Oc Eo and the Legacy of the Funan Empire 🏺✨

Between the 1st and 6th centuries AD, the western Mekong Delta, southern Cambodia, and the Gulf of Thailand coastline were part of the Funan Empire—an early Indianized civilization that laid the groundwork for the later Angkor Empire.

Ancient Chinese records, rich in myth, recount that Funan’s founding began when an Indian Brahmin married a local serpent-god’s daughter, and the serpent made the land fertile by swallowing the floodwaters. While mythical in nature, these stories align with historical evidence that Indian traders influenced the region—not just with Hinduism and Buddhism, but also with advanced irrigation and rice cultivation techniques.

Oc Eo: A Global Trading Hub of the Funan Empire

One of Funan’s major trading ports, Oc Eo, was strategically located between Long Xuyen and Rach Gia. Archaeological finds—including Persian, Egyptian, Indian, and Chinese artifacts, along with a gold coin of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius—suggest that merchants from around the world once traded here.

For a glimpse of Oc Eo’s treasures, visit the museums in Long Xuyen, Rach Gia, or the Fine Arts Museum in Ho Chi Minh City.

Exploring Oc Eo Today

📍 Location: 40km west of Long Xuyen on Highway 943
🚗 How to Get There: Best arranged through An Giang Tourism
🏺 What’s Left?: The site features modest ancient foundations, as most significant artifacts have been moved to museums.

While the ruins are minimal, the journey itself is rewarding—taking you through scenic rice fields, lotus ponds, and lush fruit orchards. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can continue along Highway 943 to Chau Doc, but be prepared for a bumpy and slow ride.

For history buffs and those looking to experience the essence of ancient Funan, Oc Eo remains a fascinating detour into Vietnam’s deep past.