An Giang Museum

In the heart of Long Xuyên, weathered stone sculptures from ancient Óc Eo civilization stand silent witness to millennia of spiritual devotion, their Sanskrit inscriptions and sacred forms connecting Vietnam's Mekong Delta to the great Hindu-Buddhist empires that once flourished across Southeast Asia.

The An Giang Museum (Bảo tàng An Giang) serves as the cultural and historical repository for one of Vietnam's most archaeologically significant provinces. Located in Long Xuyên city, this provincial museum houses an extraordinary collection of artifacts spanning from the Óc Eo civilization (1st-7th centuries CE) through the Khmer period to modern Vietnamese history. Among its most precious holdings are five national treasures—ancient stone and wooden sculptures that illuminate the spiritual life of pre-Angkorian societies in the Mekong Delta. These include the Bộ Linga - Yoni Đá nổi, the Statue Thần Brahma Giồng Xoài, the Statue phật gỗ Giồng Xoài, the Statue phật đá Khánh Bình, and the Bộ Linga - Yoni Linh Sơn. For anyone interested in the ancient roots of Vietnamese civilization and the cultural crossroads of mainland Southeast Asia, the An Giang Museum offers an essential window into a world that predates the great temples of Angkor.

From Ancient Óc Eo to Modern Preservation

The An Giang Museum was established in 1976, shortly after national reunification, with the mission of preserving and presenting the rich archaeological heritage of An Giang Province. The region's significance to Vietnamese prehistory cannot be overstated—it was here, in the waterlogged plains and canal systems of the Mekong Delta, that the ancient Óc Eo trading civilization flourished between the 1st and 7th centuries CE. This culture, associated with the kingdom of Funan mentioned in Chinese historical records, maintained maritime trade connections stretching from India to China, and its inhabitants practiced both Hinduism and Buddhism centuries before these religions became established elsewhere in Vietnam.

The museum's collection grew substantially through systematic archaeological excavations conducted from the 1940s onward, most notably by French archaeologist Louis Malleret and later by Vietnamese teams. Sites such as Giồng Xoài, Giồng Phệt, Đá nổi, and Linh Sơn yielded remarkable stone and wooden sculptures, ceramic vessels, jewelry, and inscribed artifacts that revealed the sophistication of Óc Eo religious and artistic traditions. Many of these discoveries—including the Bộ Linga - Yoni Đá nổi and the Statue Thần Brahma Giồng Xoài—have been designated as national treasures, recognizing their exceptional historical and artistic value.

In 2013, the museum underwent significant renovation and expansion, improving its exhibition spaces and climate control systems to better preserve these ancient artifacts. Today, the An Giang Museum stands as one of the most important provincial museums in the Mekong Delta region, playing a crucial role in educating visitors about the deep historical roots of Vietnamese civilization and its connections to the broader Southeast Asian cultural sphere.

Journey Through Delta History

The An Giang Museum experience begins with its modern, purpose-built facility in Long Xuyên, designed to showcase the province's multi-layered history through thoughtfully curated galleries. The exhibition spaces guide visitors chronologically from prehistoric times through the present day, with particular emphasis on the Óc Eo period that makes this museum internationally significant.

Óc Eo Civilization Gallery

The museum's centerpiece is its Óc Eo Gallery, where the ancient treasures transport visitors back nearly two millennia. Here, stone sculptures with remarkable sculptural refinement demonstrate the artistic achievements of this early civilization. Display cases contain ceramic vessels, glass beads, gold jewelry, and Roman coins—evidence of the vast trade networks that connected this delta region to distant lands. Informative panels explain the archaeological context of major excavation sites, helping visitors understand how these objects were discovered and what they reveal about daily life, religious practices, and international commerce in ancient times.

Hindu-Buddhist Sculpture Collection

A dedicated section showcases the museum's unparalleled collection of Hindu and Buddhist stone sculptures, including all five national treasures housed here. The Bộ Linga - Yoni Đá nổi and Bộ Linga - Yoni Linh Sơn represent sacred Shaivite symbols central to ancient Hindu worship, while the Statue phật đá Khánh Bình exemplifies early Buddhist artistic traditions in the region. The remarkable Statue phật gỗ Giồng Xoài—a rare surviving wooden Buddha from the Óc Eo period—stands as testament to sculptural traditions in perishable materials that have largely been lost to time. These sculptures are displayed with careful lighting that highlights their carved details and weathered surfaces, each telling stories of devotion, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange.

Khmer Heritage and Vietnamese History

Beyond the Óc Eo focus, the museum traces An Giang's history through the Khmer period, when the region was part of the Angkorian empire, and into Vietnamese settlement and administration. Exhibits cover agricultural development, canal construction, religious diversity (including the province's significant Khmer Buddhist, Hòa Hảo, and Catholic communities), and the province's role in Vietnam's modern history. Traditional tools, textiles, photographs, and documents provide context for understanding contemporary An Giang culture.

