Historical landmarks along the Dau River

After more than 20 days of excavation, the shapes of two ancient boats near Luy Lau citadel (Thuan Thanh town, Bac Ninh province) have been revealed. Experts are beginning to search for answers about the age and mysteries of these two ancient boats…

The area where the two ancient boats were discovered. Photo: P. Sỹ.

A unique and valuable discovery.

In late 2024, while renovating their fish pond, a family in Cong Ha neighborhood (Ha Man ward, Thuan Thanh town) discovered an object resembling a boat, several tens of meters long. Immediately, the family stopped operating their machinery to avoid causing any disturbance and promptly reported the incident to the local authorities.

The discovery site is located about 1km from Luy Lau citadel, about 600m northeast of Dau Pagoda, and about 500m as the crow flies from To Pagoda (dedicated to the Mother Buddha Man Nuong). Within the excavation area of ​​approximately 300m2, two boats were found about 2m apart. One boat is about 15m long and 2.2m wide; the other is 14m long and about 1.6m wide. Despite being buried deep underground, the boats have retained their shape quite well.

According to Dr. Pham Van Trieu, Deputy Head of the Historical Archaeology Department (Institute of Archaeology), this is a very valuable discovery due to the unique nature of the artifact. According to measurements, the recently excavated boat is approximately 16.2 meters long, 2.5 meters wide, and 2.15 meters deep from the most intact part to the bottom. Structurally, the two boats were joined together at the bow and bottom using a single log, with planks joined on top using mortise and tenon joints and wooden pegs.

Preliminary assessments suggest that this boat serves as proof of the historical role of the Dau River. Based on the excavation site, the Dau River flows north-south, while the boat lies horizontally east-west. The overall location of the boat is approximately 800 meters from the Luy Lau citadel as the crow flies. If we take the Luy Lau citadel as the center and turn a radius of 1 kilometer, the surrounding area is densely populated with temples and pagodas.

“During the initial excavation and research, this may be a double-hulled boat with a fairly advanced mortise and tenon jointing technique. The entire boat is constructed using wooden nails, and the interior is carved from a single tree trunk. This is a very valuable discovery due to the unique nature of the artifact. The discovery site is about 1km from Luy Lau citadel and about 600m northeast of Dau Pagoda, so it may have been used to transport goods on the Dau River in the past,” said Dr. Pham Van Trieu.

Currently, the exact age and type of the two boats have not been precisely determined. However, archaeologists initially surmise that they may have been constructed between the 11th and 14th centuries, using teak and ironwood. No other artifacts were found inside the boats, only some seeds and branches. To clarify the age and function of the boats, experts have collected many samples. Some of these are being analyzed using the Carbon-14 (C14) radioactive isotope method. This process is being carried out by the Institute of Archaeology in collaboration with the Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology and is expected to take about 20-25 days to yield results.

Although it is not yet possible to give a comprehensive assessment of the boat's value, many experts believe it is one of the largest and most unique boats ever discovered in the history of Vietnamese archaeology.

Associate Professor Tong Trung Tin, President of the Vietnam Archaeological Association, stated that this is a ship unlike any other in Vietnam, considering many aspects such as materials, shipbuilding techniques, and structure.

He emphasized the need for continued in-depth, comprehensive, and extensive research to fully assess the value of the boat and find effective conservation solutions. In addition, Associate Professor Tong Trung Tin proposed widely publicizing the information to attract the attention of international experts, thereby contributing to clarifying the historical and cultural value of Vietnam in general and Bac Ninh province in particular.

Sharing the same view, Associate Professor Bui Minh Tri - Department of Underwater Archaeology (Institute of Archaeology) commented that this discovery is of significant importance in connecting the Dau River with the sea and Thang Long citadel within the ancient river system dating back to ancient times.

The location where the ancient boat was unearthed is on the Dâu River - a branch of the Thiên Đức River (Đuống River) flowing close to the western bank of the Luy Lâu citadel.

Suggesting conservation options

According to scientists, removing the two large boats from the site is a significant challenge, as their size and prolonged submersion in water make their original removal impossible. Therefore, it is proposed that local authorities and relevant agencies study options for on-site preservation, including constructing a storage tank and an exhibition hall to effectively protect and showcase the artifacts.

Dr. Nguyen Van Doan, Director of the National Museum of History, believes that regardless of the ship's age, it remains an extremely valuable and meaningful heritage. Therefore, thorough investment and research are needed for its preservation.

Regarding this issue, Associate Professor Bui Minh Tri suggested that preservation could be achieved using one of two methods. The first method is to fill in the archaeological site to maintain the underground relics in their original state, while simultaneously demarcating a protected area. A 3D model recreating the boat would be used to serve tourists and locals, helping them visualize the artifact clearly while still ensuring preservation.

Alternatively, preservation could be done in situ without filling in the boat, by constructing a water reservoir to maintain its current state. This option allows tourists to visit directly, providing long-term and sustainable conservation value.

In addition, Associate Professor Bui Minh Tri also emphasized the necessity of applying 3D scanning technology to record the entire structure of the boat as soon as possible. This will help collect data for analysis, comparison, and expansion of research, while also creating opportunities to share information internationally, thereby seeking professional and technical support from foreign experts.

Associate Professor Dr. Ha Van Can, Deputy Director in charge of the Institute of Archaeology, suggested in-situ preservation and proposed filling in the area for preservation. After a plan is in place, a project will be developed to build a preservation facility, a historical site, conduct further excavations, and preserve the wood. At that time, experts in conservation and archaeologists will come up with a suitable plan. For now, however, the priority is in-situ preservation.

Based on the opinions of scientists, Mr. Le Quang Vu, a specialist from the Department of Cultural Heritage, suggested that the next step is to open several exploratory pits to gather more information, as there is almost no information available regarding this boat. In addition, a retrospective investigation of relevant documents is necessary; and the conservation plan must be based on the research results. In-situ conservation is the most optimal method at this stage.

Mr. Nguyen Van Dap, Deputy Director of the Bac Ninh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated that this is an important and exceptionally valuable discovery. For the first time, a pair of twin-hulled boats has been found in Vietnam, showcasing highly sophisticated boat-building techniques. Currently, experts are awaiting the results of the dating tests to determine the exact age. For now, many opinions lean towards preserving them in situ. Once concrete results are available, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism will submit a report to the Provincial People's Committee for guidance.

Source: https://daidoanket.vn/xung-quanh-2-chiec-thuyen-co-vua-phat-hien-o-bac-ninh-dau-tich-lich-su-ben-dong-song-dau-10302428.html