According to an archaeological report by the Indochina Archaeological Research Institute, Binh Thanh Tower was built between the eighth and ninth centuries.
Together with Chot Mat Tower, the structure was officially discovered in the early twentieth century.
Inside the tower in Phuoc Chi Commune, an altar has been placed for visitors wishing to offer incense. Despite the intense heat outside, the interior remains pleasantly cool.
The tower's bricks are arranged in tightly fitted layers that gradually narrow toward the top. After more than a millennium, much of the internal structure remains intact, demonstrating the sophisticated construction techniques of its builders.
Two distinctive decorative motifs have survived. One depicts a standing human figure with hands clasped in front of the chest, while the other resembles a blazing flame, reflecting the craftsmanship of ancient sculptors.
The tower rises 10.2 metres and has a square base measuring five metres on each side. Its four faces are aligned with the cardinal directions of east, west, south and north, highlighting the symmetry and balance of its design.
Vo Van Thi, a 70-year-old caretaker of the site, said the tower was constructed using specially fired bricks with strong water-resistant properties. The entrance features a rectangular doorway topped by a stone slab carved with intricate patterns. Even after centuries of exposure to the elements, the brickwork remains remarkably well preserved with little moss growth.
Decorative elements are repeated in progressively smaller architectural sections toward the summit, creating distinctive angles and visual depth. Relief sculptures surrounding the tower further enhance its monumental appearance.
According to Thi, the site originally contained three brick towers, but only the southern tower survives largely intact today. Remnants of bricks from a second tower can still be seen, offering clues to what was once a larger architectural complex.
A stone slab discovered at the site is now displayed within the monument grounds. Archaeologists believe the stone was transported from another location because similar natural stone is not found in the area. The finding suggests ancient inhabitants possessed both extensive trade connections and advanced transportation capabilities.
In 1993, Binh Thanh Tower was recognised as a National Historical and Cultural Relic by Vietnam's Ministry of Culture and Information, now the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The monument underwent restoration in 1998, helping preserve its valuable historical and architectural heritage for future generations.
