The demand for travel is growing as more people have the financial means to satisfy their curiosity about exotic cultures.

There are many types of holidays from which to chose; while some prefer sight-seeing trips in natural environments, others are more interested in visiting ancient towers, pagodas and learning about old architecture and indigenous culture.

Vinh Hung tower is one of the attractions in the Mekong Delta province of Bac Lieu where tourists can learn more about ethnic culture and the history of Cham people.

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, Somasutra 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.

Tourists who visit the tower not only have the opportunity to see many ancient artifacts but will also sense the tranquility and peace of the site. Pilgrims around the country flock to the tower especially in January to pray for good health and good luck.

When touring Bac Lieu a visit to Bac Lieu Bird Sanctuary is highly recommended. The natural salt-marsh ecosystem of the coastal area is home to several water birds, mainly teal, stork, heron, night heron and cormorant. Also of interest in the area is Quan De pagoda, an example of the ancient architecture of Chinese people and Xiem Can pagoda, a Khmer pagoda which is over a century old, and was built, carved, and decorated in an original ethnic style.

(Source: SGT)