Outdoor Sculpture Garden

The museum grounds feature an outdoor area where larger stone sculptures and architectural fragments are displayed, allowing visitors to appreciate the scale and weathering of ancient monuments that once stood in temples and sacred sites across the delta landscape.

Witnessing the Delta's Ancient Spiritual Life

The An Giang Museum's five national treasures represent the pinnacle of Óc Eo period religious art, offering rare glimpses into the spiritual practices of mainland Southeast Asia's earliest civilizations.

Bộ Linga - Yoni Đá nổi

The Bộ Linga - Yoni Đá nổi is a stone linga-yoni set excavated from the Đá nổi archaeological site in Tịnh Biên District. This sacred Hindu symbol—representing the cosmic union of Shiva (linga) and his consort Shakti (yoni)—dates from the 6th-7th century CE and demonstrates the sophisticated stone carving techniques of Óc Eo artisans. The Bộ Linga - Yoni Đá nổi features inscriptions in ancient Sanskrit and serves as evidence of the deep Indianization of religious practices in pre-Angkorian Southeast Asia. Visitors can view this treasure in the museum's Hindu-Buddhist sculpture gallery, where interpretive materials explain its ritual function and archaeological context.

Statue Thần Brahma Giồng Xoài

The Statue Thần Brahma Giồng Xoài depicts Brahma, the Hindu creator god, and was discovered at the Giồng Xoài archaeological site in Thoại Sơn District. Dating from the 6th-7th century CE, this sandstone sculpture originally showed Brahma's characteristic four faces (representing the four Vedas) and multiple arms, though time and weathering have affected its condition. The Statue Thần Brahma Giồng Xoài is particularly significant as one of the few surviving Brahma sculptures from pre-Angkorian Southeast Asia, providing evidence that the Hindu trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva) was actively worshipped in the Mekong Delta. This treasure is prominently displayed in the central sculpture gallery.

Statue phật gỗ Giồng Xoài

The Statue phật gỗ Giồng Xoài is an extraordinarily rare wooden Buddha sculpture from the Óc Eo period, also excavated from Giồng Xoài. Dating from the 5th-6th century CE, this statue survived nearly 1,500 years due to the waterlogged conditions of the delta soil that prevented decay. The Statue phật gỗ Giồng Xoài depicts Buddha in a meditation posture with serene facial features characteristic of early Southeast Asian Buddhist art. Its preservation allows scholars to understand sculptural traditions in organic materials that have otherwise vanished from the archaeological record. This national treasure is displayed in a climate-controlled case to ensure its continued preservation.

Statue phật đá Khánh Bình

The Statue phật đá Khánh Bình is a stone Buddha sculpture discovered in Khánh Bình commune, An Phú District, dating from the 6th-7th century CE. This sandstone work shows Buddha seated in meditation with refined carving that captures the spiritual tranquility central to Buddhist iconography. The Statue phật đá Khánh Bình exemplifies the artistic synthesis of Indian Buddhist traditions with local Southeast Asian sculptural styles that characterized the Óc Eo period. Visitors can appreciate its craftsmanship in the museum's Buddhist art section, where it is displayed alongside explanatory materials about early Buddhism in the Mekong Delta.

Bộ Linga - Yoni Linh Sơn

The Bộ Linga - Yoni Linh Sơn is another stone linga-yoni set, excavated from Linh Sơn in Tri Tôn District. Dating from the 7th century CE, this sacred Hindu object features particularly fine carving work and well-preserved Sanskrit inscriptions that provide valuable linguistic and historical information. The Bộ Linga - Yoni Linh Sơn demonstrates the continued importance of Shaivite worship in late Óc Eo period society and shows technical refinements in stone carving techniques. This treasure is displayed near the Bộ Linga - Yoni Đá nổi, allowing visitors to compare these two examples of the same sacred form and appreciate variations in artistic execution.

Planning Your Visit

Location & Access

Address: 58 Trần Hưng Đạo, Mỹ Bình Ward, Long Xuyên City, An Giang Province

The An Giang Museum is located in the center of Long Xuyên, the provincial capital, approximately 200 kilometers southwest of Ho Chi Minh City. From Ho Chi Minh City, visitors can reach Long Xuyên by bus (4-5 hours, regular departures from Mien Tay Bus Station) or by private car/taxi (approximately 3.5 hours via National Highway 1A and Highway 91). Within Long Xuyên, the museum is easily accessible by taxi, motorbike taxi (xe ôm), or bicycle from most hotels in the city center. Street parking is available near the museum entrance.

