Language: English Updated: 2026-04-14

Timeline of Hanoi

Overview
The Timeline of Hanoi is a chronological compilation of significant events in the history of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. The timeline spans from prehistoric settlement in the Red River valley to contemporary political, cultural, and infrastructural developments. It is organized by broad historical periods—prehistory, ancient kingdoms, Chinese dominations, independent dynasties, French colonial rule, and modern Vietnam—highlighting major political changes, battles, constructions, and sociocultural milestones.

Prehistory (c. 20,000 BC – 1 AD)

Approx. Date Event
20,000 BC – 12,000 BC Sơn Vi culture (Paleolithic) inhabits the region.
12,000 BC – 10,000 BC Hoabinhian (Mesolithic) peoples present.
10,000 BC – 8,000 BC Bắc Sơn culture (Neolithic).
8,000 BC – 6,000 BC Quỳnh Văn culture (Neolithic).
4,000 BC – 3,000 BC Đa Bút culture (Neolithic).
2,000 BC – 1,500 BC Phùng Nguyên culture (Bronze Age).
1,500 BC – 1,000 BC Đồng Đậu culture (Bronze Age).
1,000 BC – 100 AD Đông Sơn culture (bronze drums, advanced metallurgy).
1,000 BC – 200 AD Sa Huỳnh culture (coastal maritime society).
1 AD – 630 AD Óc Eo culture (Iron Age, trade networks).

Early Historic Period (1 BC – 938 AD)

Approx. Date Event
258 BC Formation of Âu Lạc; capital at Cổ Loa Citadel (modern Đông Anh).
208 BC Nanyue (Nam Việt) incorporates Cổ Loa after Zhao Tuo’s conquest.
111 BC – 40 AD First Chinese domination (Han commandery of Jiaozhi).
40 – 43 AD Trưng Sisters’ rebellion against Han rule.
43 – 544 AD Second Chinese domination.
544 – 602 AD Early Lý dynasty establishes Long Biên as a regional centre.
602 – 938 AD Third Chinese domination; periodic local uprisings (e.g., Mai Thúc Loan, 722 AD).
863 AD Nanzhao forces briefly capture the area.
1010 AD Lý dynasty moves capital to Thăng Long (present Hanoi) and erects the Imperial Citadel.

Imperial Vietnam (938 – 1945)

Period Key Events
Đinh, Early Lê, Lý (938 – 1225) Consolidation of Đại Cồ Việt; construction of key religious sites (e.g., One‑Pillar Pagoda, 1049).
Trần dynasty (1225 – 1400) Capital remains at Thăng Long; city suffers three Mongol invasions (1258, 1285, 1288) with extensive destruction and rebuilding.
Hồ dynasty (1400 – 1407) Brief independent rule before Ming conquest.
Fourth Chinese domination (1407 – 1427) Ming administration renames city Đông Quan (Eastern Gateway).
Later Lê dynasty (1428 – 1527) Restoration of Vietnamese independence; city renamed Đông Kinh (Eastern Capital).
Mạc, Revival Lê, Tây Sơn (1527 – 1802) Ongoing warfare; West Lake renamed “Foggy Lake” (1573).
Nguyễn dynasty (1802 – 1945) Capital moved to Huế (1802); Hanoi retains regional importance; Flag Tower erected (1812).
French colonial period (1858 – 1945) French occupy the citadel (1873); city becomes capital of French Indochina (1902). Notable constructions include St. Joseph’s Cathedral (1888), Hanoi Railway Station (1902), and the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long restored as a historic monument.
World Wars & Interwar years Hanoi serves as a strategic military and administrative centre; population and infrastructure expand rapidly.

Modern Vietnam (1945 – present)

Approx. Date Event
1945 August Revolution; Ho Chi Minh proclaims the Democratic Republic of Vietnam with Hanoi as its capital (Declaration of Independence, 2 Sept 1945).
1946 – 1954 First Indochina War; major battles around Hanoi (e.g., Battle of Hanoi, 1946).
1954 – 1975 Hanoi remains capital of North Vietnam; site of the Hanoi Summit (1997) and later APEC Vietnam 2006.
1976 Reunified Socialist Republic of Vietnam established; Hanoi reinstated as national capital.
1986 – present Đổi Mới economic reforms stimulate rapid urban growth; infrastructure projects include the Millennial Anniversary of Hanoi (2010) and the Hanoi International Airport expansion.
2017 Hosting of the North Korea–United States Hanoi Summit.
2019 Hanoi hostage crisis (July).
2020s Continued development of high‑rise districts, smart‑city initiatives, and cultural heritage preservation (e.g., restoration of the Imperial Citadel, UNESCO World Heritage inscription 2010).

Characteristics of the Timeline

  • Dynamic nature – The list is continually updated as new research emerges and as contemporary events occur.
  • Broad scope – Includes political changes, military conflicts, major construction projects, cultural institutions, and socioeconomic reforms.
  • Reliance on primary and secondary sources – Entries are typically supported by archaeological findings, historical chronicles, colonial records, and modern scholarly works.

Note: While the timeline strives for completeness, gaps may remain, especially for early prehistoric periods and for events lacking extensive documentary evidence. Further contributions from historians and researchers are encouraged to enrich the record.

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