Thanh Hoa history

The city of Thanh Hoa and its eponymous province possess a rich and ancient history, playing a significant role in the cultural and political formation of Vietnam. This land has been the cradle for many heroic events and dynasties that have left a notable mark on the country's history.

Foundation and Early Period

The territory of modern Thanh Hoa province has been inhabited since ancient times, as evidenced by archaeological findings from the Stone Age. The region is considered one of the centres of the birth of the Viet civilisation. In later historical periods, particularly from the 15th century, Thanh Hoa became known as the starting point for important national movements. It was from here that the liberation uprising began under the leadership of Le Loi, who later became emperor and founded the Later Le Dynasty.

Key Factors of Formation

The history of Thanh Hoa is closely linked to its strategic position and political influence. Key moments in the development of the city and region include:

• Political Centre: In the late 14th – early 15th centuries, the region became the capital of Vietnam under the Ho Dynasty. Built in 1397, the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, served as the country's political, economic, and cultural hub.
• Geographical Location: Its location on the Ma River and proximity to the sea facilitated the development of trade and agriculture, making the region economically significant.
• Role in Liberation Movements: The province was the homeland for several dynasties and leaders, including the Trinh Lords and the Tay Son Dynasty, who played a vital role in unifying and defending the country.

Cultural and Economic Features

Since ancient times, Thanh Hoa has been not only a military and political arena but also an important cultural centre. The construction of the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty demonstrated the flourishing of Neo-Confucianism and the unique engineering technologies of that time. The architecture of the fortress, built according to feng shui principles, combines Vietnamese and East Asian traditions. The development of trade and crafts was an essential part of the region's economic life, supporting its capital status and further prosperity.

Key Dates in the History of Thanh Hoa

The history of Thanh Hoa city and province spans millennia and is closely interwoven with the most crucial stages of the formation of the Vietnamese state. This region has repeatedly become the cradle for great dynasties and national liberation movements.

• Dong Son Culture Era (approx. 1000 BC – 1st century AD): The territory of modern Thanh Hoa province became one of the centres where this famous Bronze Age culture originated, confirmed by numerous archaeological finds.
• 1397: By order of Ho Quy Ly, the de facto ruler at the time, construction began on the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty (also known as Tay Do).
• 1400: Ho Quy Ly founds the Ho Dynasty and moves the state capital of Dai Ngu (the name of Vietnam during that period) to the built citadel in Thanh Hoa.
• 1418: In Lam Son (Thanh Hoa province), local aristocrat Le Loi launches an uprising against the Chinese domination of the Ming Dynasty.
• 1428: After expelling the invaders, Le Loi proclaims himself Emperor Le Thai To and founds the Later Le Dynasty, which ruled the country for over 350 years.
• 16th Century: During the struggle between the Trinh and Mac clans, the Thanh Hoa region becomes the stronghold of the "Southern Dynasty" (the Le under the patronage of the Trinhs), which opposed the "Northern Dynasty" of the Macs.
• 1885–1945: During the period of French colonisation, Thanh Hoa, like all of Vietnam, was under French rule and was part of the protectorate of Annam.
• 1945–1954: The province played an important role as a rear base during the First Indochina War (the Resistance War against the French).
• 1965–1972: During the Vietnam War, Thanh Hoa city and its infrastructure, particularly the famous "Dragon's Jaw" bridge, were subjected to massive bombing by American aviation.
• 2011: The Citadel of the Ho Dynasty was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, confirming its outstanding cultural and historical significance.

Development Stages: From Recovery to Prosperity

Modern Thanh Hoa has come a long way from a war-torn settlement to one of the most dynamically developing centres of Northern and Central Vietnam. The key milestones of its development reflect the region's aspiration for economic power and modern comfort.

