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Vietnam is often celebrated for its Buddhist pagodas, French colonial architecture, and bustling street life. Yet, scattered across the country are remarkable Hindu temples that have stood the test of time. These sacred sites reflect the enduring legacy of the Champa Kingdom—an Indianized civilization that thrived along Vietnam’s central and southern coast from the 2nd to the 17th century. The Cham people, deeply influenced by Hinduism and Indian culture, constructed magnificent temples dedicated to deities like Shiva and Vishnu.

Many of these temples are now in ruins, while others remain active centers of worship or have been carefully restored. Beyond being historical landmarks, they are living cultural treasures, showcasing Vietnam’s unique connection with India and the wider Hindu world.

In this comprehensive guide, we highlight 10 must-visit Hindu temples in Vietnam—from the iconic UNESCO-listed My Sơn Sanctuary to lesser-known towers scattered across Bình Định, Nha Trang, and Phan Rang.

# Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary

No list of Hindu temples in Vietnam is complete without Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary. Often referred to as the “Angkor Wat of Vietnam” (albeit on a smaller scale), this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a marvel of Champa architecture.

History & Significance:
Mỹ Sơn served as the spiritual heart of the Champa Kingdom from the 4th to the 14th centuries. Primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshiped here as Bhadreshvara, the sanctuary was commissioned by Champa kings who considered themselves his descendants.

# Po Nagar Cham Towers

The Po Nagar Towers are among the best-preserved Cham temples and continue to function as active religious sites.

History & Deity:
Constructed between the 7th and 12th centuries, the complex honors Yan Po Nagar, the Cham mother goddess often associated with Hindu deities like Durga and Bhagavati. Certain shrines also pay homage to Shiva and Ganesh.

# Po Klong Garai Towers

Located in Phan Rang, the cultural heart of the Cham people, Po Klong Garai Towers are a standout example of their architectural heritage.

History & Deity:
Built in the late 13th century, the temple complex is dedicated to King Po Klong Garai, a deified Cham ruler linked to Shiva. According to local legends, he safeguarded the Cham people and brought prosperity to the region.

# Po Rome Towers – Ninh Thuận Province

Another significant Cham temple in Phan Rang, Po Rome commemorates the last great Cham king.

History:
King Po Rome, who ruled from 1627 to 1651, is remembered as a powerful leader who strengthened Cham culture. After his death, he was deified, and the temple was built to honor him, blending Hindu traditions with local ancestor worship.

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

Quy Nhơn is dotted with Cham ruins, and the Twin Towers stand out for their distinctive architecture.

History:
Constructed in the late 12th century, these towers were dedicated to Hindu gods, likely Shiva and Vishnu.

# Bánh Ít Towers – Bình Định Province

Nicknamed the “Silver Towers,” Bánh Ít comprises four Cham towers perched atop a hill.

History:
Dating back to the 11th century, the site was likely devoted to Shiva and other Hindu deities.

# Tháp Dương Long – Bình Định Province

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

History:
Built in the late 12th or early 13th century, they were dedicated to Hindu gods, possibly Shiva or Vishnu.

# Tháp Nhạn – Tuy Hòa, Phú Yên Province

Overlooking Tuy Hòa city, Nhạn Tower is a solitary Cham temple dedicated to Hindu deities.

History & Setting:
Constructed in the 12th century, the tower sits atop a hill near the Đà Rằng River, offering panoramic views of the city and coastline.

# Tháp Bình Lâm – Tây Sơn, Bình Định

A lesser-known but historically rich Cham tower, Bình Lâm dates to the 11th century.

Features:

A tall tower built with distinct red bricks.

Partly ruined, yet carvings of deities and motifs remain.

Surrounded by tranquil countryside.

Why Visit:
Bình Lâm is perfect for travelers seeking authentic, untouched Cham ruins away from the usual tourist paths.

# Tháp Hòa Lai – Ninh Thuận Province

Hòa Lai Towers rank among the oldest surviving Cham temples.

History:
Dating back to the 9th century, the site is believed to have been dedicated to Shiva.

Architecture:

Originally comprised of three towers; only one remains relatively intact.

Features classic Cham design with ornate doorways and sandstone lintels.

Considered one of the finest examples of early Cham architecture.