A rare discovery beneath the waters of a Bac Ninh pond

The Bac Ninh Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, in collaboration with the Institute of Archaeology, has launched an emergency excavation of two ancient wooden boats recently discovered at the bottom of a pond in Ha Man Ward, Thuan Thanh Town.

The boats were found in late November 2024 by local residents while renovating a fish pond spanning over 1,000 square meters.

The two vessels, positioned about two meters apart, remain remarkably well-preserved. One boat measures approximately 15 meters in length and 2.2 meters in width, while the other is 14 meters long and 1.6 meters wide.

A wooden beam connecting their bows suggests they may have functioned together in the past.

The excavation project, running from March 3 to April 3, 2025, covers an area of 300 square meters. Experts are carefully uncovering and documenting the site to determine the boats' historical significance.

A site of historical importance

The boats were found near the Dau River, a tributary of the Thien Duc (Duong) River, which flows past the western walls of Luy Lau Citadel.

This location is just one kilometer from Luy Lau, an ancient capital and trade center, 600 meters northeast of Dau Pagoda, and 500 meters from To Pagoda, which honors Buddhist Mother Man Nuong.

Given their proximity to these significant historical sites, archaeologists believe the boats may have once played a role in the vibrant trade and transport network of the region.

Early assessments suggest they were likely used for transporting goods along the Dau River.

Preserving and studying the artifacts

Dr. Pham Van Trieu, Deputy Head of the Historical Archaeology Department at the Institute of Archaeology and the project’s lead researcher, emphasized the importance of this discovery.

"This is a significant find in terms of both historical and cultural value. Although we cannot yet determine their exact age, single-log wooden boats often indicate an early historical period," he explained.

Archaeologists are working meticulously to preserve the artifacts, collecting samples to analyze the type of wood used in their construction. Further research will help determine their precise age and historical function.

Government involvement in excavation efforts

On March 17, Chairman of the Bac Ninh People’s Committee Vuong Quoc Tuan personally inspected the excavation site and directed efforts to ensure a thorough investigation.

He instructed the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, along with the Institute of Archaeology, to continue their work in verifying the boats’ age, significance, and regional connections.

Plans are also underway to host a research conference where experts can evaluate the findings and provide academic insights. Local authorities have been tasked with securing the excavation site and raising public awareness about the importance of preserving Vietnam’s cultural heritage.

The Dau River, where the boats were discovered, was historically a major trade route in northern Vietnam.