The arrival of spring “awakens” archaeological relics in Dong Nai

Spring’s arrival is not only reflected in budding greenery but also seems to awaken the layers of sediment where archaeological relics across Dong Nai have quietly rested for thousands of years.

Tan Lai archaeological relic in Tran Bien Ward - a destination for exploring the cultural and spiritual life of local residents. Photo: My Ny

The preservation, safeguarding, and promotion of archaeological heritage in Dong Nai not only demonstrate respect for the past but also help sustain cultural continuity, enabling heritage values to be rediscovered and preserved over time.

Archaeological sites - Linking the past to the present

The year 2026 marks two years since the Long Hung archaeological site in Long Hung Ward was officially recognized as a provincial-level relic. Located within the grounds of Long Hung Communal House, the site was studied, surveyed, and excavated by researchers in 1988 and again in 2020. Numerous artifacts - including coarse pottery, ceramics, bricks, and tiles - were uncovered, revealing traces of structures associated with the Oc Eo cultural period (approximately the 7th–12th centuries) and the Dai Viet cultural phase during the Nguyen era from the 17th to the late 18th century.

Chau Ngoc Tho, Deputy Head of the Long Hung Communal House Ritual Committee, said that since its official recognition, preservation and heritage promotion efforts have received increasing attention. During the early days of spring, the site welcomes many residents, tourists, and students eager to explore and learn. Beyond taking commemorative photos, many young visitors actively seek to understand the site’s historical development as well as the history of the Long Hung area. “We feel deeply moved. That is the greatest ‘spring blessing’ for those who care for the communal house and safeguard the heritage”, he shared.

Not far from the Long Hung archaeological site, ancient archaeological relics such as Go Me (Phuoc An Commune), Cau Sat (Binh Loc Ward), Doi Phong Khong (Tri An Commune), and Tan Lai (Tran Bien Ward), along with circular earthen enclosure sites discovered further afield in areas like Binh Long, Loc Ninh, and Bu Gia Map, have been gradually identified, studied, demarcated for protection, and officially classified in recent years. These efforts have helped paint a more vivid picture of Dong Nai’s historical and cultural landscape.

According to Nguyen Cao Thanh Sang, Vice Chairman of the Loc Quang Commune People’s Committee, the locality currently manages two inventoried archaeological relics: the Loc Hiep Circular Earthwork (Hiep Tam A Hamlet) and the Loc Quang 2 Circular Earthwork (Bu Tam Hamlet). Preservation and heritage promotion have been identified as central tasks in local socio-cultural development. During the 2026–2030 period, the commune plans to finalize scientific documentation for the sites, strengthen technological applications, digitize heritage resources, and gradually build a cultural database to support effective management and heritage promotion.

In Binh Tan Commune, archaeological relic management and conservation are also being implemented in a coordinated manner. The locality oversees several sites, including one provincial-level relic and three inventoried archaeological locations, namely the Long Hung, Long Hung 2, Long Binh 1, and Long Binh 8 circular earthworks. These sites not only hold archaeological and historical significance but also provide valuable material for studying ancient settlement patterns and social organization.

Digital archaeological mapping and expectations for a new phase

Over the years, Dong Nai Province has gradually developed a digital database for archaeological heritage. In northern areas of the province, cultural authorities conducted surveys and mapping projects between 2013 and 2014, documenting dozens of circular earthwork structures beneath rubber plantations. GPS technology was used to measure ring structures and surrounding moats in detail, leading to the discovery of many new archaeological sites. By 2025, a total of 69 circular earthwork sites had been officially announced.

Artifacts recovered from excavations are currently preserved and displayed at the Dong Nai Museum through exhibitions accessible to the public. The museum has also developed a 360-degree virtual tour of the Hang Gon Megalithic Tomb (Hang Gon Ward) - a special national archaeological relic - available on its website and social media platforms.

Efforts to collect data and develop GIS-based mapping software for archaeological relics in southern Dong Nai during the 2021–2023 period have received strong attention from relevant agencies and localities. The Dong Nai Museum coordinated with partners to update information on 130 archaeological relics and discovery locations spanning prehistoric, protohistoric, and historical periods, including 102 prehistoric relics and discovery sites and 28 protohistoric and historical relics.

Dr. Nguyen Van Quyet, a researcher specializing in Dong Nai culture and history (Tran Bien Ward), noted, “Following the merger and expansion of administrative boundaries, Dong Nai now possesses a rich system of relics, including many classified archaeological relics. This provides an important foundation for conservation and heritage management. And, the application of technology in preserving the relics opens new opportunities to bring heritage closer to the public, particularly through education, research, and cultural tourism.

The use of GIS technology in archaeological relic management enables authorities to build integrated digital databases linked with specialized archaeological data. Beyond digitizing relic information, GIS maps support efficient and accurate management while allowing online access through thematic maps and statistical systems, helping to “awaken” heritage values in contemporary society.

By My Ny – Translated by Minh Hong, Thu Ha