According to the Khanh Hoa Provincial Department of Tourism , from January 28th to February 2nd (from the 29th of the 12th lunar month to the 5th day of the Lunar New Year of the Year of the Snake), the province welcomed 940,500 tourists. The high number of overnight and day visitors helped Khanh Hoa tourism achieve total revenue of over 1,356 billion VND, an increase of more than 141% compared to 2024; of which the total number of international overnight visitors increased by 193% compared to the same period last year.
The streets of Nha Trang city center are always crowded with people, and many tourist attractions in the province are packed with visitors. The Ponagar Tower historical site is a popular choice for many international tour groups.
The Ponagar Tower complex is a favorite destination for international tourists visiting Nha Trang.
PHOTO: BA DUY
The Ponagar Tower, located on Highway 2.4 in Vinh Phuoc Ward (Nha Trang City), was classified as a national monument in 1979. According to surviving documents, the Ponagar Tower was built by the Cham people between the 8th and 13th centuries on Cu Lao Hill to worship the goddess Ponagar, the Mother of the Land, hence its common name, Ponagar Tower.
The Ponagar Tower complex is an architectural ensemble comprising a gate tower, a Mandapa (pavilion), and a temple area. However, due to historical changes, only five structures remain in the complex, situated on two levels: the Mandapa and the temple area. For many years, the Ponagar Tower complex has been a popular tourist destination in Nha Trang, as well as a place for practicing the worship of the Mother Goddess, specifically the Thiên YA Na Thánh Mẫu (Goddess of Heaven) worship of the Vietnamese people.
With its unique construction techniques and the passage of time, the Ponagar Tower exudes an ancient charm in every frame, captivating visitors.
PHOTO: BA DUY
Two girls from South Korea checked in wearing the traditional Vietnamese áo dài dress and conical hat.
PHOTO: BA DUY
The Ponagar Tower is a famous and popular photo spot for locals in Khanh Hoa province , as well as tourists visiting Nha Trang city.
PHOTO: BA DUY
The Ponagar Tower complex was built between the 8th and 13th centuries on Cu Lao hill to worship the goddess Ponagar, the Mother of the Cham people, hence its common name, Ponagar Tower.
PHOTO: BA DUY
From January 17, 2025, the Ponagar Tower relic site will be classified by the Government as a special national relic.
PHOTO: BA DUY
During the 2025 Lunar New Year, the Provincial Center for Heritage Conservation organized many additional events to supplement the main tour program. Among them, the shadow puppet show attracted much attention from both domestic and international tourists, who watched the artists perform intently.
According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy Hang, Head of the Management Board of the Thap Ba Special Relic Site, the shadow puppet dance is a traditional cultural feature of the people of Khanh Hoa. The dances and offerings presented to the Mother Goddess express the reverence and gratitude of the people towards her. The dances offered to the Mother Goddess and celebrated during the New Year bring joy and freshness to tourists and local people alike. The cultural tradition of worshipping the Mother Goddess is a typical cultural feature, and the Provincial Conservation Center hopes that visitors will not only enjoy the spring festivities but also appreciate the unique cultural values of the people of Khanh Hoa.
Shadow puppetry is a traditional cultural feature of the people of Khanh Hoa. The dances and offerings presented to the Mother Goddess express the reverence and gratitude of the people towards her.
PHOTO: BA DUY
Numerous tourists watched intently as the artists performed.
PHOTO: BA DUY
During performances, the artists must keep the ceremonial object balanced on their heads, ensuring it does not wobble, tilt, or fall, whether the dancer is standing, kneeling, or even sitting.
PHOTO: BA DUY
During the daily tour of the Ponagar Tower, visitors can also enjoy the distinctive dances and music of Cham culture.
PHOTO: BA DUY
During the Lunar New Year holiday of the Year of the Snake 2025, the Ponagar Tower National Special Monument welcomed over 45,000 visitors, of which international tourists accounted for about one-third.
PHOTO: BA DUY
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