Exploiting the Value of Archeological Sites connected to Tourism Development: The case of Oc Eo culture in Thoai Son (Thoại Sơn) district (An Giang, Vietnam).

This article summarises the results of archaeological studies about Oc Eo culture in the Thoai Son (Thoai Son) district, An Giang province, in particular, and the southwestern region of Vietnam in general. The outcome provides information illustrating that the area of Oc Eo-Ba The (Thoai Son district, An Giang province) played a significant role in the time of existence and development of the Kingdom of Funan from the early Common Era to the 7th century. This area used to be the ancient urban Ba The-Oc Eo, having the Oc Eo port--a well-known commercial centre of Southeast Asia and the world. Concurrently, the article reviews the potential and remarkable value of the Oc Eo remains and explores the existing condition of preservation and recent initiatives to promote the value of the Oc Eo archaeological cultural heritage in the Thoai Son area. Based upon these results, the paper provides strategies for safeguarding cultural heritage, helping to uncover the region's tourism potential, and increasing the attraction of Thoai Son, An Giang, as a tourist destination. The research findings can help stakeholders indicate effective strategies for maintaining, protecting, promoting the value of this cultural heritage and contributing to the long-term growth of tourism in An Giang, Vietnam by utilising the potential of the Oc Eo archaeological site and cultural assets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]