1 Ho Chi Minh
Born Nguyen Sinh Cung in 1890, Ho Chi Minh was a key figure in Vietnam's struggle for independence. Known as a revolutionary leader, he was instrumental in the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945 and was the country's prime minister and president for many years. His ideology and policy decisions shaped the nation's trajectory, impacting Vietnam's socio-political landscape even today. His impact remains undiminished, with his Mausoleum in Hanoi serving as a symbol of national unity. A man who dedicated his whole life for the freedom and independence of the Vietnamese people and their country. He was more patriot than communist.
Save Vietnam from West colonization and exploitation.
2 Tran Hung Dao
Emerging from the 13th century is Tran Hung Dao, an iconic military leader who demonstrated exceptional strategic acumen. He is revered for his three victories over the Mongol invasions, the most notable being the Battle of Bach Dang River. His ingenious use of "stake traps" to defend the river is still celebrated as a symbol of Vietnamese resistance and determination. Defeated the mighty Mongol empire three times without losing a single battle in his life. He was given the title Most Best Master Great Saint Tran Hung Dao.
His tactics helped defeat the US. He used all natural weapons, punji stakes, tiger traps, etc. Interesting fellow. His tactics were used for over 600 years.
3 Quang Trung Nguyen Hue
Known as the hero of the Tay Son Rebellion, Quang Trung Nguyen Hue led one of the most successful uprisings against the oppressive Le Dynasty and Qing forces. Even though his reign was short-lived, his military reforms and socio-political measures have had a lasting effect on Vietnam's national identity. He is remembered annually during the Tet Festival, commemorating his surprise attack on the Qing forces. Great Emperor Quang Trung was outnumbered in every battle he fought but he still never lost a single battle in his entire life.
4 Ngo Quyen
Ngo Quyen was a 10th-century military leader who orchestrated the famous victory at the Battle of Bach Dang River, which brought an end to a millennium of Chinese rule. This triumph ushered in a new era of independence, marking the start of the era of autonomy and self-rule, forever enshrining Quyen in the nation's history. Ngo Quyen freed Vietnam in a single battle while being vastly outnumbered.
5 Hai Ba Trung
The Trung Sisters, Trung Trac and Trung Nhi, collectively known as Hai Ba Trung, led a rebellion against Chinese rule in 40 AD. Their revolt, while ultimately unsuccessful, ignited a flame of resistance against foreign domination. Their courage and determination have become enduring symbols of Vietnamese patriotism and women's empowerment. Two heroines of Vietnam that were the first women to defeat the Han Chinese during their height of power.
It was told that they were the very first people to start a rebellion for Vietnamese independence.
6 Ba Trieu
Ba Trieu, a 3rd-century warrior, is an emblem of women's heroism in Vietnam. Known for her fierce resistance against Chinese invasions, she famously declared that she would not be subdued to a life of domesticity. Even though her rebellion was short-lived, her valiant spirit continues to inspire generations of Vietnamese women. The first women to defeat the Han Chinese alone without allies and was vastly outnumbered.
7 Dinh Bo Linh
Dinh Bo Linh, also known as Dinh Tien Hoang, was a pivotal figure in the establishment of an independent Vietnamese state after a millennium of Chinese rule. As the first emperor of the Dinh dynasty, he helped stabilize the country, promoting unity and implementing important legal and educational reforms. His leadership set the foundation for a robust and self-reliant Vietnam. He united Vietnam by defeating all 12 kingdoms all at once and he was outnumbered in most battles and he had no allies.
8 Le Loi
Le Loi, a 15th-century hero, led a decade-long uprising against the Ming Chinese to regain independence for Vietnam. As the founder of the Le Dynasty, his reign ushered in a period of prosperity and cultural development, known as the Hau Le era. The mythical tale of his enchanted sword returned to the Golden Turtle God in Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi, adds a touch of mystique to his legacy. Usually outnumbered, yet he won many remarkable victories against the Ming empire and founded the Le dynasty.
Awesome general who defated much more numerous opponents countless times.
9 Emperor Bao Dai
The last emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, Bao Dai ascended to the throne in 1926. During his reign, he attempted to modernize Vietnam and steer it through the choppy waters of a changing geopolitical climate. Following his abdication to Ho Chi Minh's revolutionary government in 1945, he played various roles in Vietnamese politics, leaving a complex legacy that continues to provoke debate.
10 Phung Hung
Phung Hung, an 8th-century hero, assumed the mantle of leadership during a time of chaos and disunity. Known as a "Brave and Wise King," he led a successful rebellion against the Tang dynasty's domination, restoring peace and stability to the land. His rule, though brief, was instrumental in re-establishing Vietnamese autonomy and instilling a sense of national pride. The first king of Vietnam defeated the Chinese army in a few small battles which freed Vietnam for a while and earned the title "Bo Cai Dai Vuong" (Father Mother Great King).
The Contenders
11 Le Thanh Tong
A 15th-century monarch, Le Thanh Tong is hailed as one of the greatest emperors of the Le Dynasty. His reign was characterized by peace, prosperity, and remarkable cultural development. Not only a capable ruler, Le Thanh Tong was also a prolific writer and poet, contributing significantly to the development of Vietnamese literature. Conquered Champa and barely lost any troops during the conquest.
12 Trung Sisters
The Trung Sisters, Trung Trac and Trung Nhi, ignited the flame of resistance against foreign domination in the first century AD. Although their rebellion against Chinese rule was ultimately unsuccessful, their courage and spirit of defiance have endured, serving as powerful symbols of Vietnamese patriotism and women's empowerment. They drove the Chinese out of Vietnam, bravely in 40 A.D. Some historians believe that that was essential and crucial for Vietnam's independence against China. Today, every street in every Vietnamese town and city is named after these heroines.
13 Ly Thuong Kiet
A prominent figure in the 11th century, Ly Thuong Kiet was a talented military strategist under the Ly Dynasty. Known for his victorious campaigns against Song China, he is often credited with authoring the first Vietnamese declaration of independence. His military successes, coupled with his contributions to literature, make him an enduring symbol of Vietnamese resilience and culture. He defeated the coalition of the Song, Khmer, and the Cham armies. Later on he destroyed the Song navy and not many people know it, but he conquered China in the late 11th century. After his death, his empire fell quickly and that's probably why nobody heard about it but it is written clearly in Vietnam's history.
14 Tran Quang Khai
A key figure in the Tran Dynasty, Tran Quang Khai was an accomplished military leader and a talented statesman. He played a significant role in resisting three Mongol invasions, and his administrative reforms had a far-reaching impact on the country's development. His multifaceted contributions to Vietnam have cemented his place in the nation's history. Helped Tran Hung Dao during the first Mongol invasion.
15 Vo Nguyen Giap
A prominent figure in the 20th century, Vo Nguyen Giap was the architect of Vietnam's modern military. As the main strategist behind the Viet Minh forces, he led the campaign against French colonial rule and played a significant role in the Vietnam War. His innovative guerilla warfare tactics have been studied worldwide, and his legacy as a national hero remains strong.
16 Ngo Dinh Diem
Ngo Dinh Diem served as the President of South Vietnam from 1955 until his assassination in 1963. Known for his staunch anti-communism, his controversial policies and leadership style drew both praise and criticism. Despite his contentious reign, his influence on Vietnam's political landscape during the turbulent period of the Vietnam War cannot be overlooked.