Hoi An ancient ship reveals ancient maritime secrets
At the recent expert consultation, scientists commented that the ancient ship discovered on the coast of Thinh My (Hoi An Tay ward, Da Nang city) is a particularly rare relic.
This is a "one-of-a- kind" opportunity to research maritime history, and at the same time an important first step in the project to build the first boat museum in Vietnam.
The ship was first revealed at the end of 2023. By early November 2025, under the impact of storms and big waves, the 17.4m long, 5m wide boat body was clearly revealed. The results of the analysis of wooden models (in lenses, Kien Kien, pine) show that the ship is large in size, has a solid structure, uniquely combining the shipping techniques of Southeast Asia and China, allowing long journey.
Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Quy (Institute of Archaeology) commented: "This is a rare physical evidence of the coastal culture of Quang. It is very likely that the ship's holdings still contain many goods and artifacts buried deep under the sand, with special value in the history of trade and culture of the Central Coast region".
The ship is currently in an alert state. The season is sunny on sand, the season is flooded and subjected to large waves causing erosion, the risk of damage is very high if timely intervention is not made.
Towards the country's first boat museum
Dr. Nguyen Van Viet - Director of the Southeast Asian Prehistoric Center proposed two options: Bringing the ship to the same block, applying water retention technology and pumping dry chemicals (according to Japanese experience). Or disassemble each part, number, document to preserve and restore later.
However, Dr. Nguyen Duc Thanh (forestry Industry Research Institute) noted that the process of storing wet wood is very complicated, requiring primary treatment of about 1 year and therapeutic preservation lasting 5-7 years. He suggested that Da Nang should immediately plan a specialized area to serve the entire process from excavation, processing to display.
Vice Chairwoman of the Da Nang People's Committee Nguyen Thi Anh Thi affirmed that this discovery not only clarifies the role of Hoi An port traders in the international trade network but also raises urgent requirements for modern conservation techniques.
The area from Hoi An to Binh Chau (Quang Ngai) is considered the "land of sunken ships" with nearly 20 ancient ship carcasses. Therefore, experts agreed to recommend the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and localities to invest in a museum model associated with a specialized conservation research center.
"If successfully preserved, the ship will become a new tourist highlight, reducing the burden on Hoi An ancient town, and at the same time being the foundation for forming the first professional ship museum in Vietnam," Deputy Director of the National Museum Nguyen Thi Thu Hoan emphasized.
It is expected that the excavation of the ancient ship will be carried out in May-May 2026, the most favorable weather time to ensure the safety of the relic.
