Of the 30 national treasures recognized in 2026, Hanoi has 16 artifacts, the highest number nationwide. The Kinh Hoa Museum holds four of these, including a collection of Dong Son culture bronze ladles, a set of Dong Son culture bronze bells, Dong Son culture bronze armor, and a Dong Son culture bronze drum basin.

The private collection of Dao Danh Duc contributes two artifacts: a stone Buddha statue and a stone Vishnu deity statue, both from the Oc Eo culture. The Thang Long Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center preserves five items: a Ly dynasty dragon staircase, a Tran dynasty brown ceramic basin, a collection of Tran dynasty bronze lamp plates, a Ly dynasty green glazed ceramic box lid, and an early Le dynasty white glazed ceramic jar adorned with a dragon.

Other national treasures in Hanoi include: a Cham Pa culture bronze Durga goddess statue and the Nguyen Ai Quoc school's golden book, both housed at the National History Museum. Huong Pagoda preserves a Tran dynasty stone Buddha altar from Huong Trai Pagoda. Additional items are a Tran dynasty stone Buddha altar from Dai Bi Pagoda and a Le Trung Hung dynasty An Xa Pagoda bell, located at Bac Bien Pagoda.

The Nguyen Ai Quoc school's golden book. *Photo: HCMA*

Ninh Binh province received five national treasures: a stone stele from Nghia Xa Pagoda dated 1122; a stone Buddha altar from Thuong Nuong Pagoda dated 1364; a collection of 18 Arhat rock carvings from Lien Hoa Cave during the Tran dynasty; the Kham Ban bronze book by Le Thanh Tong; and three stone steles from Keo Hanh Thien Pagoda of the Le Trung Hung dynasty.

Nghe An province gained two treasures: a collection of Dong Son culture bronze drums from Lang Vac village and the Tran dynasty Ky Cong Thanh Nam rock carvings. Ho Chi Minh City (TP HCM) also has two treasures: a Hoa Loc culture ceramic pedestal bowl and a set of multi-colored glazed ceramic statues depicting the Tam Quan Dai De. Gia Lai province adds two more: a collection of gold ritual objects from the Cham An Phu tower and a Ko Do gong set from the early 20th century.

Other recognized national treasures include: a Mac dynasty stone Buddha altar from Nhan Thap Pagoda and three Mac dynasty wooden altars from Da Hoa Temple in Hung Yen. Bac Ninh province now holds the Man Nuong wooden Buddha statue from To Pagoda, preserved at Phuc Nghiem Pagoda.

The Cultural Heritage Law defines national treasures as exceptionally rare and valuable artifacts that represent the country's history, culture, and science. These artifacts are preserved and protected under a special regime.

Following 14 rounds of recognition by the prime minister, the nation now possesses 267 national treasures.

By Vu Tuan