Vinh Hung Tower is flooded after a heavy rain on July 17.
Located in Vietnam’s southernmost province of Ca Mau, the thousand-year-old Vinh Hung Tower is facing repeated flooding during the rainy season, raising concerns about long-term damage to the site.
Discovered in 1911, the tower is the only remaining structure in the Mekong Delta associated with the Oc Eo culture, a once-thriving civilization in southern Vietnam. Today, it stands as one of the most significant archaeological and tourist landmarks in the region.
The tower sits on a platform that is nearly one metre lower than the surrounding courtyard of the relic complex, which spans several dozen square metres. As a result, rainwater frequently accumulates at the base of the structure.
Currently, part of the site remains submerged, with overgrown weeds surrounding the monument.
Le Anh Duy, a site manager at the relic, said that every time there is heavy rain, staff attempt to pump out the water, but their efforts are often insufficient. “We sincerely hope provincial authorities will soon address the flooding issue,” Duy said.
The Vinh Hung archaeological site was designated a national relic in 1992. On July 18, 2024, the Vietnamese Prime Minister officially upgraded its status to a national special relic.