
Year Built
11th century CE
Period
Medieval Period
Architectural Style
Cham Citadel-Temple Architecture with Indian Dravidian and Military Influences
Built By
Champa Kingdom
Material Used
Rammed Earth, Red Brick, Sandstone, Lime Mortar
Heritage Status
Protected Historical Site
Huynh De Citadel, located in Binh Dinh Province, Vietnam, represents one of the most unique and historically significant Cham sites in Vietnam, comprising a fortified citadel complex that incorporates Hindu temples within its defensive walls, constructed in the 11th century CE during a period of significant military and political challenges for the Champa Kingdom, creating a powerful testament to the integration of Indian Hindu religious traditions with Cham military architecture and the enduring transmission of Indian cultural traditions to Southeast Asia. The citadel complex, constructed primarily from rammed earth and brick with sandstone decorative elements, features defensive walls and gates that enclose Hindu temples, creating a unique combination of military fortification and religious architecture that demonstrates the ways in which Indian Hindu traditions were integrated into Cham defensive strategies and urban planning. The temples within the citadel feature distinctive Cham tower architecture that demonstrates the synthesis of Indian Hindu temple architecture, particularly the Dravidian traditions of southern India, with indigenous Cham building techniques, while the integration of temples within a fortified complex reflects the sophisticated understanding of the relationship between religious and military functions in Cham society. The temples feature elaborate decorative programs including bas-reliefs and sculptures that demonstrate the direct transmission of Indian Hindu iconography and artistic traditions, while the discovery of inscriptions provides crucial evidence of the site's role as both a military stronghold and a center for the transmission of Indian religious texts and practices to Southeast Asia. The site's location, chosen for both strategic military advantages and according to Indian cosmological principles, underscores its dual significance as both a defensive position and a spiritual center, while the complex's architectural design demonstrates the sophisticated understanding of both Indian temple planning principles and military architecture possessed by Cham architects and engineers. Archaeological evidence reveals that the complex served as both a major military installation and a center of Hindu worship for the Champa Kingdom, while the site's historical significance as one of the few Cham citadels with integrated temples provides crucial insights into the ways in which Indian Hindu traditions were incorporated into Cham defensive and urban planning strategies. Today, Huynh De Citadel stands as an important Cham site in Vietnam, serving as a powerful testament to the integration of Indian Hindu culture and architecture with Cham military traditions, while the site's unique combination of fortification and religious architecture ensures its ongoing significance as a cultural monument that documents the complex relationship between religion and defense in Cham society. ([1][2])
Huynh De Citadel was constructed in the 11th century CE by Champa kings. The complex served as both a military stronghold and a center of Hindu worship. ([1][2])
French Archaeological Mission, Vietnamese Archaeological Institute

Documentation and study of citadel structures, temples, inscriptions, and evidence of military and religious functions.
Archaeological documentation; structural stabilization; ongoing maintenance. ([1][2])
Protected Historical Site
Construction utilized rammed earth for defensive walls and brick for temples. The citadel employed sophisticated fortification techniques. The temples employed load-bearing brick masonry construction with sandstone used for decorative elements. ([1][2])
4 items
The structural system employs rammed earth fortifications and load-bearing brick masonry for temples. The distinctive Cham tower form utilizes tiered pyramidal roofs. ([1][2])
13.766700, 109.233300
{"notes":"Citadel site; wear appropriate footwear; respect archaeological remains.","restrooms":"Limited facilities available.","wheelchair_accessible":"Limited due to terrain."}
3 items
Early morning (7:00-9:00 AM) for best lighting; dry season (December-April) for comfortable weather.
2 items
Respect archaeological remains; do not climb on structures; follow designated pathways; photography allowed.
2
Yes
Yes
75
complete
2025-11-09T09:21:19.747014+00:00
2025-11-09T09:21:19.747014+00:00
Medieval Period
Binh Dinh
Cham Citadel-Temple Architecture with Indian Dravidian and Military Influences
Protected Heritage
Huynh De Citadel Cham Temples Binh Dinh Vietnam is a historic Temple located in Binh Dinh, Vietnam. This Cham Citadel-Temple Architecture with Indian Dravidian and Military Influences architectural masterpiece was built during the Medieval Period period and represents significant cultural and historical heritage of Vietnam. Huynh De Citadel, located in Binh Dinh Province, Vietnam, represents one of the most unique and historically significant Cham sites in Vietnam, comprising a fortified citadel complex that incorporates...
| ₫Entry Fee | Vietnamese nationals: VND 15,000; Foreigners: VND 20,000; Children under 16: Free. |
| 🕐Opening Hours | Dawn to Dusk (6 AM - 6 PM) |
| 📅Best Time to Visit | October to March (Winter) |
| ⏱️Duration | 2-3 hours |
| ♿Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |
| 📸Photography | Allowed (No flash) |
Check opening hours and entry fees for Huynh De Citadel Cham Temples Binh Dinh Vietnam. Book tickets online if available to avoid queues. Best visited during early morning or late afternoon.
Huynh De Citadel Cham Temples Binh Dinh Vietnam is located in Huynh De Citadel, Binh Dinh Province, Vietnam, Binh Dinh. The nearest major city is Huynh De Citadel. Accessible by road, rail, and air. Use GPS coordinates: 13.7667, 109.2333.
Entry fee: Vietnamese nationals: VND 15,000; Foreigners: VND 20,000; Children under 16: Free.. Follow dress code for religious sites. Photography is allowed. Maintain silence and respect the heritage.
Allocate 2-3 hours to fully explore Huynh De Citadel Cham Temples Binh Dinh Vietnam. Key areas to visit include the main sanctum, pillared halls, and intricate carvings. Consider hiring a local guide for detailed insights.
Construction of Huynh De Citadel Cham Temples Binh Dinh Vietnam by Champa Kingdom
Conservation and restoration efforts initiated under Protected Historical Site
Digital documentation and 3D scanning completed by Inheritage Foundation