Cham culture enchants visitors to Lam Dong
Domestic and international tourists are increasingly choosing the eastern part of Lam Dong as a destination not only for sightseeing and relaxation, but also for experiencing the rich and distinctive traditional culture of the Cham people.
From ancient historical relics
Located on Ba Nai Hill in Phu Thuy Ward, Po Sah Inu Towers stands as a remarkable architectural and religious complex of the Cham community, preserved in relatively intact condition.
With its unique architecture and long-standing cultural and historical values, efforts by the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to promote heritage-linked tourism, the site has attracted growing numbers of visitors, especially during holidays and festivals.
Visitors to the site can enjoy Cham cultural performances, featuring graceful Apsara dances accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of traditional instruments such as the Ghi-nang drum, Paranung drum, and Saranai horn, creating a mesmerizing artistic experience.
Despite the passage of time, the moss-covered Cham towers retain their timeless beauty and cultural significance. Alongside them, a rich heritage of poetry, festivals, and traditional crafts continues to reflect the distinctive identity of the Cham people.
According to the site’s management board, in addition to exploring the ancient towers, visitors can watch performances by Cham artists and even request reenactments of traditional festivals such as Rija Nưgar and Rija Harei, staged within the complex.
In recent years, tourism units have collaborated with travel companies to develop experiential tours. These include exploring Cham culture, enjoying folk performances, and engaging in traditional crafts such as weaving and pottery making activities that leave a lasting impression on visitors.
At the Cham Cultural Exhibition Center, visitors can interact with artisans, try pottery making or weaving, and purchase handmade souvenirs. These experiences offer a vivid glimpse into the life, traditions, and craftsmanship of the local Cham community.
Chau Thi Cam Tu, a visitor from Vinh Long, shared that her first impression of the Cham towers was their grand and ancient architecture, along with the rich and distinctive cultural values. She expressed appreciation for the efforts of local authorities to preserve and promote a tourism site that reflects strong Cham cultural identity, allowing visitors to fully experience it during the April 30 - May 1 holiday.
Nguyen Anh Tuan, a visitor from An Giang, said he was impressed by the ancient towers’ red brick color standing out against the blue sky, creating a solemn yet timeless atmosphere. He also enjoyed the Cham music and dance performances, which helped him better appreciate Vietnam’s cultural diversity.
At Popular Tourist Destinations
To create a lively atmosphere for visitors—especially during weekends and the April 30 and May 1 holiday—tourist sites in Bau Trang (Hoa Thang Commune, Lam Dong) have collaborated with Cham artisans and amateur performers from Bac Binh to organize traditional folk music and dance performances.
Although only recently introduced during the 2026 Lunar New Year and later offered on request to tour groups, these Cham performances have already left a strong impression on visitors.
“The traditional performances truly reflect the rich cultural identity of the Cham people. In just half an hour, they brought strong emotions to me and many other visitors.”
Nguyen Thi Hanh, a visitor from Dong Nai
Before exploring the white sand dunes of Bau Trang, visitors can immerse themselves in the graceful Apsara dances of the Cham people. Accompanied by melodic songs and the sounds of traditional instruments such as the Ghi-nang and Paranung drums and the Saranai horn, the performances are truly captivating.
Pham Van Trong, a representative of a tourist site in Bau Trang, said that beyond offering visitors a chance to experience Cham culture, the site also aims to promote it more widely. They have collaborated with Cham cultural performance groups from various localities.
He added that most international visitors are particularly fond of Cham culture, which is why the site integrates local traditions and craft villages into performances to enhance the visitor experience during holidays.
The eastern region of Lam Dong is home to more than 42,000 Cham people. In recent years, traditional Cham arts have helped diversify tourism offerings. Transforming this heritage into interactive experiences not only attracts both domestic and international visitors but also creates distinctive souvenirs, enhancing the appeal and sustainability of the province’s tourism industry.