Tra Kieu (Simhapura Ruins)

Tra Kieu, known as Simhapura, is an archaeological site in Duy Son Commune, Duy Xuyen District, Da Nang, Vietnam. It was the first capital of the Champa Kingdom from the 4th to 8th century. The site contains brick foundations, ramparts, and artifacts of the ancient Hindu-Buddhist city, with many sculptures now in museums. Located near the Thu Bon River, it is notable for its historical importance and the adjacent Tra Kieu Church built on the ancient citadel hill.

Visitors can expect a low hill and open rural landscape with scattered brick foundations, earthen ramparts and traces of the ancient Champa citadel. The hilltop is occupied by the Tra Kieu Church, a Catholic church built on the former citadel. There are no large standing temples on site; most sculptures and pedestals have been removed to museums. The area is quiet, with village surroundings, river views, and informational markers about the archaeological remains.

Tra Kieu is identified as Simhapura, the first capital of the Champa Kingdom established in the 4th century and serving as the political and religious center until the 8th century. Archaeological excavations have revealed a fortified citadel with brick walls, foundations of Hindu-Buddhist temples, and distinctive Cham art including the Tra Kieu Pedestal dated to the 7th-8th century. The site reflects the early development of Champa urban planning and art.

The site represents the Hindu-Buddhist cultural heritage of the Champa civilization, with artifacts showing Shaivite and Buddhist influences. Many sculptures excavated here are considered masterpieces of Cham art and are preserved in the Museum of Cham Sculpture in Da Nang. The later Tra Kieu Church, built in the late 19th century, adds a layer of Catholic heritage and remains an active place of worship for the local community.