Finding the answer to the two ancient boats at the bottom of a pond in Bac Ninh

Unique discovery

In early 2025, Mr. Nguyen Van Chien (50 years old), a fish farm owner in Cong Ha neighborhood (Ha Man ward, Thuan Thanh town, Bac Ninh province) rented an excavator to dig a pond to prepare for releasing tilapia.

The land, about 360 square ^meters wide, was rented by the man from a household. A year ago, he used to raise a batch of fish, but due to the waste of water, he decided to renovate it.

Chủ trại cá ở Bắc Ninh đào ao phát hiện 2 thuyền cổ - Ảnh 1. — Mr. Nguyen Van Chien tells the story of digging a pond and discovering two ancient boats.

At that time, when the excavator dug a few meters deep into the pond, the soil and sand mixed together so the farm owner did not detect any unusual signs. After a few days, the sand gradually dried, suddenly revealing two boats with strange signs, he quickly informed the local authorities.

"I was very surprised, considering it my family's fate to discover artifacts that seem to be from ancient times," he said.

Based on the information provided by Mr. Chien, in early March, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Bac Ninh province coordinated with the Institute of Archaeology under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences to excavate ancient boat remains in Cong Ha quarter.

Chủ trại cá ở Bắc Ninh đào ao phát hiện 2 thuyền cổ - Ảnh 2. — Two ancient boats were excavated in a fish pond of a local family.

The excavation of the two ancient boats is expected to last from March 3 to April 3, on an area of 300 square ^meters , chaired by Dr. Pham Van Trieu, Deputy Head of the Department of Historical Archaeology.

The location where the ancient boat traces were found is on the Dau River, a branch of the Thien Duc River (Duong River), which flows close to the western bank of Luy Lau Citadel. The location of the discovery is about 1 km from Luy Lau Citadel, about 600 m northeast of Dau Pagoda, and about 500 m as the crow flies from To Pagoda (worshipping Buddha Mother Man Nuong).

Mr. Trieu said that these could be two boats carrying goods on the Dau River. Initially, the archaeological team imagined that they were just small, shallow merchant boats with a dugout structure.

But when they arrived at the scene, they were surprised by the two large boats. Each boat was 16.1 m long; divided into 6 compartments, 1.5 m deep; 1.9 m wide and more than 2 m. Notably, they were firmly connected by a wooden bar at the head of the boat.

"This is a unique discovery, the boats have a strange structure with a solid structure that can withstand force and water well," said Mr. Trieu.

Collecting specimens and determining the age of ancient boats

After about 20 days, the interior of the two ancient boats had been excavated. Every day, archaeologists observed, measured, and meticulously recorded data and information. They carefully removed each layer of soil and sand to avoid damaging the wood and hull of the boat.

Chủ trại cá ở Bắc Ninh đào ao phát hiện 2 thuyền cổ - Ảnh 3.

Chủ trại cá ở Bắc Ninh đào ao phát hiện 2 thuyền cổ - Ảnh 4.

Archaeologists measure and record information about two ancient boats; screen and classify artifacts collected inside the boats.

PHOTO: MINH NHAN

Meanwhile, a group of 10 workers were hired to transport the mud collected from the ship's hold, then wash and sift the artifacts.

From the collected artifacts, archaeologists classify each type of seed, fruit or valuable antique to serve research and evaluation work.

In the holds of the ships, they discovered a variety of tree seeds, which is important data to help determine what kind of cargo the ships were used to carry.

According to Mr. Trieu, during the excavation process, the two boats were carefully covered with tarpaulins to ensure humidity according to the motto "both excavating and preserving".

Chủ trại cá ở Bắc Ninh đào ao phát hiện 2 thuyền cổ - Ảnh 5.

Chủ trại cá ở Bắc Ninh đào ao phát hiện 2 thuyền cổ - Ảnh 6.

Workers water the ancient boat to keep it moist and wash the artifacts.

PHOTO: MINH NHAN

Every day, workers will continuously water the burlap sacks that cover the sides of the boat to keep the humidity, preventing the boat's structure from warping and the joints from coming loose.

The team of experts determined that the two boats still retained their almost intact shape, with the wooden details still quite sturdy. However, they could not yet officially conclude on their age and historical significance.

"To determine the age of the boat, specimens were collected and analyzed using the radioactive isotope carbon-14 (C14) method," said Mr. Trieu.

Chủ trại cá ở Bắc Ninh đào ao phát hiện 2 thuyền cổ - Ảnh 7. — Dr. Pham Van Trieu (left), Deputy Head of Historical Archaeology Department, presided over the excavation of two ancient boats.

On March 20, the staff in charge of testing and dating of the Institute of Archaeology took samples and coordinated with the Hanoi Nuclear Institute to analyze the C14 dating of the wooden samples of the boat. This process is expected to last 15 - 20 days.

Chairman of the People's Committee of Bac Ninh province Vuong Quoc Tuan has directed the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Bac Ninh province to develop a plan to organize a "field workshop" to invite experts to participate in research, debate, and accurately assess the value of ancient boat remains.

Mr. Tuan requested that local authorities have a plan to ensure security and safety in the excavation area and the ancient boat relic, and at the same time educate people about protecting cultural heritage.

Chủ trại cá ở Bắc Ninh đào ao phát hiện 2 thuyền cổ - Ảnh 8. — The excavation of the two ancient boats is expected to last for one month. To determine the age of the boats, specimens were collected and analyzed using the carbon-14 radioactive isotope method.

Since the discovery of two ancient boats at the bottom of the fish pond, curious people from everywhere have come to Cong Ha neighborhood to see the unique artifacts with their own eyes.

Fish farm owner Nguyen Van Chien gave up his fish pond guardhouse to the archaeological team as a working place. He also spent most of his time assisting the team of experts and workers in excavating artifacts.

Although the month-long excavation process affected his family's work, Mr. Chien said "economic issues are not important". He would support if the authorities consider the option of preserving the two boats on site.

"After accurately determining the age of the two boats, I hope experts will expand the excavation area, turning this place into a cultural relic for people to visit," he said.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/di-tim-loi-giai-2-chiec-thuyen-co-duoi-day-ao-o-bac-ninh-185250325221137786.htm