Who Founded Hanoi? The Ultimate Guide to the Ly Dynasty

As you stand by the vibrant shores of Hoan Kiem Lake, it’s incredible to think that the city of Hanoi around you is over 1,000 years old. But do you know who laid its first foundations? This city, the heart of modern Vietnam, was established during the Ly Dynasty (1009-1225), one of the most prosperous and culturally significant periods in all of Vietnamese history. This era wasn’t just about military might; it was a golden age that established the nation’s spiritual, educational, and artistic identity, leaving behind a legacy that travelers can still touch and see today. Understanding the Ly Dynasty is understanding the very soul of Hanoi. For travelers looking to explore this deep history from a comfortable and convenient base, Little Charm Hostel serves as an excellent resource.

1. The Dawn of a Golden Age: Who Were the Ly Dynasty?

The story begins in 1009 in Hoa Lu (near modern-day Ninh Binh), a capital nestled in rugged mountains. The previous dynasty had faded, and the court, seeking stability, consensus, and strong leadership, turned to a highly respected commander named Ly Cong Uan. Upon taking the throne as Emperor Ly Thai To, he immediately signaled a new direction for the nation. His goal was not just to rule, but to build a strong, independent, and unified Vietnamese state (then known as Dai Viet) that could move past internal divisions. This marked the beginning of a remarkable 216-year reign by a single family, a period of stability that allowed culture, art, and philosophy to flourish in ways the country had never seen before.

2. The “Soaring Dragon”: Founding Thang Long (Hanoi)

One of Emperor Ly Thai To’s first and most critical decisions was to move the capital. He felt the mountainous fortress of Hoa Lu was restrictive and defensive, a symbol of a past era. He envisioned a capital open to the world, centered in the fertile plains of the Red River Delta. In 1010, he relocated the entire court to the site of the old Dai La citadel. According to legend, as his royal boat approached the new location, a golden dragon—a powerful and auspicious symbol—was seen rising from the river into the sky. Taking this as a divine sign, he named the new capital Thang Long, which means “Soaring Dragon.” This move was a masterstroke. Thang Long (now Hanoi) was perfectly positioned for trade, agriculture, and easy governance, cementing its role as the nation’s political and cultural heart for the next thousand years.

3. Pillars of the Dynasty: Education, Faith, and Architecture

The Ly Dynasty’s stability allowed it to build the very institutions that define Vietnam. While Confucianism was adopted for government administration, Buddhism was the heart of the dynasty, embraced as the state religion. This patronage led to a wave of construction, creating some of Hanoi’s most enduring landmarks. In 1070, Emperor Ly Thanh Tong founded the Van Mieu (Temple of Literature), a serene complex dedicated to Confucius and scholarly pursuits. Just six years later, in 1076, the Quoc Tu Giam (Imperial Academy) was added, effectively creating Vietnam’s very first university. This marked an incredible commitment to education. At the same time, the dynasty’s Buddhist faith was immortalized in the Chua Mot Cot (One Pillar Pagoda). According to legend, Emperor Ly Thai Tong, who was childless, dreamed of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara granting him a son while seated on a lotus flower. After a son was born, the emperor built the pagoda in 1049 in gratitude, designing it to look like a single lotus blossom rising from the water, a beautiful symbol of purity.

4. Walking in Their Footsteps: Where to Find the Ly Dynasty Today

The best part for any traveler is that this history isn’t just in books; you can walk right through it.

• The Temple of Literature (Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam): This is the ultimate symbol of the Ly Dynasty’s educational legacy. Walk through its five tranquil courtyards, admire the ancient architecture, and see the stone stelae (added later) honoring graduating scholars.
  • Address: 58 P. Quoc Tu Giam, Dong Da, Hanoi
  • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily (Winter: Nov-Mar); 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Summer: Apr-Oct)
  • Ticket Price: 70,000 VND
• The One Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot): A true icon of Hanoi, this tiny, lotus-shaped pagoda is one of the most unique in Asia. It is located within the larger Ho Chi Minh Complex.
  • Address: P. Chua Mot Cot, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
  • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily
  • Ticket Price: Free to visit the grounds.
• Ly Thai To Monument: To see the man who started it all, head to Ly Thai To Park near Hoan Kiem Lake. A large, imposing bronze statue of the emperor Ly Thai To stands there, facing the Red River, gazing out over the city he founded.
  • Address: Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
  • Opening Hours: 24/7
  • Ticket Price: Free
• Tran Quoc Pagoda: While its origins predate the Ly Dynasty, this stunning pagoda on West Lake was a favorite of the Ly kings and became a national Buddhist center during their reign. It’s one of the oldest and most beautiful pagodas in the city.
  • Address: Thanh Nien Road, Tay Ho, Hanoi
  • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily
  • Ticket Price: Free

5. The End of an Era and Enduring Legacy

Like all dynasties, the Ly Dynasty eventually weakened. After more than 200 years, its power began to wane. However, its end was not marked by a bloody war, but by a clever and peaceful transfer of power. The last Ly monarch, a young empress, was arranged to abdicate and marry into the powerful Tran clan, who then established the new Tran Dynasty in 1225. This peaceful transition preserved the nation’s stability. The true legacy of the Ly Dynasty, however, is not in how it ended, but in what it built. They established a centralized government, a high-minded system of education, a national identity rooted in both Buddhism and Confucian ideals, and, most importantly for every visitor, they founded the city of Thang Long – Hanoi.