Vietnam, a captivating S-shaped strip of land along the East Sea, is renowned not only for its breathtaking natural landscapes but also as a living museum of history. From North to South, every inch of soil bears the indelible marks of upheavals, transformations, glorious victories, and silent sacrifices. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around the World) as we explore the landmarks that have become symbols, associated with the heroic pages of our nation’s history.
From ancient capitals and resounding battlefields to spiritual and cultural relics, each location holds its own stories, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of Vietnam’s history. This journey is not merely a tour, but a pilgrimage to our roots, allowing every Vietnamese to feel more proud and appreciative of the past.
Bach Dang Pile Ground – Testimony to Glorious History
When mentioning the resounding victories in the nation’s history of resisting foreign invaders, one cannot overlook the Bach Dang Giang River (Thuy Nguyen district, Hai Phong). This place has witnessed three fierce naval battles, defeating invading armies and protecting the country’s independence.
In the Bach Dang victory of 938, Ngo Quyen took advantage of the tide, ordering troops to plant pointed wooden stakes into the riverbed, creating a treacherous ambush. When the Southern Han army advanced, the tide receded, and thousands of wooden stakes emerged, piercing enemy ships and sinking the invaders into the river. This victory ended over 1000 years of Northern domination, ushering in an era of independence and self-governance for the nation.
Panoramic view of Bach Dang Giang Relic Site
Continuing Ngo Quyen’s victory, in 981, King Le Dai Hanh also recreated the Bach Dang pile ground, defeating the invading Song army. By 1288, Hung Dao Vuong Tran Quoc Tuan once again exploited the hiểm yếu (strategic) terrain of the Bach Dang River, combined with the pile ground and ingenious tactics, to defeat the Mongol army, firmly protecting the borders.
Today, the Bach Dang Giang relic site is a large-scale, well-organized architectural complex, including many structures such as: Victory Pillar, Temple of Đức Ngô Quyền Vương (King Ngo Quyen), Trang Kenh Vọng Đế Temple dedicated to King Le Dai Hanh, Linh Tu Trang Kenh Temple dedicated to National Hero Hung Dao Dai Vuong Tran Quoc Tuan, Truc Lam Trang Kenh Pagoda, Temple of the Holy Mother, Temple of President Ho Chi Minh, Museum Area, and Victory Square.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – Historical Witness
Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) was the first capital of the centralized feudal state of Dai Co Viet, existing from 968 to 1010. This place was not only the political, economic, and cultural center of the country during an important historical period, but also a symbol of the nation’s will for independence and self-reliance.
After pacifying the 12 warlords, King Dinh Tien Hoang chose Hoa Lu as the capital, building palaces and ramparts, laying the foundation for a unified nation. During the reign of King Le Dai Hanh, Hoa Lu continued to be the capital, witnessing glorious victories in the first resistance war against the Song dynasty.
Dinh Tien Hoang Temple in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Although King Ly Thai To later moved the capital to Thang Long, Hoa Lu still maintained an important position in the nation’s history. Today, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a special national historical and cultural relic, attracting many tourists to visit and learn about Vietnamese history and culture.
Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam – Vietnam’s First University
The Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam (Hanoi) is a symbol of Vietnam’s long-standing civilization. Built in 1070 under King Ly Thanh Tong, the Temple of Literature is a place to worship Confucius and the sages of Confucianism. In 1076, King Ly Nhan Tong established Quoc Tu Giam next to the Temple of Literature, becoming Vietnam’s first university.
For over 700 years, Quoc Tu Giam trained thousands of talents for the country, contributing to the building and development of Vietnamese culture and education. This place also preserves 82 stone steles inscribed with the names of doctors from the 1442 to 1779 examinations, which are valuable documents for researching the history of Vietnamese education.
Khue Van Cac Pavilion, symbol of the Temple of Literature
Today, the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam is a particularly important historical and cultural relic of Vietnam, attracting a large number of tourists, students to visit, study, and learn about Vietnamese history and culture.
Thang Long Imperial Citadel – Power Center of Dynasties
Thang Long Imperial Citadel (Hanoi) is a World Heritage Site, the power center of many Vietnamese feudal dynasties. Built from the 7th century, Thang Long Imperial Citadel has undergone many repairs and expansions, witnessing many important historical events of the country.
This place was once the capital of the Ly, Tran, Le, Mac, and Nguyen dynasties. For over 1000 years, Thang Long Imperial Citadel was the political, economic, and cultural center of the country, the venue for important diplomatic and festival activities.
Kinh Thien Palace in Thang Long Imperial Citadel
Today, Thang Long Imperial Citadel is a particularly important historical and cultural relic, a fascinating destination for domestic and international tourists.
Nha Rong Wharf – Where Uncle Ho Left to Find a Way to Save the Country
Nha Rong Wharf (Ho Chi Minh City) is an important revolutionary historical relic of Vietnam. This place marked a significant historical event: on June 5, 1911, Nguyen Tat Thanh (later President Ho Chi Minh) boarded the ship Amiral Latouche Tréville, leaving Nha Rong Wharf to find a way to save the country.
This event opened a new page in the history of Vietnam’s national liberation struggle. After more than 30 years of wandering abroad, Ho Chi Minh returned to lead the Vietnamese people to gain independence and freedom.
Today, Nha Rong Wharf is a museum preserving artifacts and images of President Ho Chi Minh’s life and revolutionary career, a sacred destination for every Vietnamese citizen.
Conclusion
Vietnam is a country rich in historical and cultural traditions. The famous landmarks associated with Vietnamese history are not only attractive tourist destinations but also historical witnesses, symbols of the nation’s will for independence and self-reliance. Come and explore these landmarks to better understand Vietnamese history and culture, to love and be proud of your country even more.