Following surveys conducted in 2023 and 2024 by the Provincial Museum in cooperation with the Vietnam Institute of Archaeology, researchers determined that the stone complex covers nearly 20,000 square meters and extends east to west.
A water-filled trench divides the site into northern and southern sections, while cross walls branch off from the main rampart every 7 to 8 meters, forming square compartments resembling storage bins.
According to Bùi Tĩnh, Director of the Provincial Museum, the stone walls generally stand between 1 and 1.5 meters high, with top surfaces measuring about 0.8 to 1 meter wide. Researchers currently believe the structure was built during the Nguyễn Dynasty in the early 19th century as a logistical facility where agricultural products were gathered before being transported by waterway to Hà Ra seaport.
The Phú Hà ancient stone rampart has been added to the provincial heritage inventory. Museum officials are working with local authorities to complete the scientific documentation needed to seek official heritage recognition, creating a legal framework for its long-term preservation and promotion.
Reaching the remote site requires crossing Phú Hà Lake before following a narrow forest trail beneath the ancient canopy. Local resident Ngô Văn Thắng said access changed significantly after the construction of Phú Hà Lake in 1987 submerged many of the original paths leading into the mountains.
Visitors now cross the lake by boat before continuing on foot through the forest. After roughly 20 minutes on the water and another half-hour hike, the stone walls gradually emerge beneath the trees, largely concealed from view by dense vegetation.
The rampart consists of carefully stacked stones assembled without binding material. While some sections rise more than a meter above ground, others are barely visible after centuries of natural change. Rather than imposing height, the structure's most striking feature is how it follows the contours of the surrounding hills, integrating seamlessly with the mountainous terrain.
Ancient tree roots have gradually grown into gaps between the stones, helping stabilize portions of the walls over time. According to Thắng, the rampart remained almost completely hidden beneath vegetation until provincial museum staff and researchers cleared sections of undergrowth during archaeological surveys.
For generations, local residents have regarded the structure simply as an ancient stone rampart whose origins were unknown. Trương Văn Phố, who grew up in Phú Hà, recalled accompanying his father into the forest to collect firewood and other forest products, often resting on the old stone walls. He said local elders had long considered the site a relic left by earlier generations and believed its stones should never be removed or damaged.
That tradition of respect has helped preserve much of the structure despite the passage of time and natural deterioration. Residents have refrained from dismantling the walls or taking stones away, allowing the monument to survive largely intact.
Historical records suggest the area surrounding Bích Kê mountain once occupied a strategically important position along coastal trade and defense routes.
In Nước non Bình Định, author Quách Tấn described Hà Ra as a thriving seaport connected to Trà Ổ Lagoon by waterways frequented by trading vessels. Earlier records in Đại Nam nhất thống chí, compiled by the Nguyễn Dynasty's National History Office, state that the Bích Kê mountain area witnessed battles between Tây Sơn insurgents and Nguyễn forces and that Hà Ra served as a coastal defense post with a military garrison.
Researchers believe the surviving stone rampart forms part of this broader historical landscape, preserving physical evidence of an area once closely linked to commerce, transportation and military activity.
Local authorities say public awareness of the site's historical significance has increased following archaeological research. Trần Phúc Huy, Vice Chairman of the North Phù Mỹ Commune People's Committee, said residents who once viewed the structure simply as an old rampart now recognize it as a heritage site requiring protection. The commune regularly educates local people about preserving the monument and works with specialists during surveys and documentation.
Beyond its archaeological importance, the surrounding landscape combines Phú Hà Lake, the Bích Kê forest and sites associated with the former Hà Ra seaport. Local officials believe the area could become an attractive destination for visitors interested in history, archaeology, nature and local culture if conservation and tourism development are carefully managed.
Although many questions about the Phú Hà ancient stone rampart remain unanswered, its continued survival beneath the forests of Bích Kê reflects both centuries of community stewardship and growing efforts by cultural authorities to preserve one of little-known historical landmarks.