10 Hindu Temples In Vietnam You Must Visit

Vietnam is often celebrated for its serene Buddhist pagodas, elegant French colonial buildings, and buzzing street culture. Yet scattered across the country are extraordinary Hindu temples that tell a much older story. These sacred structures reflect the powerful legacy of the Champa Kingdom—an Indianized civilization that thrived along Vietnam’s central and southern coastline from the 2nd to the 17th century. Deeply influenced by Hinduism and Indian traditions, the Cham people built magnificent temple complexes devoted to Shiva, Vishnu, and other Hindu deities.

While some of these temples now stand in atmospheric ruins, others continue to serve as active places of worship or have been thoughtfully restored. Far more than archaeological remains, they are living cultural landmarks that highlight Vietnam’s historic ties with India and the wider Hindu world.

In this comprehensive guide, we explore 10 must-visit Hindu temples in Vietnam—from the world-renowned Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary to lesser-known Cham towers scattered across Bình Định, Nha Trang, and Phan Rang.

# Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary – Quảng Nam Province

No exploration of Hindu temples in Vietnam is complete without Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often described as the “Angkor Wat of Vietnam,” albeit on a smaller scale.

History & Significance
Serving as the spiritual heart of the Champa Kingdom between the 4th and 14th centuries, Mỹ Sơn was primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshiped here as Bhadreshvara. Champa kings regarded themselves as descendants of Shiva and commissioned elaborate temple complexes in his honor.

# Po Nagar Cham Towers – Nha Trang

Among the best-preserved Cham monuments, the Po Nagar Towers remain an active religious site to this day.

History & Deity
Constructed between the 7th and 12th centuries, the complex is devoted to Yan Po Nagar, the Cham mother goddess often associated with Hindu goddesses such as Durga and Bhagavati. Several shrines within the complex are also dedicated to Shiva and Ganesha.

# Po Klong Garai Towers – Phan Rang–Tháp Chàm

Phan Rang is widely regarded as the cultural heartland of the Cham people, and the Po Klong Garai Towers are its most iconic landmark.

History & Deity
Built in the late 13th century, the complex honors King Po Klong Garai, a revered Cham ruler later deified and closely associated with Shiva. Local legends credit him with safeguarding the Cham community and bringing prosperity to the region.

# Po Rome Towers – Ninh Thuận Province

Another significant Cham monument near Phan Rang is the Po Rome Towers, dedicated to one of the last great Cham kings.

History
King Po Rome (reigned 1627–1651) is remembered as a powerful leader who reinforced Cham identity and culture. After his death, he was deified, and a temple was constructed in his honor—blending Hindu elements with indigenous ancestor worship.

# Tháp Đôi (Twin Towers) – Quy Nhơn, Bình Định Province

Quy Nhơn is home to several Cham relics, and the Twin Towers stand out for their distinctive architectural style.

History
Dating to the late 12th century, these towers were likely dedicated to major Hindu deities, most probably Shiva and Vishnu.

# Bánh Ít Towers – Bình Định Province

Often referred to as the “Silver Towers,” the Bánh Ít complex consists of four Cham towers perched atop a hill.

History
Built in the 11th century, the site was likely devoted to Shiva and other Hindu gods, serving as an important religious center during the height of the Champa Kingdom.

# Tháp Dương Long – Bình Định Province

The Dương Long Towers are the tallest Cham towers still standing in Vietnam.

History
Constructed in the late 12th or early 13th century, these impressive structures were dedicated to Hindu deities, most likely Shiva or Vishnu, and demonstrate advanced Cham architectural craftsmanship.

# Tháp Nhạn – Tuy Hòa, Phú Yên Province

Overlooking Tuy Hòa city, Nhạn Tower is a solitary Cham temple with a commanding presence.

History & Setting
Built in the 12th century, the tower sits atop a hill near the Đà Rằng River, offering panoramic views of the city and coastline. It was dedicated to Hindu deities and remains an important cultural landmark.

# Tháp Bình Lâm – Tây Sơn, Bình Định Province

Less visited but historically significant, Bình Lâm Tower dates back to the 11th century.

Features

A single tall tower built from distinctive red brick.

Though partially ruined, intricate carvings of deities and motifs are still visible.

Surrounded by tranquil countryside, it offers a peaceful exploration experience.

# Tháp Hòa Lai – Ninh Thuận Province

Among the oldest surviving Cham monuments, the Hòa Lai Towers are a remarkable example of early Cham architecture.

History
Dating to the 9th century, these towers are believed to have been dedicated primarily to Shiva, reflecting the deep-rooted Hindu influence in the region.