The Land of Kings: Unveiling Vietnam’s Royal Heartland.

1 January, 2025

Thanh Hoa, a province in Vietnam, has a rich history and is known for being the birthplace of many kings and lords throughout the country’s feudal dynasties. From the establishment of the feudal system to the end of the Nguyen Dynasty, 44 kings were born in this province, including those from the Ly, Ho, Later Le, and Nguyen Dynasties. In addition, two powerful lord families, the Trinh and the Nguyen, also originated from this region.

The region has had various names throughout history, including Cuu Chau during the Qin Dynasty, then belonging to the Xiang Province during the Qin Dynasty, and later known as Cuu Chan during the Zhao Dynasty. During the Liang Dynasty, it was called Ai Chau, and it was renamed Thanh Hoa during the Ly Dynasty, from which it derived its current name.

Thanh Hoa is believed to have good feng shui, as described in the book “Dai Nam Nhat Thong Chi.” It is strategically located, facing the sea to the east and backed by a vast forest to the west, with protective mountain ranges in the north and south. The region’s geographical advantages, combined with the intelligence and unity of its people, have contributed to its reputation as a land of kings and lords.

Kings from Thanh Hoa

According to historical records, Thanh Hoa was the birthplace of 44 Vietnamese kings. This includes two kings from the Ly Dynasty, two from the Ho Dynasty, 27 from the Later Le Dynasty, and 13 from the Nguyen Dynasty.

In 248 (Mau Thin year), Ly Hai Ba, a local woman, led a battle against the Ngô army at Nui Nua in Trieu Son district, striking fear into the enemy. The people highly respected her and even referred to her as a king, although she did not officially establish a dynasty.

In 931 (Tan Mao year), Duong Dinh Nghe, a native of Giang village in present-day Thieu Hoa district, drove out the rulers Li Ke Cheng and Li Jin of the Tang Dynasty and occupied the capital, declaring himself as the ruler. This marked a significant step towards independence and autonomy for the region.

In 980 (Canh Thin year), the female ruler Duong Van Nga invited Le Hoan, a general, to become the king and unite the people against the invading Song Dynasty. This marked the beginning of the Ly Dynasty, which lasted from 980 to 1009. Le Hoan, known as King Le Dai Hanh, was a native of Xuan Lap village in Tho Xuan district, Thanh Hoa. The Ly Dynasty spanned three generations, including Le Dai Hanh (980-1005), Le Trung Tong (1005), and Le Ngoa Trieu (1005-1009).

Nearly 500 years later, in 1400 (Canh Thin year), Ho Quy Ly usurped the throne from the Tran Dynasty and established the Ho Dynasty, naming the country Dai Ngu and making Tay Giai in Thanh Hoa the capital. Ho Quy Ly’s ancestors were from Zhejiang, China, but they later migrated to Dien Chau in Nghe An and eventually settled in Huong Dai in Thanh Hoa. The Ho Dynasty lasted for two generations over seven years (1400-1407).

The Later Le Dynasty (1428-1789) can be divided into two periods: the early Le (1428-1527) and the restored Le (1533-1789). It began with the Lam Son insurrection led by Le Loi, who became King Le Thai To. Le Loi was a native of Xuan Lam in Tho Xuan district, Thanh Hoa. The early Le period saw ten kings, from Le Thai To to Le Cung Hoang, and is considered the golden age of the Vietnamese feudal system, with the reign of Le Thanh Tong (1460-1497) as its pinnacle. The restored Le period marked the revival of the Le Dynasty after being overthrown by Mac Dang Dung, starting with Le Trang Tong (1533-1548) and ending with Le Chieu Tong, the 16th king (1786-1789).

The Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945) was founded by Nguyen Anh, also known as King Gia Long. The Nguyen lords, including Nguyen Hoang, were originally from Gia Mieu in Song Son district (now Ha Long in Ha Trung district). The Nguyen Dynasty spanned 13 generations, starting with Gia Long (1802-1820) and ending with Bao Dai (1926-1945).

The Land of Two Lord Families

Vietnam recognized two powerful lord families, the Trinh and the Nguyen, both of which originated from Thanh Hoa. The Trinh family, founded by Trinh Kiem in the 16th century, was based in Soc Son in Vinh Loc district, Thanh Hoa. The Trinh lords’ power often rivaled that of the kings, and their wealth was comparable. The family’s rule began with Trinh Kiem (1545-1570) and ended with Trinh Bong (1786-1787), who was defeated by Bac Binh King Nguyen Hue.

The Nguyen lords, the second powerful family, emerged after the Trinh lords. In 1558 (Mau Ngo year), Nguyen Hoang heeded the advice of the renowned sage Trang Trinh Nguyen Binh Khiem, who suggested that “Hoanh Son is a vast land, suitable for settling down.” Nguyen Hoang then moved to govern Thuan Hoa. Nguyen Hoang, the first Nguyen lord, was the second son of An Thanh Hou Nguyen Kim, who was mentioned earlier. The Nguyen lords ruled for nine generations, from Nguyen Hoang (1558-1613) to Nguyen Phuc Thuan (1765-1777). They were instrumental in establishing and expanding the territory of Dang Trong, gradually pushing southward to the tip of Ca Mau.

Thanh Hoa’s rich history as the birthplace of numerous kings and lords attests to its reputation as a land of talent and prosperity.