Hoa Lai Towers
Ancient Cham remnants amidst the sunny and windy land
Hoa Lai Towers, also known as Ba Thap (Three Towers) or Yang Hakral, are among the oldest Cham tower architectural complexes still in existence today. Amidst the dry and sunny landscape of ancient Panduranga, the tower cluster appears as an enduring landmark of construction techniques, plastic arts, and Shaivism.
Coming to Hoa Lai is stepping into a very early layer of Cham cultural heritage, where red bricks, pilasters, and the rhythm of false doors are still capable of recounting the history of a religious center that once played a significant role in the southern part of the Cham kingdom.
Hoa Lai Towers were built around the 8th - 9th centuries, associated with the period of strong development in Panduranga and the Cham monarchy linked to the worship of the god Shiva. It is here that many researchers identify a distinct architectural style: tall tower bodies, robust blocks, and a layout that is both structured and graceful.
Three towers and the traces of time
From a complete complex to the two remaining tower blocks
Originally, Hoa Lai consisted of the North Tower, Middle Tower, and South Tower, arranged along a North-South axis. Today, the Middle Tower is only a ruin, while the North and South Towers retain their striking shapes, enough for viewers to envision the scale and spirit of the spatial organization of the ancient complex.
It is this contrast of loss and survival that creates Hoa Lai's unique evocative power. Viewers not only see what remains but also perceive the void of what has been lost, thereby gaining a clearer understanding of the archaeological value and the responsibility to preserve the Cham brick heritage.
Patterns, Garuda, and mysterious false doors
Decorative features opening into the symbolic world of Cham art
The most captivating point of Hoa Lai lies in its ability to combine large forms with sophisticated carvings. Pilasters, undulating floral bands, geometric motifs, and the rhythm of the false doors make the tower's surface both robust and multi-layered in meaning.
At the corners of the towers, there also appear images of the divine bird Garuda spreading its wings, creating a sense of protection and support for the sacred space. When looking closely, viewers can see that Cham artisans did not just build towers, but also carved into them an entire world of deities and beliefs.
Linga - Yoni and Shaivism
Spiritual life that once operated within the relic
Archaeological discoveries at Hoa Lai reveal that sandstone Linga - Yoni sets were once worshipped here, confirming the profound influence of Shaivism on the spiritual life of Cham inhabitants in the Panduranga region.
This helps viewers interpret Hoa Lai not just as a beautiful piece of architecture, but as a religious center with rituals, offerings, and a direct connection between the community and the divine. Each remaining artifact is a trace of a sacred life that was once very vibrant.
The religious center of ancient Panduranga
Beneath the layer of ancient bricks lies an entire world of ritual
Archaeologists have also found hundreds of precious metal artifacts in the altar niche under the tower foundation, including gold, silver, lotus-shaped gold leaves, snake, turtle, and elephant figures, and ancient inscriptions. These findings show that Hoa Lai was once an important religious center of ancient Panduranga.
For visitors, this archaeological story makes the tour more compelling. Beneath the seemingly silent brick and stone lies an entire world of ritual, offering, belief, and the connection between humans and the divine.
