Unearthing Vietnam’s maritime history: Ancient boats discovered in Bac Ninh

By Diana Mae Y. Cleto

Two ancient boats have been uncovered during an excavation project at a fish pond in the Red River Delta province of Bac Ninh, according to local media reports.

This remarkable discovery is anticipated to provide fresh insights into Vietnam’s early maritime activities and economic landscape.

The boats were found in the Cong Ha residential area of the Ha Man ward of Thuan Thanh town, a settlement located along the Dau River, a tributary of the Thien Duc (Duong) River.

This region, situated near the western wall of the ancient Luy Lau citadel, has long been recognised as a site of historical significance.

In December 2024, resident Nguyen Van Chien’s family discovered the boats while they were dredging a pond.

They unearthed a long wooden structure resembling a vessel, immediately recognising its archaeological value, and halted the digging to alert authorities.

‘Unprecedented’ features in Vietnamese archaeology

Experts say that the two boats are extraordinary in both scale and construction.

Measuring about 16 metres in length and around two metres in width, they are significantly larger and more complex than previous finds.

Unlike other boats, which were typically simple in design, these vessels are divided into six sections.

They also feature a solid wooden beam that connects their bows, an unprecedented design element in Vietnamese archaeological history, the Vietnam News Agency cited experts as saying.

Researchers are now examining the boats to determine their origins, age, and function.

In the process, they are carefully sifting through the sediment inside each compartment to collect plant seeds and other materials that might offer clues about their cargo.

These findings could provide valuable insights into ancient trade practices and the economic landscape of Luy Lau.

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Historical significance of ancient Luy Lau citadel

Luy Lau, located along the Dau River, was once the administrative and commercial hub of ancient Giao Chia and its regions.

Over the years, numerous archaeological findings have highlighted its importance as a key urban centre in northern Vietnam.

In 1999, Japanese archaeologist Nishimura Masanari uncovered part of a bronze drum mold at the site, suggesting the presence of an ancient foundry.

Further excavations in 2014 confirmed the existence of a large-scale metallurgy workshop, with over 2,300 pieces of bronze drum molds recovered in 2024.

These discoveries underscore Luy Lau’s role as a key production centre for the Dong Son culture.

The recent discovery of the boats, meanwhile, adds to the growing body of evidence that points to Luy Lau’s additional importance as a thriving economic hub.

Experts suggest that the site may have served as a docking area for merchant vessels or even as a shipbuilding yard.

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