• Post-War Recovery (1975–1980s): A period of massive infrastructure reconstruction following the country's reunification. A symbol of this revival was the restoration of the strategically important Ham Rong Bridge ("Dragon's Jaw"), which had been destroyed during bombings, returning the city to its status as a transport hub.
• Start of "Doi Moi" Renovation Policy (from 1986): Economic reforms opened opportunities for the development of private enterprise and trade. The city began the transition from a planned economy to a market economy, which revitalised local markets and small businesses.
• Achieving City Status (1994): Thanh Hoa officially received the status of a provincial city. This administrative change provided impetus for the formation of new management bodies and attracted the first significant investments in the urban environment.
• Launch of Le Mon Industrial Park (late 1990s – 2000s): The creation of one of the first major industrial zones in the region. This event marked the beginning of industrialisation, providing thousands of jobs and an influx of capital into the local budget.
• Integration with Nghi Son Economic Zone (from 2006): Although the zone itself is located further south, its development transformed Thanh Hoa into a key logistics and service hub for the province. The growth of the oil refining industry in the region stimulated a construction boom and the development of the service sector within the city itself.
• Recognition as a Class I City (2014): The government granted Thanh Hoa the status of a Class I city. This event confirmed its high role in the country's urban system, opening access to state funds for the modernisation of roads and public spaces.
• Urban Expansion and Modernisation (Modern Stage): The implementation of ambitious projects, such as new residential complexes (e.g., Vinhomes Star City) and modern shopping centres. The city is actively expanding its administrative boundaries, absorbing suburban communes to create a "green" and "smart" urban space.

The architectural appearance of Thanh Hoa city represents a multi-layered canvas reflecting key eras of Vietnamese history. From monumental ancient structures to modern skyscrapers, the city demonstrates a journey from the capital of a medieval dynasty to a dynamically developing industrial centre.

Dynastic Period: The Grandeur of Stone

The most outstanding architectural monument of the region is the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty (14th century), located near the modern city and included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. This unique fortification was erected from massive stone blocks with virtually no use of binding mortar. The architecture of the citadel, built according to feng shui principles, is a vivid example of a new style for imperial cities in Southeast Asia of that time. It demonstrates the high level of engineering and construction mastery of 14th-century Vietnam.

French Colonial Trace and Post-War Recovery

The period of French rule left its mark on urban planning, although not as pronounced as in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Buildings in the colonial style appeared in the city, though many were lost. During the Vietnam War, Thanh Hoa was subjected to massive bombings and was almost completely destroyed. The subsequent recovery proceeded in the spirit of functionalism and socialist architecture, where speed and practicality were the priorities. The city's appearance during that period was shaped by typical residential and administrative buildings, while the restored "Dragon's Jaw" bridge became a symbol of resilience and rebirth.

Modern Development: The Era of Glass and Concrete

With the onset of economic reforms in the late 20th century, Thanh Hoa entered a phase of rapid urban development. Today, the city's architectural landscape is actively changing: modern high-rise residential complexes, office buildings, large shopping centres, and new urban districts are being built. Ambitious projects are appearing that blend various global architectural styles—from Neoclassical to Art Deco—reflecting the city's aspiration to become one of the leading economic and cultural centres of the northern part of Central Vietnam.

Prominent Figures Associated with Thanh Hoa

The land of Thanh Hoa, known as the "cradle of heroes", has gifted Vietnam with many outstanding figures who played a key role in the country's history, politics, and culture. From legendary female warriors to reformist emperors, their legacy continues to define the character of the region and the entire nation.

• Lady Trieu (Trieu Thi Trinh) (3rd century) — A national heroine of Vietnam who, at the age of 19, led a powerful uprising against Chinese invaders from the Kingdom of Wu. Born in the territory of modern Thanh Hoa province, she became famous for her bravery and her famous phrase about refusing to bow her back in slavery. Her feat became a symbol of the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people.
• Ho Quy Ly (1336–1407) — An outstanding reformer and founder of the Ho Dynasty. He moved the capital to Thanh Hoa, where he erected the famous stone Citadel, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. His reign, though short, was marked by bold reforms in the economy, education, and administrative structure.
• Le Loi (1385–1433) — A great national hero, emperor, and founder of the Later Le Dynasty. A native of Thanh Hoa, he led the Lam Son war of liberation against the domination of the Chinese Ming Dynasty, which concluded with the restoration of Vietnam's independence. He is revered as one of the greatest rulers in the country's history.
• Trinh Kiem (1503–1570) — An influential military commander and politician, founder of the powerful clan of the Trinh Lords, who de facto ruled northern Vietnam for more than two centuries. Being from Thanh Hoa, he laid the foundation for the power of his clan, which played a central role in Vietnam's political life during the period of the country's division.
• To Huu (1920–2002) — One of the major revolutionary poets of the 20th century and a prominent political figure. Although not born in Thanh Hoa, his revolutionary activity was closely linked to the province, where he worked after escaping from prison in 1942. His work became the voice of the Vietnamese struggle for independence.
• Phuong Thanh — A contemporary Vietnamese singer and film actress, a native of Thanh Hoa province. She is one of the bright representatives of modern culture who has achieved recognition on the national stage.