Warfare History

10 Times Vietnam Resisted Foreign Invaders – And Won

Darren - June 1, 2025

Throughout history, Vietnam has repeatedly demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination in defending its sovereignty against foreign invasions. Situated strategically along the South China Sea, Vietnam has often found itself at the crossroads of powerful empires seeking territorial expansion. Yet, time and again, Vietnamese forces have successfully repelled invaders, thanks to a profound sense of national identity, resourceful military tactics, and an enduring cultural spirit of independence. From ancient battles against imperial China to modern conflicts with colonial and global powers, Vietnam’s steadfast courage in defense of its homeland remains a testament to the nation’s indomitable spirit.

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1. Battle of Bach Dang River (938 AD)

In 938 AD, Vietnamese leader Ngo Quyen orchestrated one of history’s most ingenious military victories at the Bach Dang River.
Facing the formidable Southern Han naval forces aiming to reassert Chinese dominance, Ngo Quyen skillfully employed hidden underwater stakes, sharpened and strategically placed in the riverbed. As the enemy fleet advanced, high tides concealed these deadly traps. When tides receded, the Han ships became trapped or severely damaged, leaving them vulnerable to Ngo Quyen’s forces. This decisive victory not only thwarted the invaders but also ended centuries of Chinese rule, ushering in a new era of Vietnamese independence.

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2. Resistance against the Song Dynasty (981 AD)

In 981 AD, merely decades after Ngo Quyen’s triumph, Vietnam again faced a formidable invasion—this time from China’s powerful Song Dynasty. Led by the strategic and decisive General Le Hoan, Vietnamese forces courageously confronted the Song troops, skillfully exploiting local terrain and employing guerrilla warfare tactics. Through deliberate feigned retreats and ambushes, Le Hoan drew the Song army deep into unfamiliar territory, ultimately weakening and overwhelming them. This victory not only secured Vietnam’s sovereignty once more but also solidified General Le Hoan’s reputation as a national hero, laying foundations for a united and independent Vietnam.

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3. The Mongol Invasions (1258, 1285, 1288)

During the 13th century, the fearsome Mongol Empire, renowned for its brutal conquests, launched three separate invasions against Vietnam. Remarkably, under the visionary leadership of General Tran Hung Dao, the Vietnamese forces managed to repel each attack decisively. Tran Hung Dao masterfully employed guerrilla tactics, scorched-earth policies, and strategic retreats, skillfully drawing the enemy into unfavorable terrain. The pinnacle of his tactical genius was the legendary Battle of Bach Dang (1288), where he once again utilized submerged wooden stakes to annihilate the Mongol fleet. These victories not only preserved Vietnam’s independence but also solidified Tran Hung Dao’s legacy as one of Vietnam’s greatest military strategists.

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4. Ming Dynasty Occupation and Lam Son Uprising (1418-1428)

After enduring a decade-long occupation by China’s Ming Dynasty, Vietnamese resistance ignited passionately through the legendary Lam Son Uprising. Spearheaded by the charismatic leader Le Loi, the rebellion mobilized widespread support from ordinary citizens weary of foreign oppression. Employing agile guerrilla tactics and gaining strategic allies, Le Loi gradually undermined Ming forces, reclaiming territories piece by piece. His decisive victory at the Battle of Tot Dong in 1426 marked a pivotal turning point, forcing Ming commanders to withdraw. By 1428, Le Loi had successfully expelled the occupiers and restored Vietnam’s autonomy, establishing a lasting legacy as a national liberator.

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5. Resistance against Siamese Invasion (1785)

In 1785, Vietnam faced a significant threat from Siamese forces aiming to expand their dominance into southern Vietnam.
Rising swiftly to the challenge, the brilliant military leader Nguyen Hue orchestrated a masterful defense, culminating in the decisive Battle of Rach Gam-Xoai Mut. Utilizing the element of surprise and leveraging local geographical knowledge, Nguyen Hue’s well-coordinated ambush overwhelmed the invading Siamese navy, inflicting catastrophic losses. This extraordinary victory effectively halted Siamese ambitions, secured Vietnam’s southern territories, and reinforced Nguyen Hue’s heroic status as a defender of Vietnamese independence and sovereignty.

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6. Victory over Qing Dynasty Forces (1789)

In 1789, Vietnam confronted yet another invasion, this time by China’s powerful Qing Dynasty. Responding swiftly, the dynamic Emperor Quang Trung launched a daring counter-offensive during the lunar new year festivities, catching Qing forces completely off guard. At the pivotal Battle of Ngoc Hoi-Dong Da, Quang Trung’s army executed a coordinated and relentless assault, decisively routing the enemy troops in a matter of days. This stunning victory not only expelled Qing forces from Vietnamese soil but also solidified national unity and firmly established Emperor Quang Trung’s legacy as one of Vietnam’s greatest military heroes.

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7. French Colonial Resistance and the Yen The Uprising (1884-1913)

From 1884 to 1913, Vietnam witnessed one of its longest and most resilient resistance movements against colonial domination—the Yen The Uprising. Under the steadfast leadership of Hoang Hoa Tham, local fighters utilized guerrilla warfare to challenge French colonial forces, skillfully evading capture and disrupting French operations. Despite limited resources and overwhelming odds, Tham’s guerrillas persisted for nearly three decades, demonstrating extraordinary grassroots determination and resilience. Although ultimately unable to drive out the colonial occupiers entirely, the Yen The movement embodied Vietnam’s unwavering spirit of independence and inspired future generations of anti-colonial resistance.

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8. Battle of Dien Bien Phu (1954)

In 1954, the decisive Battle of Dien Bien Phu marked a turning point in Vietnam’s struggle against French colonial rule. Under the strategic brilliance of General Vo Nguyen Giap, Vietnamese forces meticulously encircled and besieged the heavily fortified French position in the remote valley. Employing relentless artillery bombardment, strategic trench warfare, and extraordinary logistics, Giap’s troops gradually wore down the French defenders. After nearly two months of intense fighting, the French surrendered, delivering a crushing blow that effectively ended French colonial dominance in Indochina and elevated Vietnam’s struggle onto the global stage.

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9. Vietnam War and the Tet Offensive (1968)

The Tet Offensive of 1968 emerged as a dramatic turning point during the Vietnam War, profoundly shifting international perceptions of the conflict. Coordinated by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces, surprise attacks simultaneously targeted key cities and military bases across South Vietnam during the Lunar New Year holiday. Although militarily costly to the Vietnamese forces, the offensive inflicted a significant psychological blow, undermining American confidence and fueling anti-war sentiment back home. Ultimately, the Tet Offensive reshaped public opinion, weakened U.S. resolve, and demonstrated the relentless determination of Vietnamese fighters in the face of overwhelming military power.

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10. Final Victory and Reunification (1975)

In April 1975, decades of intense struggle culminated in a swift and decisive victory as Vietnamese forces entered Saigon, marking the end of prolonged conflict. Known historically as the Fall of Saigon, this event symbolized the collapse of South Vietnam’s government and the withdrawal of remaining American influence. Vietnamese tanks famously crashed through the gates of the Presidential Palace, dramatically signifying the conclusion of war and the reunification of Vietnam under a single, independent government. This historic triumph restored national sovereignty, enabling Vietnam to embark upon rebuilding and healing after years of division and conflict.

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