Oc Eo Archaeological Site

Oc Eo was a port city of Funan, the first substantial state known in mainland South East Asia, occupied from roughly the first to the seventh century, and it was identified by the French archaeologist Louis Malleret in the 1940s. What made it internationally significant was what came out of the ground: Roman coins including a medallion of Antoninus Pius, Indian seals and beads, Persian and Chinese material - direct evidence that this delta was a node on the maritime route between the Mediterranean and China. The sea has since retreated many kilometres, leaving the site inland. Vietnam has been preparing a World Heritage nomination for it.

What you'll find

• A Funan port city - occupied from about the first to the seventh century.
• Roman, Indian and Persian finds - including a medallion of Antoninus Pius.
• A maritime trade node - between the Mediterranean and China.
• A site now inland - the sea has retreated many kilometres.

When to go

December to April, the dry season. Half a day.

Practical notes

What is exposed is foundations and excavation areas rather than standing buildings. The main finds are in museums at Long Xuyen and Ho Chi Minh City. Interpretation is limited. The site is hot and shadeless.

Nearby

Ba The mountain is beside it; Long Xuyen is north-east.

Key facts