape of this new Dak Lak region.

Reference Price List for Tourist Services (Updated 2026)

To help you easily plan your trip's finances, LocalTrips.ORG has compiled detailed necessary expenses based on actual surveys in the new administrative area.

(Note: The prices above are for reference at the time of 2026 and may fluctuate slightly during holidays, Tet, or peak tourist seasons).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Nhan Tower

Regarding this unique relic, tourists often have many questions before embarking on their journey. Below are the concise and most accurate answers from our team of experts.

1. Which province does Nhan Tower currently belong to according to the new administrative map of 2026?
According to the latest territorial planning effective from July 1, 2025, the old Phu Yen area has been merged, so Nhan Tower is now located within the administrative boundaries of the new Dak Lak province. However, the core cultural and historical values of the relic are still fully preserved.

2. Is the road to Nhan Tower difficult? Can cars go all the way up?
The road to the top of Nhan Mountain has been paved smoothly with a gentle slope, making it very easy to travel. Motorbikes and cars up to 16 seats can drive directly to the parking lot right at the foot of the tower. If you like to exercise, you can also choose to walk up the stone steps to enjoy the fresh air.

3. Is it safe to visit Nhan Tower at night?
Completely safe. At night, Nhan Tower is illuminated by an artistic LED lighting system with various colors, creating an ethereal and sparkling beauty. The area also has security guards on duty and is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists to stroll and admire the city night view.

4. Are there guided tour services at the attraction?
At Nhan Tower, there are usually guides from the relic management board. If you are traveling with a large group, you can contact them in advance to request a guided tour service, which will help you better understand the Cham Pa architecture and the legend of Thien Y A Na.

5. What should I pay attention to when self-camping near Nhan Tower?
If you choose to camp along the Da Rang River or at the beach, pay attention to the weather forecast to avoid high tides or heavy rain. Prepare enough mosquito repellent, warm sleeping bags, and strictly adhere to the "Leave No Trace" principle to protect the environment of this beautiful new Dak Lak region.

6. What specialties can I buy near Nhan Tower as gifts?
You can visit central markets or specialty stores to buy sun-dried beef with ant salt, fish cake, dried seafood, fish sauce, or dewy rice paper. These are all gifts that carry the rich flavors of this land of cultural intersection.

The journey to find the old Phu Yen Nhan Tower (new Dak Lak) is an experience that awakens all senses, where you can touch bricks bearing the breath of a thousand years of history, drift on the waters of the Da Rang River, and fully taste the saltiness of the sea. The shift in the administrative map of 2026 does not diminish the value of the heritage; on the contrary, it enhances the unique beauty of cultural intersection in this land. Pack your bags and experience for yourself the wonderful things that nature and people here have to offer.

If you are planning a self-sufficient camping trip to stargaze by the river, or want to design a cultural Cham Pa experience tour combined with the best seafood, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or contact the LocalTrips.ORG team directly. We are always ready to accompany you on every journey of discovery!