Chau Sa Citadel
Chau Sa Citadel
Chau Sa Citadel
Chau Sa Citadel
A unique earthen fortress of the ancient Champa people and an important archaeological site in Vietnam.
Quang Ngai
Citadel
History & Archaeology
Chau Sa Citadel is the only relatively well-preserved earthen fortress of the ancient Champa people in all of Vietnam. Built no later than the 10th century, this site strikes with its historical depth: from a strategic defensive center to a venue for archaeological discoveries revealing the secrets of the pre-Champa Sa Huynh culture.
- Visit duration
2–3 hours
- Average budget
from $25
- Admission
Free
- Status
National Monument
- Best months
Oct – Apr
- Local language
Vietnamese
What you need to know
Structurally, the citadel consists of two inner and two outer walls located at the foot of mountain ranges along the Tra Khuc River. It was closely connected to waterways leading to the Sa Ky and Dai Co Luy sea ports, emphasizing its role as a key trading and military center. After 1471, the citadel was used as the administrative center of Quang Nam province under King Le Thanh Tong.
Archaeological research in 2026 yielded sensational finds: a complex of tile-firing kilns and artifacts from the 2nd to 3rd centuries AD, proving that an active production complex existed here even before Champa. Today, most of the territory is used by local residents as agricultural land.
The dry season is the most comfortable time for visiting the archaeological site and walking along the earthen ramparts.
On site
- Getting there
Taxi from Quang Ngai province (7 km)
- Accommodation
Hotels in Quang Ngai city
- On-site
On foot
- Cash
Required
- Connectivity
4G
- With kids
Ok