A wooden shipwreck that dates back to the 14th‑16th centuries has been uncovered near the historic town of Hoi An. Its rare state of preservation and unusual design have drawn attention from scholars and the public alike.

Deputy Director Tan Van Vuong of the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced that the city will carry out an emergency excavation of the vessel in 2027, when weather conditions are stable. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has already approved the plan, and the Hoi An World Cultural Heritage Conservation Center will coordinate the work.

Much of the hull remains intact, with several wooden posts still protruding above the sand. The ship lies parallel to the coastline, preserving many original structural components.

Analysis of the timber shows that the vessel combines Southeast Asian and East Asian shipbuilding techniques. This hybrid construction reflects the maritime connections and technological exchanges that existed in the region during the medieval period. Experts consider it one of the few ancient wooden vessels discovered in Vietnam with so much of its original structure still preserved.

Because the wreck retains its original framework and displays a blend of building traditions, it offers a unique window into Vietnam’s medieval maritime technology and trade networks. The 2027 excavation aims to protect and study the ship before further erosion can damage it.