45 Ancient Ruins That Are Even More Stunning Than the Pyramids

26. Tháp Bà Ponagar – Vietnam’s Coastal Cham Temples

Overlooking the serene waters of the Cai River in Nha Trang, the striking red brick towers of Tháp Bà Ponagar form one of Vietnam’s most significant and spiritual archaeological sites. Built by the Cham civilization between the 7th and 12th centuries, the complex was dedicated to Yan Po Nagar, a revered goddess believed to have taught weaving and agriculture to the people. The site originally included ten towers, of which only a few remain, each intricately adorned with sandstone bas-reliefs and decorative motifs that reflect both Hindu and indigenous spiritual traditions. Set on a verdant hillside, the temple complex offers panoramic views of the river and the city beyond. Still an active place of worship for Vietnamese Buddhists today, Tháp Bà Ponagar seamlessly merges the ancient with the contemporary, creating an evocative space where centuries of devotion and artistry echo in every weathered stone.