The Khuong My tower complex, located in Nui Thanh District of Quang Nam Province, comprises three structures aligned north to south and was recognized as a national monument in 1989.
These towers, built over a millennium ago during the Champa Kingdom era, have experienced significant deterioration, raising concerns about potential collapse.
In late 2019, conservation and restoration efforts commenced on the central and northern towers, with a budget of VND12 billion (US$474,300), overseen by the Quang Nam Provincial Construction Investment Project Management Board.
After three years, the project reached completion. However, the southern tower has since exhibited signs of decay.
The southern Khuong My tower has been approved for restoration by the Quang Nam Provincial People’s Committee, with an investment of nearly VND6 billion. The project, managed by the Provincial Construction Investment Project Management Board, is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
Approximately 10 km away, the Chien Dan tower cluster, located in Tam An Commune, Phu Ninh District, comprises three towers aligned north to south, each with an entrance facing east. These structures, built in the late 11th and early 12th centuries, were excavated in 1989, revealing hundreds of intact stone artifacts depicting deities and animals, which have been preserved on-site.
In 2021, Quang Nam Province allocated nearly VND5.5 billion for the restoration of the southern (left) tower, with the project managed by the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. This restoration project was completed by the end of 2023.
The bricks at the base of the southern Khuong My tower have crumbled and eroded, forming indentations more than half a meter deep, raising concerns of potential collapse.
The central and northern Chien Dan towers are severely damaged, with tree roots deeply embedded in their structures, causing bricks to peel and fall. The towers' exteriors are worn, with decorative details chipped or broken. Inside, moss and traces of stone decorations and leaf-patterned niches remain.
In contrast to the thriving vegetation atop, the central Chien Dan tower is deteriorating as its base and all four walls have crumbled, leaving only a few decorative stone carvings of dancers.
The roof structure on the second level has also suffered extensive damage, with decorative elements losing their surfaces and bricks detaching and at risk of falling.
The northern Chien Dan tower has lost its roof, with authorities using sheet metal to prevent water infiltration. But after that the tower's interior still becomes wet during rainfall.
To save the central and northern Chien Dan towers, Quang Nam Province has approved a restoration project with nearly VND17 billion in funding.
Over 30 km from Chien Dan, the Dong Duong Buddhist Institute in Binh Dinh Bac Commune, Thang Binh District, was built by King Indravarman II in 875 to honor the Bodhisattva Laksmindra-Lokesvara, the protector of the dynasty.
Once the largest Buddhist institute in Southeast Asia, spanning tens of hectares, it was designated a special national monument in December 2019. Today, only a section of the tower wall remains, supported by steel beams and surrounded by dense vegetation.
Despite being propped up with numerous supports, bricks and stones on the walls have gradually lost cohesion, with pieces scattered at Sang tower's base, posing a risk of collapse. Wild grass grows abundantly around the site.
Quang Nam Province has invested VND12 billion for the preservation, restoration, and reinforcement of the tower.
Located in the northern part of Quang Nam, the Bang An tower in Dien An Ward, Dien Ban Town, is over 1,000 years old and boasts a unique octagonal design, unlike any existing tower in Vietnam. It was recognized as a national historical and cultural monument in 1989.
Time and war have taken their toll, leaving only the main octagonal prayer tower, about 21 meters tall. The structure is divided into two sections: the long entrance hall facing east, with two well-preserved side doors, and the main prayer chamber. However, the tower’s top has eroded, losing many decorative details along its edges.
The Bang An tower wall has a nearly 2-meter-long crack running from top to bottom, 3-cm wide. Quang Nam Province allocated nearly VND9 billion for its restoration from the provincial budget.
The entrance to the southern tower is darkened by mold and covered in moss, with numerous bricks displaying signs of erosion.
Nguyen Thanh Hong, Director of Quang Nam’s Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, noted that the restoration of the southern Khuong My tower is being overseen by the Provincial Construction Investment Project Management Board. The central and northern Chien Dan towers, along with Bang An and Sang tower (part of the Dong Duong Buddhist Institute), are under the department’s management.
The restoration projects were submitted to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism for appraisal following provincial approval.
After receiving feedback from the ministry, the department commenced restoration work, aiming for completion by the end of 2025.
