Duong Long Cham Towers in Binh An, Vietnam

Standing as a 12th-century architectural titan, this trio of brick structures boasts the tallest surviving Cham tower in Vietnam, reaching an impressive height of 38 meters. Rising from the rural landscape of Binh Dinh, the Duong Long Cham Towers are a breathtaking architectural anomaly. Constructed during the late 12th century, the golden era of the Vijaya kingdom, this trio of brick titans defies the typical scale of Champa monuments.

The central tower, soaring to a height of 38,81 meters, holds the distinction of being the tallest brick Cham tower in Southeast Asia. What truly sets Duong Long apart is its mysterious identity. Unlike many other Cham sites that rely exclusively on brickwork, these structures incorporate massive, intricately carved sandstone blocks into their doors and corners.

This is a distinctive flourish often attributed to the influence of neighboring Khmer craftsmanship. Walking among these structures, one can feel the echoes of a sophisticated civilization that once mastered the art of both monumental engineering and delicate stone sculpture. Despite the toll of time, they remain a defiant testament to a grandeur that still guards the secrets of the Cham people.

Get more unusual and extraordinary places each week with the Atlas Obscura Places newsletter. Your newsletter subscriptions with us are subject to Atlas Obscura's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Getting there: The towers are located about 50 kilometers from Quy Nhon city.

Renting a motorbike is the best way to navigate the scenic rural roads of the Tay Son district. Pro-tip: Visit during the golden hour just before sunset. The red brickwork glows with a haunting intensity, and the intricate stone carvings cast long, dramatic shadows.

This makes it a dream for any photographer. The site is peaceful and rarely crowded, providing a rare opportunity to explore these ancient reliefs in solitude. If you have extra time, the nearby Quang Trung Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the later history of the region.