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Located in Vinh Hung A commune, Vinh Loi district and about 20 kilometers from Bac Lieu township, the ancient tower is the only building in the Mekong Delta styled in the architecture of the Angkor of Khmer people.
Vinh Hung tower, also known as Luc Hien or Bhah Dhat tower, was found in 1911 and is recognized as a notable historical site in the South.
In May 1990 it was confirmed that the tower is built of bricks which, unlike other Cham towers, are so tight that it is impossible to see between them. The tower is rectangular, 9.3 meters high. Because of neglect the top and front collapsed and the area became overgrown with wild grass and lianas.
During an excavation in 1990, archaeologists found a 2.6-meter wooden pillar built in 928 as well as a head and hand of a bronze statue of Buddha, dating back to the first centuries BC. This confirmed that Buddhism was widely spread in the Mekong Delta at that time.
Archeologists also discovered popular Hindu objects of worship, such as Linga, Yoni, a set of Linga-Yoni, Comasutra pipe (holy water pipe) and a bronze statue of goddess Brahma.
As a result of the first excavation, local authorities carried out two more; the excavation in 2003 lasted 20 days. The tower was then rebuilt and decorated as it is today, in an ancient style in harmony with contemporary decoration.
The tower is the only ancient work in the Mekong Delta. It was recognized as an architectural relic in 1992 by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
The latest and perhaps the last excavation began on September 22, 2011.
Nguyen Chi Thien, Director of Bac Lieu Province Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said that some antiques were unearthed in the last two weeks, including two stone-made objects, one bronze-made object, and a 25sq.m brick floor.
The excavation will last for two weeks. After that, Bac Lieu will organize a seminar and restore antiques for display.
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