An evocative new exhibition at the Hanoi Museum unveils the hidden stories beneath the city, inviting visitors to explore the cultural layers that have shaped Thang Long – Hanoi over millennia.
The Hanoi Museum’s new thematic exhibition is captivating tourists who are passionate about cultural and archaeological discoveries.
The newly display showcases extraordinary archaeological finds from the Vuon Chuoi (Banana Garden) site, an ancient mound nestled in the fields of Lai Xa Village, Hoai Duc Commune, just 18 kilometers west of the capital’s center.
According to Nguyen Lan Cuong, Secretary General of the Vietnam Archaeological Association, the most notable findings from this excavation were human remains adorned with multiple bracelets on both arms, along with evidence of ritual burial practices, such as placing ceramic and bronze objects beside the deceased or extracting the upper front teeth. These graves were often targeted by robbers due to the presence of valuable burial items.
“Through artifacts unearthed since 1969, the exhibition reveals the remarkable continuity of life at one of northern Vietnam’s key Bronze Age sites,” he said.
Stone tools crafted by ancient Vietnamese people have been unearthed at the Vuon Chuoi archaeological site.
Researchers have established that Vuon Chuoi served as both a residential area and a burial ground from the pre-Dong Son to Dong Son periods (4,000–2,000 BC), its layers unfolding like a chronicle of early Vietnamese civilization.
Eight major excavations since its discovery have gradually exposed the stable stratigraphy of the Dong Dau, Go Mun and Dong Son cultures.
The most recent excavation, lasting 330 days from March 19, 2024, reached depths of over three meters, uncovering some of the site’s most compelling finds.
Archaeologists discovered numerous pre-Dong Son remains with bracelets on both arms, alongside ceramic and bronze burial items, shedding light on longstanding ritual practices.
Evidence of front-tooth extraction, likely marking adulthood, appears in many burials, offering insight into the spiritual and social customs of Bronze Age communities.
Excavations at the Vuon Chuoi archaeological site reveal clear social stratification in ancient Vietnamese society: wealthy individuals were interred with valuable grave goods, while poorer individuals were buried with little or nothing.
With more than 70 pre-Dong Son burials and 40 Dong Son burials identified, the site provides invaluable information on the anthropology, genetics, movement and diet of early Vietnamese people.
Life at Vuon Chuoi emerges not only from its graves but also from remnants of daily activity, including foundries, fireplaces, and other living structures. Artifacts date from the late Phung Nguyen (3,000 BC) to late Dong Son (2,000 BC) and include stone tools, bronze pieces, ceramics, wooden objects and iron relics.
Ongoing excavations since March 2024 reinforce the long-held belief that Vuon Chuoi was continuously inhabited for two to four millennia, a thriving Metal Age village whose stories unfold layer by layer with each new discovery.
Today, the Hanoi Museum transforms these discoveries into an immersive experience, allowing visitors to step into Vietnam’s ancient past and witness the deep cultural roots that continue to shape the spirit of Hanoi.
AAnna Müller, an international visitor from Germany shares that she found the display “truly fascinating”, adding that she didn’t expect such a rich and complex archaeological story here in Hanoi. “The exhibition is very well organized- clear explanations, beautiful displays and some impressive artifacts,” she said.
“Many tourists only know Vietnam through its recent history, food, or natural landscapes. Exhibitions like this reveal how deep and ancient the culture is. It adds a whole new layer of appreciation. I think anyone interested in culture, archaeology, or Vietnam’s past would enjoy it,” she added.
The newly unearthed collection of stone axes highlights the craftsmanship and creativity of ancient Vietnamese communities.
Intriguing archaeological sites are featured in the exhibition, capturing the interest of visitors to Hanoi this autumn.
The Hanoi Museum’s 3rd-floor thematic exhibition featuring the Vuon Chuoi National Archaeological Site garnered strong public interest.
By Jenna Duong- Ngoc Tu
