Nearly 1,600-Year-Old Tombs Reveal Ancient Burial Practices in Vietnam

An archaeological excavation in Nghe An Province has uncovered two brick tombs dating back nearly 1,600 years, along with pottery, metal objects, jewelry and other burial items that offer a rare glimpse into ancient burial practices in Vietnam. Tuoi tre news

The tombs were found at Ru But in Kim Lien Commune. One was discovered by a local resident digging soil to plant trees, while the second was identified during an emergency excavation carried out by archaeologists.

Researchers from the Nghe An-Soviet Nghe Tinh Museum and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Hanoi spent almost two months examining the site.

Tombs date to the fourth to sixth centuries

Archaeologists have provisionally dated the two structures to the Six Dynasties period, between the fourth and sixth centuries.

Both tombs were built from bricks and contain a burial chamber connected to an entrance passage. Some of the bricks carry decorative patterns, including checkerboard, rosette and X-shaped designs.

The layout and construction methods, together with the objects recovered inside, helped researchers establish the approximate age of the site.

Pottery and burial objects found inside

The excavation produced a range of pottery, including bowls, cups, dishes, jars, bottles, pots and lids. Some objects were found in particular areas of the tombs, giving researchers clues about how burial goods had been arranged.

Coins, glass beads and metal objects were also recovered.

One of the tombs was particularly valuable because its contents had remained largely undisturbed. This gave archaeologists a clearer picture of the original placement of objects inside the burial chamber.

Researchers say the finds add to existing evidence of ancient burial practices in the region and help document connections between archaeological sites in the Lam River basin.

What it means for foreigners in Vietnam

The discoveries do not have any direct effect on foreigners living or travelling in Vietnam. The site is primarily of archaeological and historical interest.

Visitors should avoid entering or disturbing archaeological sites unless they are officially open to the public. Further surveys are planned around the Lam River basin, and the newly excavated tombs may be protected or conserved for future research.

17.09.2026