Viet Khe boat grave 🇻🇳

When you explore the archaeological history of northern Vietnam, the Việt Khê site near Thủy Nguyên District in Haiphong offers a unique window into the ancient Dong Son culture of the Bronze Age. Located on the southern base of a hill overlooking the Hàn River in the Red River Delta, this historic site revealed five boat-shaped wooden coffins during 1961 excavations. You will discover an impressive assembly of relics dated between 500 BCE and 300 BCE, making it one of the earlier Dong Son burial sites.

Among the finds, the largest boat coffin—spanning 4.76 meters long—held 107 grave items, a record quantity for excavations in Vietnam, earning its designation as a national treasure. As you learn about these remarkable artifacts, you can admire 90% bronze objects, including pediform axes, socketed spearheads, daggers, swords, and ring-handled knives. You will also uncover distinctive bronze vessels like tall thạp vessels decorated with plumed warriors, tripod thố bowls, globular bình vessels, ladles featuring bird or musical motifs, and a small drum adorned with a central sun body surrounded by flying birds.

Complete with musical bells, basketry, and leather, Việt Khê brings Vietnam's ancient craft traditions directly to life.

What to see at Viet Khe boat grave

• Five boat-shaped wooden coffins excavated in 1961, dated from 500 BCE to 300 BCE
• The M2 burial coffin, a 4.76-meter national treasure holding 107 grave items
• Diverse bronze weaponry including pediform axes, socketed spearheads, daggers, and a sword
• Intricate bronze vessels like tall thạp depicting plumed warriors on land and water
• Musical instruments featuring a small sun-motif bronze drum and decorated bells

Visiting tips

Be sure to look closely at the bronze ladles and tall thạp vessels to spot detailed artwork depicting plumed warriors, flying birds, and musicians.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Viet Khe boat grave is easy to reach on Haiphong’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Haiphong Opera House. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Haiphong travel guide.