Recent incidents involving vandalism and theft at various historical and cultural sites across Vietnam have sparked public concern and media outcry. Among the most serious was the illegal excavation of Emperor Le Tuc Tong’s tomb in Kien Tho commune, Ngoc Lac district, Thanh Hoa province, and desecration of royal tombs in Hue, including those of Nguyen Phuc Khoat, Nguyen Hoang, Nguyen Phuc Chu, and Nguyen Phuc Thai.

Additional cases have revealed widespread neglect and abuse of national heritage. The historic Hue Flag Tower (Ky Dai) has been defaced with graffiti, and drug use has been reported near the historical sites Hoa Duoc Kho and Quan Tuong Dai. Visitors have also been caught stuffing waste into the muzzles of Nguyen dynasty cannons displayed at the Flag Tower and near Ngo Mon Gate.

In Ninh Binh province, a series of thefts have occurred: a bronze incense burner was stolen from Nga Pagoda (Khanh Tien commune, Yen Khanh district), royal edicts were taken from Dong Hoi Temple (Ninh An commune, Hoa Lu city), donation money and bronze lamps were stolen from Sen Pagoda (Khanh Tien commune), and an ancient stone pillar was removed from the cemetery in Yen Son commune, Tam Diep city.

In response, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has issued an official directive to the People’s Committees of Thanh Hoa, Thua Thien Hue, and Ninh Binh provinces. The ministry called for strict enforcement of the Law on Cultural Heritage and adherence to international conventions signed with UNESCO concerning world cultural and natural heritage.

The directive also urges local governments to thoroughly review and update their inventories of recognized heritage sites. Each site must have a designated organization or individual directly responsible for its management and protection. Local authorities are required to establish an effective administrative structure to ensure clear accountability and rapid response in case of any violations.

Moreover, the ministry emphasized the importance of revising and completing scientific dossiers for each site, and formally issuing regulations on the management, protection, and promotion of historical and cultural landmarks. It also insisted on holding accountable any individuals or entities responsible for recent failures, warning that similar violations must not be allowed to recur.

PV