By Diana M.Cleto
Archaeologists have suggested that the ancient boats recently discovered in the Red River Delta province of Bac Ninh in Vietnam may originate from the Ly or Tran dynasties.
Though radiocarbon dating is still pending, early analysis places the boats’ construction in the Ly (11th-13th century) or Tran (13th-14th century) eras.
Comparisons with Chinese and international maritime data indicate the boats likely date from the 11th to 14th centuries and probably no later than the 15th century.
Their double-hull design and monoxyl construction echo elements from the Dong Son culture.
Some scholars also detect stylistic influences from southern regions, according to a VietNamNet report.
The boats were uncovered during an excavation project at a fish pond in Bac Ninh. They were found in the Cong Ha residential area, Ha Man ward, Thuan Thanh town, 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 recognized 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. Recognizing its archaeological value, the family immediately halted the digging and alerted authorities.
‘Unprecedented’ features in Vietnamese archaeology
Experts say that the boats are both extraordinary in scale and construction. Measuring about 16 meters in length and around two meters 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.
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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 in the ancient Giao Chia and Giao Chau 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 a part of a bronze drum mould 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 moulds 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 adds to the growing body of evidence that points to Luy Lau’s importance as a thriving economic hub.
Experts suggest that the site may have served as a docking area for merchant vessels or even a shipbuilding yard.
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