Opening Hours & Admission

Hours: 7:30 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday Closed: Mondays and Lunar New Year holidays

Admission:

• Adults: 20,000 VND
• Students (with valid ID): 10,000 VND
• Children under 15: Free
• Seniors over 60: Free
• Photography permitted without flash

Admission prices are subject to change; visitors should confirm current rates locally or check with An Giang Province tourism authorities.

Best Times to Visit

The museum is typically quietest on weekday mornings (Tuesday-Friday, 8:00-10:00 AM), offering the most contemplative experience with the ancient sculptures. Weekends and public holidays see more local families and student groups. The Mekong Delta climate is hot year-round, but the dry season (November through April) is generally more comfortable for travel. Consider visiting the museum in conjunction with An Giang's Óc Eo Culture Festival (held periodically to celebrate the province's ancient heritage) when special exhibitions and cultural programs may be offered—check with local tourism offices for festival dates.

What to Bring & Wear

Modest, casual clothing is appropriate for museum visits. The exhibition spaces are air-conditioned, but you'll likely walk through warm outdoor areas. Bring:

• Camera (flash photography prohibited to protect artifacts)
• Notebook if you're particularly interested in archaeology or history
• Vietnamese phrasebook or translation app (English signage is limited)
• Small bottle of water (no food or drinks allowed in exhibition halls)

Guided Tours & Audio Guides

The museum does not currently offer regular audio guides or English-language guided tours. Signage is primarily in Vietnamese, with some English translations for major artifacts. Visitors with serious interest in Óc Eo archaeology may wish to arrange a private guide through Long Xuyén tourism offices or through their hotel—guides with archaeological expertise can significantly enhance understanding of the national treasures and their historical context. Tour duration is typically 1-1.5 hours for a focused visit, or 2-3 hours for comprehensive exploration.

Accessibility & Facilities

The museum building is largely wheelchair accessible, with ramps at the main entrance and ground-floor galleries. Restrooms are available on-site. A small gift shop sells books about An Giang history, postcards, and souvenirs. No café is located within the museum, but numerous restaurants and coffee shops are within walking distance in Long Xuyên's city center. Photography is permitted in exhibition halls without flash; tripods and professional lighting equipment require advance permission from museum administration.

Cultural Etiquette & Respect for Ancient Heritage

When visiting the An Giang Museum, remember that the sculptures and artifacts on display are not merely art objects but sacred items that held profound religious significance for ancient communities. Approach the national treasures—particularly the Bộ Linga - Yoni Đá nổi, Bộ Linga - Yoni Linh Sơn, and Buddhist statues—with respect. Do not touch any artifacts or display cases. Keep voices low in exhibition halls to maintain an atmosphere conducive to contemplation and learning. If photographing, be mindful of other visitors and never use flash, which can damage ancient materials over time. The museum staff are dedicated to preserving An Giang's irreplaceable heritage; follow all posted guidelines and respect any restricted areas.

Nearby Attractions

• Óc Eo Archaeological Site - The excavated remains of the ancient trading port that gave its name to the civilization, located approximately 10 kilometers from Long Xuyên (30 minutes by motorbike or taxi); visitors can see foundation remains and canal systems
• Núi Sập (Sập Mountain) - A scenic mountain offering panoramic views of the Mekong Delta landscape, with a temple complex at its summit; 15 kilometers from Long Xuyên (25 minutes)
• Long Xuyên Floating Market - Traditional Mekong Delta floating market where farmers and merchants trade produce from boats; best visited at dawn, 5 kilometers from city center
• Trà Sư Cajuput Forest - A seasonally flooded forest reserve known for its biodiversity and boat tours through flooded forests; 30 kilometers from Long Xuyên (45 minutes), best visited during flood season (August-November)
• Bà Chúa Xứ Temple - Important pilgrimage site at the base of Sam Mountain in nearby Châu Đốc (40 kilometers from Long Xuyên), honoring a revered local deity

Consider combining your museum visit with a trip to the actual Óc Eo archaeological site to better understand the landscape context of the ancient civilization, or explore Sam Mountain's cave temples and panoramic viewpoints for a fuller picture of An Giang's religious diversity.

The An Giang Museum offers a rare opportunity to stand before sculptures that witnessed the birth of civilization in the Mekong Delta, when Sanskrit prayers echoed through temple courtyards and merchant vessels carried Indian textiles, Roman glassware, and Chinese ceramics through the waterways of Óc Eo. The Bộ Linga - Yoni Đá nổi, Statue Thần Brahma Giồng Xoài, Statue phật gỗ Giồng Xoài, Statue phật đá Khánh Bình, and Bộ Linga - Yoni Linh Sơn are not merely ancient objects—they are bridges connecting us to the spiritual aspirations, artistic achievements, and cosmopolitan culture of Southeast Asia's earliest complex societies. In these weathered stones and miraculously preserved wood, Vietnam's deep history comes alive.