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A space that brings the feeling of an ancient civilization and cultural values passed down, deeply imbued with the identity of the Southwestern region today. That is Go Thap historical site, a national historical site. If you are interested in this landmark, let's explore it with NVK Travel in this article.
Go Thap is an archaeological, cultural, and historical site located in the two communes of My Hoa and Tan Kieu in Thap Muoi district, Dong Thap province (after the merger, the site belongs to the two communes of Thap Muoi and Doc Binh Kieu, Dong Thap province). The Go Thap historical site was recognized as a National Historical Site in 1998 due to its long-standing cultural and historical values for the Vietnamese nation in particular and humanity in general.
When visiting Go Thap, tourists will admire many unique structures and transform into historians to explore the remnants from the ancient times of the Funan Kingdom over 1500 years ago. Moreover, the Go Thap historical site is also a place that preserves many relics from the two national resistance wars against the French and Americans, clearly reflecting the resistance culture of the Southwestern people.
This historical site consists of many small mounds located on the dry sandy land of the Dong Thap Muoi area. The intricate canal system and the thriving forest ecosystem have created a harmonious and rich natural landscape for this western land. The Go Thap historical site and the Thang Long Imperial Citadel are two sites of immense historical and archaeological significance today.
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A panoramic view of Go Thap historical site from the front
Around the late 19th century to the early 20th century, French researchers came to this land for surveys. They discovered ancient architectures, worship statues, stone tablets, and ancient inscriptions. After the successful resistance against the Americans and the restoration of peace in the country in 1975, the Go Thap historical site began to attract more attention from archaeologists in Vietnam, leading to various research projects.
In 2005, Go Thap became a special archaeological site with unique historical values. Accordingly, conservation, restoration, and reconstruction work has been carried out on the cultural and spiritual structures of the Go Thap historical site. Additionally, measures to protect the ecological tourism forest and natural ecological forest have also been implemented, helping over 300 hectares of forest to thrive.
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Archaeological remnants at Go Thap historical site
Visiting a famous tourist destination themed around archaeology, history, and ancient culture, visitors will have the experience of transforming into researchers exploring and learning about the remnants at the Go Thap historical site.
The relics at Go Thap reflect the Oc Eo civilization in the ancient Southwestern land. Here, tourists can experience five major historical remnants at the site such as Go Minh Su, the Sun God Temple - Go Ba Chua Xu, the southern Sun God temple, the Vishnu temple relic at Go Thap Muoi, and the Go Thap sacred pond relic.
Among the aforementioned relics, Go Minh Su is the most significant and largest area. Many ancient tombs have been discovered and excavated here, along with the statue of Vishnu and valuable gold artifacts in terms of sculpture.
Traces of the Oc Eo civilization
Go Thap Muoi is located right in the center of the Go Thap historical site. Based on its special position and other traces, it has been discovered that this place was once an important religious center in the Funan Kingdom. At Go Thap Muoi, there are many relics and ancient architectural structures such as the foundations of towers, traces of brick structures, along with other valuable artifacts like statues, jewelry, and household items.
The Go Thap Muoi religious center
From Go Thap Muoi, going 100 meters north, tourists will reach Linh Co Tu Tower. It is said that the tower has existed since the reign of Thieu Tri (1841-1847), and before that, it was a tower dedicated to Chan Lap. Linh Co Tu Tower is also known by another name, Thap Muoi Co Tu, as this place once had a 10-story tower for observation during wars. Later, the tower was rebuilt following the structure of the famous Tu Dam pagoda in Hue.
Exploring ancient architecture from Linh Co Tu Tower
Passing through the pagoda, tourists will encounter the shrine of Doc Binh Nguyen Tan Kieu and Thien ho Vo Duy Chuong. The Go Thap historical site was once the base chosen by these two figures as a revolutionary stronghold for patriotic citizens during the early years of the resistance against French colonialism. Thien Ho Duong was the one who stood up to protect the people from the very beginning of the resistance against the French, while Doc Binh Kieu was closely associated with Thien Ho Duong in leading the famous Thap Muoi uprising in Dong Thap. The battles led by these two figures always instilled fear in the enemy.
A place to honor patriotic soldiers, the shrine of Doc Binh Kieu and Thien ho Chuong
At the Go Thap historical site, there is Mieu Ba Chua Xu, which is rich in folk beliefs, representing the spirit of benevolence, compassion, and helping others... attracting many tourists to visit. The shrine of Ba Chua Xu was discovered and excavated in 1984 and has been preserved to this day.
Guidance at Mieu Ba Chua Xu
Tourists visiting Go Thap historical site can time their visit to coincide with traditional folk festivals held here. On the full moon of the third lunar month each year, the Ba Chua Xu festival is celebrated. On the full moon of the eleventh lunar month, Go Thap will hold a memorial ceremony for the two national heroes Thien ho Vo Duy Chuong and Doc Binh Nguyen Tan Kieu. These two festivals have attracted many visitors to Go Thap to enjoy the ancient architectural art from the Oc Eo civilization, participate in activities like "student ceremonies", "musical ceremonies", "lion dances", along with many other folk cultural and artistic activities.
Participating in festivals at Go Thap historical site
The Go Thap historical site is a cultural, historical, and spiritual site rich in traditional identity. For this reason, visitors should pay attention to the following points to optimize their experience.
Visitors should be mindful of their attire when visiting Go Thap historical site
The Go Thap historical site is a place that embodies both the culture of ancient civilization and serves as a testament to the rich culture of the Southwestern region today. Visiting this landmark, tourists will gain a deeper understanding of the past of this Southwestern land and learn valuable lessons and beautiful values from here. If you have a need for traveling to Dong Thap, please contact NVK Travel to experience the service through the address nvktravel.com.
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