Located some 42 kilometres from Cao Lãnh town at the heart of the famous Đồng Tháp Mười (Plain of Reeds), Gò Tháp was once an important religious centre of the Óc Eo-Funan civilisation, which flourished between the 1st and 6th centuries CE when the wider area (along with the rest of southern Việt Nam, much of Cambodia and parts of the Malay peninsula) was ruled by the Indianised Funan empire. Archaeological excavations began at this site during the French colonial period, unearthing many statues, carvings and other ancient artefacts. The most recent archaeological digs took place here in 1984 and 1993, but much more work remains to be done. Other, more recent places of interest in the area include Cổ Tự Tower (Tháp Cổ Tự), Ðốc Bình Kiều Tomb and Temple (Mộ và Ðền thờ cụ Ðốc Bình Kiều) and the Lady Chúa Xứ Temple (Miếu Bà Chúa Xứ). The then Ministry of Culture and Information formally recognised Gò Tháp as a place of historic significance in 1989. Since then, the provincial authorities have undertaken some conservation and restoration work while at the same time developing the area into a tourist attraction. Already in place are a 20-hectare history park and a 167-hectare wetlands reserve, both established to attract tourist dollars. In the near future, Gò Tháp will have a 10-story tower affording a panoramic view of the vast Plain of Reeds, guesthouses on stilts, and at least one restaurant specialising in local fare. It will also play host to several festivals that are now in the planning stages.

Related links: Óc Eo Citadel, Bình Tả Óc Eo Cultural Vestiges Area, Gò Thành Óc Eo Cultural Vestiges Area, Lưu Cừ II Óc Eo Cultural Vestiges Area, Nền Chùa Óc Eo Cultural Vestiges Area, Vòng Xoài Óc Eo Cultural Vestiges Area