In July 2020, a groundbreaking archaeological find within the caves of Ba Be National Park, Bac Kan province, Northern Vietnam, unveiled traces of prehistoric human presence dating back 20,000 years. This discovery offers a fresh perspective on the early inhabitants of the area.
Ba Be National Park boasts a distinct ecosystem characterized by limestone karsts and dense evergreen forests. At its heart lies Ba Be Lake, one of the world’s largest natural lakes, nestled at an altitude of 178 meters above sea level. These limestone karsts harbor magnificent caves formed over millennia, continuously revealing new discoveries as exploration progresses deeper into the park.
Recent excavations in select caves within the park have yielded remarkable findings. Led by Trinh Nang Chung, PhD, from the Institute of Archaeology of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences in Hanoi, researchers unearthed nearly 100 artifacts from caves such as Tham Khit, Tham Mya, Na Phoong, and Ba Cua.
Among the notable discoveries are ancient stone tools, teeth, and animal bones found in Tham Khit cave, suggesting remnants of early human activity. Meanwhile, Tham Mya cave revealed stone artifacts from the Hoa Binh civilization, dating back to the Mesolithic period (12,000-10,000 BC). Additionally, Na Phoong and Ba Cua caves unveiled ceramic objects dating to the early Bronze Age (circa 2,000 BC).
This archaeological breakthrough not only enriches our understanding of Vietnam’s past but also elevates the profile of Ba Be National Park. As awareness of the park grows, it is expected to attract more visitors, providing vital support to local communities while emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts to preserve the park’s biodiversity.
