Cover In conversation with Tatler Vietnam, Dr Nguyen Thi Hau, an esteemed archaeologist, shared her philosophical reflections on archaeology—an often-overlooked field with an academic depth that can feel distant from the wider public.
In conversation with Tatler Vietnam, Dr Nguyen Thi Hau, an esteemed archaeologist, shared her philosophical reflections on archaeology—an often-overlooked field with an academic depth that can feel distant from the wider public.
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Esteemed archaeologist Nguyen Thi Hau shares her philosophical reflections on archaeology.
Dr Nguyen Thi Hau is widely recognised for her research on Oc Eo culture, Dong Nai culture, and the urban archaeology of Ho Chi Minh City. Beyond her academic contributions, she is also a teacher, journalist, and a compelling storyteller of history. Through her blog Post-archaeology and accessible published works, she bridges the gap between scholarly research and the wider community. In addition, she holds key positions at both the Vietnam Association of Historical Sciences and the Ho Chi Minh City History Association, where she works tirelessly to preserve and promote cultural heritage.
In her discussion with Tatler Vietnam, she shared her perspective on archaeology—not simply as a discipline that examines the past, but as a journey of identity and a way to approach history with objectivity and fairness. In her view, only by truly understanding the past can we build a strong foundation for the future.
Archaeology: preserving memory, not just for academics
Having dedicated her life to uncovering relics buried by time, Dr Nguyen Thi Hau understands that a culture is at risk of being forgotten unless its memory is preserved. This belief drives her beyond academia, inspiring her to make archaeology more accessible to the public.
“When I need to write academically, I will write academically. But this book, I wrote for the community to read,” she once remarked when questioned about Southern Folk Archaeology. She firmly believes that knowledge should not remain confined to research institutions—it must reach the very people who live on the land shaped by its history.
Above Dr Nguyen Thi Hau, archaeologist
Dr Nguyen Thi Hau, archaeologist
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According to her perspective, if a society does not understand its heritage, how can it protect it? If a site exists only in academic records, does it still hold meaning if no one cares?
For Dr Nguyen Thi Hau, archaeology offers a unique lens through which to view culture. Each artefact and site reveals the rich cultural diversity of Vietnam, demonstrating that every community and region has its own distinct identity.
Crucially, archaeology confirms that cultural diversity is an intrinsic part of Vietnam’s identity. When diversity is nurtured, culture flourishes. Conversely, when periods of assimilation lead to the erosion of identity, national heritage is at risk of being lost. In today’s world, cultures define nations more than politics or institutions ever could.
Through her research—whether on the urban archaeology of Saigon or the ancient relics of Oc Eo—Dr Nguyen Thi Hau has helped many recognise that archaeology is not merely about the past, but about what continues to exist beneath their very feet.
The future of Vietnamese archaeology
Having entered the field in the 1980s, Dr Hau has witnessed the evolution of archaeology across generations. When she was a student, it remained a niche discipline, with only a handful of scholars pursuing it. Today, interest has grown significantly, yet archaeology remains a challenging path.
Many ask whether archaeology has a future. Her answer is always the same: as long as people remain curious about their origins, archaeology will always be relevant. It is the study of everything humanity leaves behind. In the modern world, this encompasses not just material remains, but vast amounts of data—offering new dimensions for exploration.
Above Dr Nguyen Thi Hau, archaeologist
Dr Nguyen Thi Hau, archaeologist
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She also joked, “This profession will last forever—unless the world comes to an end.” A lighthearted remark, yet fundamentally true—archaeologists will never find themselves out of work. With each passing day, humans leave behind new traces and layers of culture. Whether intentional or not, these remnants all serve as invaluable material for archaeology.
Her greatest joy comes from reuniting with former students, hearing them speak of their latest archaeological projects and thrilling fieldwork experiences. Some once faced family opposition to their choice of career, but through her lectures, they found the confidence to persuade their parents and carve out their own paths.
As long as humanity endures, archaeology will never die.
In her view, Vietnamese archaeology has made remarkable strides, uncovering hidden aspects of history, refining long-held concepts, and reaffirming the country’s rich cultural diversity. With advancements in technology, archaeology now offers even deeper insights—not only into historical events but into the lives of individuals themselves.
“In the past, examining a relic meant seeing only a broad picture of a community. But with modern techniques, we can now analyse the traces of individuals within that collective history,” she explains.
However, the field still faces challenges in terms of theoretical development, research conditions, and technical resources. Addressing these limitations, she believes, will allow Vietnamese archaeology to flourish further and attract a new generation of young scholars committed to historical exploration.
Archaeology: a discipline of thought and objectivity
When asked about the true purpose of archaeology, Dr Nguyen Thi Hau’s answer is unexpected. Beyond academia, she sees archaeology as a “humanistic” journey—one that cultivates a historical mindset by placing events, figures, and discoveries within their proper context.
“I believe that the ultimate goal of archaeology is to provide a truly logical, scientific, and objective interpretation of history and culture. Without this, our knowledge remains narrow, lacking a comprehensive perspective. We would be unable to draw new insights from relics and artefacts, leaving us vulnerable to bias, prejudice, and outdated thinking.”
Above Dr Nguyen Thi Hau, archaeologist
Dr Nguyen Thi Hau, archaeologist
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For her, archaeology is a discipline of patience and objectivity more than excavation. Every artefact carries multiple layers of meaning, demanding careful analysis and a cautious approach. Rushed conclusions and subjective interpretations have no place in the study of the past.
This philosophy also informs her teaching. Rather than emphasising rote memorisation, she encourages critical thinking and independent inquiry. “From the start, I establish an equal relationship with my students. I do not expect them to take my words as absolute truth. When there is mutual respect, the classroom becomes an engaging space where we can debate and explore science together.”
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She firmly believes that the most valuable lesson a teacher can impart is not just knowledge, but wisdom gained from mistakes. “Good things can be learned from many places, but the lessons from failure are rarely taught. Yet it is through our mistakes that we gain the most profound insights.”
For Dr Nguyen Thi Hau, archaeology is more than a science—it is a way of seeing the world. It teaches humility in the face of history, patience in the pursuit of truth, and, most importantly, a deep connection to one’s origins.
And perhaps the greatest gift archaeology offers is the ability to help people understand who they truly are.
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