Cham’s vestiges in VIETNAM

These are unique cultural structures of great value that can be compared with such famous monuments in South East Asia as Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Pagan in Myanmar or Borobudur in Indonesia. Not only their splendid past, the present-day lifestyle of Cham people is also presented.  Visitors will tour traditional Cham's villages around Phan Rang to admire their colorful handicrafts as well as to get to know the diversity of their religion. Meeting with Cham culture researchers at seminar surely enrich visitors' experience.

Day 1: Da Nang Arrival (D)

Price / Person (for 2+)
Executive	Contact us for current rates!
Deluxe
Standard
(Single person surcharge applicable)

Arrive at Da Nang Airport. Pick up and transfer to a hotel. Visit the Cham Sculpture Museum with more than 300 artifacts dating from the 4th to the 14th century. Attend a seminar on Cham sculpture, presented by Cham culture experts in Da Nang. Overnight in Da Nang.

Day 2: Excursion to Tra Kieu & My Son (B, L, D)
Enjoy a day trip on rural roads to explore Tra Kieu & My Son, 70km from Da Nang. Tra Kieu (formerly called Simhapura) was the first capital city of Champa from the 4th to the 8th century. Visit Tra Kieu Church having a collection of valuable Cham artifacts dating from the 8th to the 10th century. Onwards to My Son, a World Heritage site recognized by UNESCO in 1999. Here is the biggest Cham intellectual and religious centre and also a burial place for Cham monarchs from the 4th to the 13th century. The stunning ruins of dozens of red brick towers can be explored. Overnight in Da Nang.

Day 3: Da Nang - Hoi An - Quang Ngai (B, L, D)
Transfer to Hoi An (30km) with a stop-over at the stone-carving village of Non Nuoc where artisans carve marble, sandstone into a variety of statues including Apsara, Hindu gods, linga & yoni. Proceed to Hoi An, which used to be a bustling Cham seaport in the heyday of Tra Kieu and Dong Duong. Take a leisurely pedicab ride around the centuries-old town with ancient houses, temples, markets and handicraft workshops. Leave Hoi An for Quang Ngai (120km), admire a chain of Cham towers en route including the Bang An Towers (built in the 12th century), the Chien Dan Towers (built in the 11th century) and the Khuong My Towers (built in the 10th century). In front of the Chien Dan Towers, the brick foundation and ornamentation was excavated in 2000. Overnight in Quang Ngai.

Day 4: Quang Ngai - Qui Nhon (B, L, D)
Leave for Qui Nhon (175km), famous for the Cham capital of Cha Ban from the 10th to the 15th century. Ancient Cham remains including walls, moats, roads, statues, temples (Thap Thap & Canh Tien) can be found inside the ruins of Cha Ban. The Duong Long Towers (built in the 13th century) and the Banh It Towers (built in the 12th century) are also worth visiting for their exquisite architecture. Overnight in Qui Nhon.

Day 5: Qui Nhon - Nha Trang (B, L, D)
Leaving Qui Nhon, attend a seminar on the restoration of Cham brick structures presented by Cham culture experts in Qui Nhon. Join an inspection trip guided by experts to the newly-restored towers of Hung Thanh (built in the 13th century). Transfer to Nha Trang (250km) in picturesque coastal scenery. Stop at the Nhan Tower (built in the early 12th century) perched on a hill with a panoramic view of Tuy Hoa Town. On arrival in Nha Trang (formerly called Kauthara), visit the Po Nagar Towers (built from the 7th to the 12th century), a compound of brick towers on a hillock facing the picturesque mouth of the Cai River. It served as the holy see of the southern part of the Cham Kingdom covering Kauthara & Pan Duranga. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 6: Nha Trang - Phan Rang (B, L, D)
Nha Trang is the most charming coastal town with white sandy beaches, fascinating islands and year-round dry weather. At leisure in the morning to relax by the pool side or to indulge in turquoise water. In the afternoon, transfer to Phan Rang, formerly called Pan Duranga (110km) and visit the Hoa Lai Towers (built in the 9th century) and the Po Klong Garai Towers (built in the 13th century). The Po Klong Garai Towers are not only one of the most magnificent Cham monuments but also a major place of worship during the Kate Festival held in around October. Overnight in Phan Rang.

Day 7: Phan Rang - Phan Thiet (B, L, D)
The morning highlight offers an opportunity to have first-hand experience of Cham communities. Get to know centuries-old handicrafts such as brocade weaving at My Nghiep Village and earthenware making at Bau Truc Village. Visit the Porome Tower (built in the 14th century), one of the most recent Cham towers. Leave Phan Rang for Phan Thiet (150km) with a stop-over at the Phan Thanh commune. See the collections of Cham royal families and explore the religious diversity of Cham people at Hindu Mai Lanh Hamlet and Muslim Chau Hanh Hamlet. Overnight in Phan Thiet.

Day 8: Phan Thiet (B, L, D)
Hidden among coconut trees, a chain of seaside resorts attracts every taste and all ages. Spend the whole day relaxing at a resort, or roaming over colored sand dunes at Hon Rom. The coast offers spectacular views at sunset along the Cape Ne beach drive. Golfing at an 18-hole course is optional. Overnight in Phan Thiet.

Day 9: Phan Thiet - Ho Chi Minh City (B, L, D)
Before leaving for Ho Chi Minh City (200km), visit the Po Sanu Towers (built in the 8th century), considered the last Cham towers on the central coastal plains. An afternoon tour round Ho Chi Minh City, formerly called Saigon, features the History Museum, the Binh Tay Market in Chinatown, Thien Hau Temple and a lacquer workshop. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 10: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City (B)
Spend last minutes for downtown shopping (embroideries, silk, lacquerware,...) or at leisure before check-out. Transfer to the airport for departure.

All tours include: Present of handmade work - Accommodation based on twin sharing either Executive, Deluxe or Standard - Air Conditioned transportation - Meals in full board - All admission fees - English speaking guide - Tourist insurance. NOT included are: Single person surcharge - Drinks - Personal expenditures - International air ticket and airport tax - Tips